US Outbound - April 2008

US Outbound - April 2008

About this report

The US is now the world’s second-largest spender on tourism, and the third-largest worldwide in terms of outbound volume. In 2000, it was the top spender in the world, but significant declines over 2001-03 in outflows allowed Germany to overtake the US in 2003. The tumultuous period between 2001-03 perpetuated the US’s economic weakness, a situation exacerbated by the events of 9/11. During that time, the number of outbound tourists declined by almost nine percentage points, while total expenditure dipped by 5.3%. However, the economy began picking up significantly in 2004, led by rises in household income levels. In spite of a weak Dollar – making travel to many destinations more expensive – and ongoing terrorist threats, the US outbound market prevailed over 2004-06, facilitated by a buoyant economy and consistent consumer spending. Now the outbound market is under threat once again.

Travel & Tourism Analyst is a bimonthly newsletter providing an examination of the travel industry, sector by sector. Each issue includes five objective and detailed studies on sectors and issues of interest and importance, across the international tourism industry.

Transport - from air transport and car hire, to the cruise industry, rail and coach travel

Outbound Markets - detailed profiles of the world's leading tourism origin countries

Market Segments - key sectors of the travel and tourism industry, i.e. youth travel

Accommodation, Leisure and Theme Parks - the performance of the hotel industry, resorts, timeshare, as well as developments in the attractions market

Travel Distribution and Technology - the travel trade worldwide, including the impact of new technology on travel distribution and marketing

Financial Services - ranging from tourism investment to paying for travel

Occasional Studies - other significant issues, such as the role of tourism organisations and the impact of travel on the environment.

Contents

Introduction
Data Sources
Market Drivers
Population
Figure 1: Mid-year population estimates for the US, 1950-2050
Figure 2: Mid-year population estimates for the US, by age and gender, 2008 and 2050
Economy
Figure 3: US key economic, unemployment, income and expenditure indicators, 2001-06
Exchange rates
Figure 4: Selected exchange rates against the US Dollar, 2001-07
Tourism balance
Figure 5: The US tourism balance, 2000-06
Holiday entitlements
Figure 6: Comparison of paid holiday and annual leave entitlements for 21 OECD member countries, 2007
Outbound Tourism
Arrivals
Figure 7: Outbound travel from the US, 2000-06
Destinations
Figure 8: US citizen air traffic to overseas regions, 2001-06
Figure 9: US resident traveller characteristics, by world region and selected destinations, 2006
Figure 10: Destination of last holiday outside the US, by age, April 2007
Americas
Figure 11: US arrivals in selected American and Caribbean destinations, 2001-06
Europe
Figure 12: US arrivals in selected European destinations, 2001-06
Asia and Oceania
Figure 13: US arrivals in selected Asian and Oceanic destinations, 2001-06
Market Characteristics
Pre-travel behaviour
Figure 14: Information sources used by US residents (air only) before making an outbound travel decision, 2000, 2004 and 2006
Booking methods
Figure 15: Booking methods used by US resident outbound travellers (air only), 2000, 2004 and 2006
Purpose of visit
Figure 16: US outbound travellers (air only), by purpose of visit, 2000, 2004 and 2006
Figure 17: Reasons and activities for outbound trips, August 2006
Demographic profile
Figure 18: US resident outbound travellers, by gender, average age and occupation, 2000 and 2006
Seasonality
Figure 19: US outbound travellers, by region and month, 2006
Transport
Overview
Figure 20: Modes of transportation used (outside the US/overseas), by gender and age, April 2007
Air
Figure 21: US outbound travellers, by airport of departure, 2006
Figure 22: Top 20 international destinations by airport from the US, served by US & international airlines (non-stop flights), 2007
Sea
Figure 23: North American passengers by cruise line, 2004-06
Figure 24: North American cruise ships by destination, 2004-06
Figure 25: North American cruise passengers by destination, 2004-06
Accommodation
Figure 26: North American cruise passengers by destination, 2004-06
Figure 27: Factors considered when booking a hotel room, by race/ethnicity, July 2007
Tour Operators and Travel Agencies
What Next?