Visitors to USA—Up, Up and Away

The latest data and tables from the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) for July 2022 show us that, while we have a long way to go to increase to 2019 levels the number of overseas visitor arrivals to the U.S, the figures from key source markets—such as Europe—are growing steadily.

• Non-U.S. Citizen Air Passenger Arrivals to the United States from foreign countries, totaled 4.243 million, +112 percent compared to July 2021 and (minus 30.0 percent) compared to June 2019.
• Overseas ‘visitor’ arrivals (ADIS/ “I-94”) totaled 2.589 million in July 2022, the fourth consecutive month overseas visitor arrivals exceeded 2.0 million. July overseas ‘visitor’ arrivals reached 64.7% of pre-pandemic July 2019 volume, up from 59.3 percent in June 2022.
• U.S. Citizen Air Passenger Departures from the United States to foreign countries totaled 6.230 million, +67 percent compared to July 2021 and only (-3.5 percent) compared to July 2019.
• Top U.S. ports serving international locations were New York (JFK) 2.96 million, Miami (MIA) 2.02 million, Los Angeles (LAX) 1.85 million, Newark (EWR) 1.38 million and Chicago (ORD) 1.32 million.
• Top foreign ports serving U.S. locations were: London Heathrow (LHR) 1.53 million, Cancun (CUN) 1.22 million, Toronto (YYZ) 970k, Paris (CDG) 757k, and Mexico City (MEX) 735k.
• With the exception of the presence of Colombia, the first half of the list of the Top 20 overseas source markets below is gradually returning to what they were in pre-pandemic days. However, China is nowhere to be found.

Top 20 Overseas Tourist-Generating Countries

Month of July 2022

Country of Residence & Rank	Number of Arrivals	% Change vs. 2021
1. United Kingdom	361,313	2059.2%
2. France	169,994	1506.9%
3. Germany	163,675	1145.8%
4. India	124,113	609.8%
5. Brazil	117,832	558.5%
6. South Korea	114,841	588.8%
7. Colombia	89,385	(30.7%)
8. Italy	78,711	925.4%
9. Spain	76,603	670.7%
10. Netherlands	73,428	1318.1%
11. Japan	64,708	371.2%
12. Australia	64,687	2146.9%
13. Argentina	55,854	171.7%
14. Switzerland	49,094	1285.3%
15. Dominican Republic	45,460	(0.1%)
16. Chile	42,740	309.9%
17. Ireland	38,975	2517.5%
18. Belgium	35,585	2013.1%
19. Denmark	34,905	2717.2%
20. Israel	34,668	50.1%
Total Top 20 Overseas Countries	1,836,571	398.4%

Top 20 Overseas Tourist-Generating Countries

Year-to-Date Through Month of July 2022

Country of Residence & Rank	Number of Arrivals	% Change vs. same period 2021
B2. United Kingdom	1,753,214	2830.6%
2. Germany	736,071	1404.8%
3. India	704,830	327.4%
4. France	698,939	1738.2%
5. Brazil	629,467	956.3%
6. Colombia	553,911	(7.3%)
7. South Korea	389,147	504.0%
8. Spain	386,980	720.7%
9. Italy	318,150	812.5%
10. Argentina	294,989	110.0%
11. Australia	280,694	1987.3%
12. Netherlands	255,380	1279.2%
13. Chile	243,173	292.5%
14. Dominican Republic	228,475	16.6%
15. Ireland	211,117	4004.9%
16. Japan	207,241	276.5%
17. Ecuador	196,859	(5.9%)
18. Israel	176,474	116.3%
19. Peru	172,688	(29.4%)
20. Switzerland	171,007	1366.1%
Top 20 Overseas Countries	8,608,806	299.9%

