U.S. travel and tourism exports reach $160 billion in 2025, setting a new benchmark for the sector’s contribution to the economy. According to data released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), international visitors continue to inject significant spending into the United States, reinforcing the country’s position as a top global travel destination.
The figures from May 2025 reflect a dynamic travel economy, with both inbound and outbound travel expenditures contributing to a complex trade picture. Despite a strong showing from international visitors, the month ended with a trade deficit in the tourism category, driven by increased spending by Americans traveling overseas.
May 2025 Travel Spending Highlights
In May alone, international visitors spent more than $21.2 billion on travel to and within the United States. This marks a modest 1 percent increase compared to May 2024. These expenditures encompass a wide range of tourism-related activities, including lodging, dining, local transportation, entertainment, and shopping.
On the flip side, American travelers spent nearly $21.7 billion abroad during the same period, resulting in a $433 million trade deficit for travel and tourism services. This balance of trade figure underscores the growing enthusiasm among U.S. citizens for international travel, even as the country remains a magnet for inbound tourism.
Composition of U.S. Travel Exports in May
The overall $21.2 billion in travel exports is broken down into three key categories:
- Travel Spending: $11.6 billion (54% of total)
- Passenger Fare Receipts: $3.2 billion (15% of total)
- Medical, Education, and Worker Spending: $6.5 billion (30% of total)
While overall international visitor spending increased year-over-year, individual segments within the tourism export category showed varied trends. Travel receipts, for instance, experienced a 3 percent decline compared to May 2024. In contrast, spending on education, healthcare, and by short-term workers increased by 8 percent.
Passenger Fare Receipts Hold Steady
Passenger fare receipts — the amount received by U.S. airlines from foreign travelers — totaled approximately $3.2 billion in May 2025. This represents a slight increase compared to the previous year, maintaining their 15 percent share of total tourism exports.
These figures highlight the role of international air travel in supporting the broader tourism economy. U.S.-based carriers continue to benefit from consistent demand from global passengers flying into and out of the country.
Medical, Education, and Worker Spending on the Rise
One of the strongest growth areas in May’s tourism exports was spending tied to health care, education, and seasonal or short-term labor. At $6.5 billion, this category increased by 8 percent year-over-year and now accounts for nearly one-third of all tourism export earnings.
This reflects rising international demand for U.S. universities, hospitals, and temporary work programs — all sectors that play a vital role in shaping the travel and tourism landscape beyond traditional sightseeing or leisure-based travel.
Year-to-Date Performance Sets New Record
From January through May 2025, international visitors spent a record-setting $160.0 billion on travel and tourism-related goods and services within the United States. This marks an increase of nearly 3 percent compared to the same period in 2024. On average, foreign travelers have contributed nearly $702 million per day to the U.S. economy this year.
These numbers not only represent a strong recovery from previous years impacted by global travel restrictions but also signify a robust and evolving tourism sector that continues to play a central role in U.S. economic output.
Travel Exports and the Broader Economy
In May 2025, U.S. travel and tourism exports accounted for 21 percent of the country’s total services exports. When considering both goods and services, the tourism sector represented 8 percent of all U.S. exports. This confirms the industry’s position as a major pillar in the overall export landscape and a key driver of economic growth.
The data reaffirms that travel and tourism are more than just cultural or recreational endeavors; they are integral components of trade and services, fueling job creation, foreign exchange, and cross-border partnerships.
Outlook for the Remainder of 2025
With the first five months of 2025 already setting new benchmarks, analysts anticipate a strong finish to the year — barring major economic or geopolitical disruptions. Seasonal travel trends, upcoming global events, and increasing confidence among travelers may further boost spending through the second half of the year.
However, challenges such as fluctuating exchange rates, inflation in hospitality sectors, and visa policy changes may influence the pace and distribution of travel flows in the coming months. Continued monitoring by NTTO and related agencies will provide critical insights for policymakers and travel stakeholders alike.
As the U.S. continues to welcome millions of visitors while also seeing more of its citizens travel abroad, the balance of trade in travel and tourism remains a dynamic and closely watched indicator of global mobility and economic health.