International flights to the United States grew stronger in May than expected despite the administration’s travel ban threat and as visitors shrugged off the high dollar and complaints about President Trump.
The U.S. Travel Association Wednesday said growth has increased for 13 straight months. In May, international travel to the U.S. grew 5.2 percent versus the same month in 2016.
What’s more, the trade association’s Travel Trends Index for April was “revised upward” to 6.6 percent. April, said the group was “the first month of data to begin fully reflecting any effects of President Trump’s initial executive order on immigration issued Jan. 27.”
Considering the headwinds facing the travel industry, the group said it was surprised with the continued growth.
“There is widespread talk of daunting challenges to the U.S. travel market — perception of the country abroad is mentioned most, but the strong dollar and slowing global economy are factors as well — yet the resilience of our sector continues to astound,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow.
“Tourism marketing efforts at the federal, state and local level undoubtedly deserve a large measure of credit, and policymakers need to be aware of the large dividends these programs are paying for economic activity, jobs, and tax revenues,” he added.
Travel is up in the U.S., thanks in part to even stronger domestic demand, he added.
Growth, meanwhile, should continue, though maybe at a lower pace.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