Overseas Visitors to the U.S. by

World Region of Residence

For Month of July 2022

Region	Number of Arrivals	2022 Share	% Change vs. Same period 2021
Western Europe	1,182,660	45.7%	1364.8%
Eastern Europe	75,525	2.9%	222.8%
Asia	436,576	16.9%	361.1%
Middle East	100,369	3.9%	46.8%
Africa	41,314	1.6%	128.8%
Oceania	83,944	3.2%	1986.6%
South America	408,919	15.8%	27.5%
Central America (Excluding Mexico)	99,923	3.9%	(24.3%)
Caribbean	160,668	6.2%	31.4%
Total Overseas	2,589,898	100.0%	199.7%

Overseas Visitors to the U.S. by

World Region of Residence

Year-to-Date Through July 2022

Region	Number of Arrivals	2022 Share	% Change vs. Same Period 2021
Western Europe	5,272,628	43.4%	1560.5%
Eastern Europe	374,175	3.1%	246.8%
Asia	1,891,074	15.6%	328.3%
Middle East	451,256	3.7%	104.5%
Africa	175,939	1.4%	155.9%
Oceania	338,599	2.8%	1642.1%
South America	2,326,576	19.1%	53.6%
Central America (Excluding Mexico)	633,997	5.2%	2.6%
Caribbean	694,692	5.7%	50.8%
Total Overseas	12,158,936	100.0%	222.6%

INBOUND reminds the reader that, if you find that you want to dig deeper into your data collection and analysis program, you might want to contact David Huether at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO). He is deputy director for research, and he can probably help you point your venture in the right direction. You can reach him here: David.Huether@trade.gov

Also, if you are interested in an interactive data visualization of these statistics, please visit our APIS/”I-92″ International Air Passenger Monitor for a more comprehensive and customizable experience.

APIS/I-92 International Air Passenger Monitor

The APIS/I-92 Program provides information on non-stop international air traffic between the United States and other countries. The data has been collected from the Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection’s Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) since July 2010. The APIS based “I-92” system provides air traffic data on the following parameters: number of passengers, by country, airport, scheduled or chartered, U.S. Flag, foreign flag, citizens and non-citizens. Visit the APIS/I-92 Data Program home page for more information on airline travel to and from the United States

Watch What Happens at the Congress

Alina Xiang, president and CEO of East West Marketing, a well-known tourism marketing company with central offices in China, India and the USA, posted a brief commentary of what one might expect from next month’s once-every-five-years Congress of China’s Communist Party will let us know if tourism—both domestic and international—a will be a priority. INBOUND joined the post by adding some of its own observations and history.)

—If it seems that nothing is happening with the Chinese inbound travel market of late, you’re partly right. That’s because everyone interested in the market has been waiting for the announcement of the dates full Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, which takes place every five years, to be set.  That took place last week.

—Along with the dates of the Congress China’s presidential election was announced and set for this October 16-22, 2022. With election dates now public, the Chinese travel and tourism industry is eagerly awaiting the start of a new term and hoping for big changes regarding China’s outbound tourism policies.
 
—Why is China’s presidential election significant to the global tourism industry? The past two predecessors of Xi Jinping, president of the People’s Republic of China, both served two five-year terms. However, in 2018, while Xi was in his second term, he amended the party constitution to remove all term limits giving him the opportunity for a third-term.

—The Xinhua News Agency, or New China News Agency—the official state news agency of the People’s Republic of China—has reported that, “the Congress will thoroughly review the international and domestic situations, comprehensively grasp the new requirements for the development of the cause of the Party and the country on the new journey in the new era, as well as the new expectations of the people.”

—Diplomatic relations are more important than ever given President Xi’s commitment to Covid-zero and the country’s significant control on inbound and outbound travel. For instance, Israel’s Tourism Minister recently shared Israel’s goal of 10 million Chinese tourists annually by 2030, calling Chinese tourists an “economic anchor for the state.” Re-establishing direct flights is the only way to meet such ambitious tourism goals and diplomatic relations will play a critical role in such cooperation. Israel and China publicly announced they are working on reinstating flights by the end of the year.

 —While Independent Chinese travelers tend to be less politically sensitive and are more concerned about safety, it’s imperative for destinations and travel brands to be mindful of the current political climate and to keep long-term goals in mind. Having a direct line of communication to Chinese trade partners and consumers on social is essential. Do not let diplomatic tensions dictate your brand story.

—Elsewhere, the signals have been sent that, at long last, it is time for a recovery of the Chinese travel market, following a really rough period of activity during the first part of the year. Now, the domestic tourism industry has begun to improve its station, and it seems as if the Chinese government is making it easier should, and when, outbound international travel from the country resumes at pre-pandemic levels.

—We all should watch to see what kind of near-term future Chinese government has in mind for tourism. It was two Congresses ago (2012), the government announced an aggressive program of incentives aimed at making the industry an instrument of economic development. Will we find out if the government has any major plans for tourism infrastructure improvements (especially with regard to airports) and promotion to continue improvement of China’s tourism product.

TRADE TALK & Travel Industry Buzz

● September 16 is last day you can apply for a position on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.  Connect Travel’s INBOUND reminds its readers that—if they want to be considered for a position on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and be a part of the voice that provides advise, information and recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on issues and policies that affect the U.S. travel and tourism industry—they have until September 16th to get their application to the National Travel and Tourism Office. Learn more and how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/ejb_jnka

● Have amusement parks really become cheap day-care centers for teenagers? (From the Washington Post, Aug. 30) “Explaining the decision to raise prices at the Six Flags amusement park chain, Selim Bassoul told financial analysts earlier this month that inexpensive tickets turned parks into “cheap day-care center for teenagers.” Attendance fell as the company shed small spenders in favor of bigger-budget customers. ‘I’m migrating a little bit from what I call the Kmart, Walmart, to maybe the Target customer,’ said Bassoul, who took over the top job in November.” Click here for complete article.

● Major U.S. carriers are at the top among world’s airlines, says global ranking service. Here are some details:

—American Airlines leads the US majors in taking the top four slots in Cirium’s World Airline Passenger Ranking for 2021

—Ryanair retains its spot as Europe’s largest airline as low-cost carriers climb the ranking.

—Familiar names from Europe and Southeast Asia plunge as travel restrictions bite and long-haul markets remain weak. Click here for more news release.

● Who’s at the top of New York’s most expensive hotels? The Latin American travel trade publication, REPORTUR, carried out a survey in the main online travel agencies of the hotels with the most expensive rooms in dollars per day for the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. One supposes that there aren’t any group quotes to be had. Here are the Top 10:

1. Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York: $1,840
2. Mandarin Oriental New York: $1,725
3. The Ritz-Carlton New York: $1,610
4. The Peninsula New York: $1,517
5. The Pierre, A Taj Hotel: $1,477
6. The Plaza: $1,448
7. The St. Regis New York: $1,433
8. Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards New York City: $1,146
9. Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown: $1,132
10. The Greenwich Hotel: $1,126

Complete article is here.

Notes from LATAM

The Latin American travel trade sector sometimes doesn’t have channels of communication that necessarily make it to North America, as it does in this instance. Just recently, Travel2Latam* wrote about TravelBoom‘s 2022 Leisure Travel Trends Study. (TravelBoom, a data-driven digital marketing agency for hotels, resorts, and vacation rental companies, is based in Myrtle Beach, S.C.) TravelBoom’s study surveyed more than 2,000 travelers in 2022.

The results reveal surprising changes in travel planning and booking behavior that are affected by rising costs, the broader economy, ongoing risks from COVID-19 and technology. The study examines the mindset and behavior of travelers from the inception of the idea of ​​traveling to how they interact with their chosen destinations before, during and after their stay. It also displays vital metrics and pinpoints guest booking preferences and behavior changes from year to year. Some of its findings follow:

• Price matters, as 36 percent of travelers say they may cancel planned vacations due to budget issues.
• Travelers are doing more research online, as the average traveler visits 5.5 websites during their booking process and does more research than ever before.
• In the wake of COVID-19 and a global pandemic, the factors that affect travel plans are changing. Transportation costs, amenities, and loyalty programs are just a few of the factors that can affect a traveler’s decision.
• COVID-19 continues to influence travel. Fifty-five percent of the population still consider the pandemic before booking a trip. Only 13.5 percent of U.S. leisure travelers say COVID-19 is a major influence on travel, compared to 45 percent of Canadian travelers. Showing that COVID-19 continues to have a significant impact on international travel.
• Reviews have never been more important to travelers choosing where to stay. Eighty-two percent of travelers will not book a property without reading reviews first.
• Vacation rental sites are taking a bite out of online travel agencies (OTAs). VRBO and Airbnb are growing significantly in usage, at the expense of OTAs like Expedia.

“Leisure travel continues to be one of the hardest hit industries in the post-pandemic period and consumers are acutely aware of inflation, lingering COVID-19 concerns, coupled with high expectations for destinations and accommodations,” said Pete DiMaio, TravelBoom’s chief operating officer. “Our annual Leisure Travel Trends study allows us to better understand the consumer mindset and shopping journey so we can tailor our marketing strategies for greater impact.”

* Travel2Latam is based in Miami, which is regarded in much of South and Central America as a Latin American hub.)

Click here for the complete article.

What’s New and/or Cool

Here is this issue of INBOUND’s sample of new and/or cool attractions and experiences as they appear in the current annual issue of TheTourOperator

Best for a seaside wellness getaway—Atlantic City, New Jersey: Be pampered at one of Atlantic City’s world-class spas for a seaside wellness getaway. From a Himalayan Salt Grotto at Ocean Casino Resort’s Exhale Spa to Rhythm & Motion rooms at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Rock Spa, it’s a pure journey of relaxation. Tree the mind, body, and soul to a pampering experience. (atlanticcitynj.com/explore/spas)

Best to disconnect; soul reviving digital detox—Red River Gorgeous, Red River Gorge, Kentucky: To get off the beaten path, check out the treehouse offerings from Red River Gorgeous, with stays in Stanton, Campton and more, ranging from traditional to the unique. For a romantic getaway, try The Observatory, featuring a glass bedroom perfect for stargazing. Bring the whole family and stay in Dome Town, a series of three geodesic domes. (mycabin.com)

Best for an urban wellness hideaway—The Peabody Memphis (Memphis Tennessee) Since 1869, the Peabody Memphis hotel has pampered guests with unmatched Southern hospitality, elegant rooms and world-class service. The Feathers Spa at The Peabody is a premiere destination for indulgent spa treatments, Tennessee’s only Vichy shower bed with steam massage, chromo light therapy, and aromatherapy for a multi-sensory hydrotherapy body treatment. It’s an urban weekend oasis waiting to happen. (peabodymemphis.com)

Best for catching up on sleep—CIVANA Wellness Report and Spa, Carefree, Arizona (Phoenix, Arizona) Wellness is the balance between healthiness and happiness. Like other destination wellness resorts, CIVANA has the healthy aspects covered: nutrition, fitness, rest, healing. The CIVANA difference is emphasis on the heart … and that separates “healthy and happy.” We never want to forget that the wellness journey is as personal as one’s own happiness and one’s unique sense of wellbeing, joy, and fulfillment. (Civanacarefree.com)

Captain Whidbey Inn—Whidbey Island, Washington: Overlooking the waters of Penn Cove on Whidbey Island, the historic Captain Whidbey Inn is tucked into old growth evergreens—a sanctuary of quiet solitude and communion with the natural world. Vogue magazine says. “Stepping into the Captain Whidbey does feel like entering another (highly curated) era, a return to the slower days of summer camp.” Stay in a cabin on the waterfront, fall into a deep sleep to the sounds of lapping waves. (captainwhidbey.com)

For more information on how to partner with TheTourOperator.com, contact Betsy Cooper, Senior Director of TheTourOperator and Partner Engagement for Connect Travel.

bcooper@connecttravel.com
 and/or 415.728.1085

HODGE PODGE: Appointments, Opening and Changes

Lynn Bruni-Perkins has been named executive vice president and chief marketing officer of San Francisco Travel. A veteran of more than 15 years with the organization, she most recently service as senior vice president, global marketing communications. “She is a leader who will take our marketing to new heights and continue to hasten the recovery of tourism business to the San Francisco Bay Area,” said San Francisco Travel President & CEO Joe D’Allesandro.

SFA, the entity that owns and operates Saks Fifth Avenue stores, has appointed Kathleen Shea to the newly created role of vice president, travel and tourism strategy. Shea brings a wealth of tourism industry knowledge, with more than 20 years of senior sales and marketing experience within luxury travel. Shea previously served as vice president of sales at SaksWorks, a flexible and elevated life and work spaces business. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at both the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and TAJ Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Camping World has announced the promotion of Brenda Wintrow to the role of senior vice president of field operations. Wintrow joined Camping World in 2007 as a business development manager and served in a variety of leadership roles during her tenure—such as regional director of business development, and national director of ecommerce. Her experience has led to executive roles such as vice president of sales and business development and most recently, senior vice president of sales and customer experience

Brand USA recently recruited Cat Reith for the post of senior director, partner marketing programs. She joined the organization from GutCheck, a Denver-based global online market research organization, where she was director, project management. She also spent ten years at Phocuswright, a global travel market research company, where she oversaw custom and special projects, including projects for Brand USA.

Visit Albuquerque has welcomed Scott Craighead, a veteran of more than two decades in the field of association management, as its new vice president of sales, services and sports. Craighead comes to the role from his position as vice president of exhibitions and events, at the International Association of Exhibitions and Events. He also brings extensive experience working with destination marketing organizations and has implemented many event- and marketplace-related initiatives. In his new role at Visit Albuquerque, Craighead will oversee the sales, services and sports division, responsible for generating qualified meeting, convention, sports and group tour leads.

Melinda “Mindy” Meade Meyers has been selected by the National Park Hospitality Association (NPHA) as the organization’s new executive director. NPHA represents businesses key to great park experiences by more than 100 million national park visitors annually, providing National Park Service-approved and supervised services that include lodging, food, transportation, retail and recreation and guiding services in more than 100 park units.

Ian Simkins, a former head of Audley Travel, has been named as chair of Saga’s cruise operation. Simkins was previously chair of luxury villa specialist The Thinking Traveller and the Inside Travel Group which specializes in tailor-made trips to Japan and Asia.

Rob Greyber has been appointed chief executive of Vacasa, a leading North American vacation rental management platform. He comes to the job with 20 years of experience building and leading companies in the travel and technology industries. He recently served as president of Egencia, a corporate travel business previously owned by Expedia Group. Greyber is succeeding current CEO Matt Roberts in a succession planning process that commenced earlier this year.

Delaware Secretary of State Jeff Bullock recently that announced Jessica Welch will lead the Delaware Tourism Office. Welch most recently served as communications director of the Delaware Division of Small Business. Her resumé also notes that she was a reporter for Delaware State News.

Kristina Miranda has been named vice president, national accounts, for Collette. She comes to her new role from The Travel Corporation (TTC), where she was vice president of national accounts, North America/TTC Tour Brands.

Apple Leisure Group (ALG), a well-known North American resort brand management, leisure travel and hospitality group, part of Hyatt, has announced the appointment of Sergio Rascón as vice president of development. Based in Mexico City, Rascón leverages over 20 years of professional experience in the real estate financial services and investment management industries. He now becomes part of the ALG Development team, which operates in the U.S. from the company’s headquarters in Newtown Square, Penn. and Miami, Fla., as well as in-country throughout the world.

Ashleigh Bachert has been named vice president of tourism operations at Tulsa Regional Tourism / Visit Tulsa. She came to Tulsa in 2020. Previously, she was executive director of the Durham Sports Commission in North Carolina. Prior to that, she was executive director of the Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission.

Tauck, the widely known escorted tours spedcialist, has reappointed Tom Dumbrell as national account manager for UK and Ireland. Dumbrell first joined the Tauck team in January 2020, but was laid off four months later during the first COVID lockdown. “Tauck is a family-owned company with nearly 100 years of experience and journeys across seven continents in 100 different destinations, offering unique, exclusive access and closer connections,” said Dumbrell. “I’m delighted to be back. I look forward to connecting with those with existing Tauck business.” During his two or so years away from the business, Dumbrell found time to write a series of books, entitled the Pillars of Peace Trilogy.

Hotelbeds has announced the appointment of Pippa Williamson as its new vice president, commercial, for APAC. Based in Hong Kong, she will lead all core commercial activities across the region while growing the relationships with Hotelbeds’ suppliers and clients across APAC. Williamson has had an extensive career in the APAC hospitality sector. With almost twenty years of experience in standout commercial leadership positions, She has worked with some of the world’s leading hotel companies like Marriot, Starwood Hotels, and most recently, Shangri-la.

Zeek Coleman is departing ADARA Inc., where he was head of marketing—tourism and hospitality, to join the team at Tourism Economics as vice president, Americas. Prior to his tenure at ADARA, Coleman was director of data intelligence at Visit Savannah, where he served for more than ten-and-a-half years.

NYC & Company has announced that Tiffany Townsend has been appointed executive vice president, global communications. Townsend rejoins NYC & Company after a decade working across leading private and public sector organizations; she will oversee the domestic and international communications teams as well as corporate communications and crisis communications in her new role. Townsend comes to NYC & Company from the Biden-Harris administration, where she served as a senior advisor with the U.S. Small Business Administration in the Office of Government Contracting & Business Development. She has formerly held positions at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the New York City Council, the New York Wheel, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. She previously worked for NYC & Company from 2007–2012, most recently as vice president, communications & government affairs.

Following are tour and travel industry jobs as posted by the recruiting firm, Searchwide Global. For more information, go their site, Searchwideglobal.com and click on JOBS.

• CEO, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence
• General manager, Charlotte Convention Center
• Vice president of enterprise sales, American Society of Association Executives
• Director of communications, Santa Monica Travel & Toursim
• Sales manager, Sage Hospitality Group
• Senior vice president of community engagement & public affairs, Visit Seattle
• Northeast director of sales, Luxury Hospitality Global Group Sales Organization
• Senior director of human resources & culture, Destinations International
• Vice president, business development, Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau
• President & CEO, Springfield (Mo) Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Executive director, Explore Sisters, The Gateway to the Cascades
• National sales manager, Experience Scottsdale
• Executive director, Explore Butte County
• President & CEO, Fredericksburg CVB, Texas Hill Country
• Senior vice president, integrated marketing, Brand USA
• Executive director, Downtown Vacaville
• Chief marketing officer, Visit Williamsburg
• Executive director, Visit Walla Walla
• Director of the Film & Creative Industries Office, Visit Dallas
• President & CEO, Visit Bath (Virginia)
• Executive director, Pacific County Tourism Bureau
• Director of group sales, Visit Vancouver WA
• General manager, Los Angeles Convention Center
• Chief executive officer, Discover Santa Clara™
• Vice president of sales, Bermuda Tourism Authority
• General manager, Moscone Center, San Francisco
• President and CEO, VisitGreenVilleSC
• Vice president of sales, Visit Wichita

Readers might want to check out the linkedin site for jobs. There are usually hundreds of job descriptions and links, which are updated regularly. Some samples of jobs include these:

• Director of Market Research Meet Minneapolis
• Remote Vacation Specialist Travel Adventure Solutions
• Adventure Guide, Adventures by Disney Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
• Remote Travel Coordinator My Magical Travels
• Senior Marketing Manager LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Check out TheTravelVertical. Hundreds of jobs largely having to do with travel and tourism leadership positions, or in the digital side of the industry, can be found in this sister publication of the INBOUND Report.