In this article, we will take a look at the 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Most Visited States in the US by Foreign Travelers.
The United States stands out for its cultural richness, diverse landscapes, and iconic landmarks. Drawing in millions of foreign travelers each year, the US is one of the most visited countries in the world. The travel and tourism sector plays a vital role in boosting the US economy by generating revenue, creating jobs, and increasing foreign exchange earnings.
North America's Travel and Tourism Industry
According to a report by Research and Markets, the North American travel and tourism market reached a value of $1.96 trillion in 2022. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2023 to 2027 and reach a value of more than $2.51 trillion by the end of the forecast period. The rising trend of transformational travel is expected to fuel market growth in North America. An increasing number of individuals are prioritizing travel experiences over material possessions as they travel to heal, find balance, and transform their overall well-being.
The rising demand for unique and authentic travel experiences that blend entertainment and relaxation is further driving market growth. Rising disposable income also means that more people have the means to spend on leisure activities. In one of our previous articles about the most visited cities in the US by foreign travelers, we discussed that openness to international travel has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels and fewer people around the world now require a traditional visa to travel. Political factors, access to tourism destinations, and visa requirements are all key factors that can influence the industry's growth and performance.
Key Players in the Travel and Tourism Industry
The travel and tourism industry is a dynamic sector that consists of revenues generated by passenger airlines, food service, hotels, resorts, amusement parks, casinos, and travel intermediaries. Some of the most notable names in the industry are Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR), Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT), and Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE).
Technology has been a major driver of growth in the travel and tourism industry. Technological advancements, mobile apps, and online tools make it easier for people to research, book travel arrangements, and access information on the go. This also enhances the overall travel experience. Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) is an American travel technology company that owns and operates various brands including Expedia, Hotels.com, CarRentals.com, Vrbo, Travelocity, Trivago, CheapTickets, and Expedia Cruises. On February 8, Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) reported strong earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2023. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.72, surpassing EPS estimates by $0.02. The company’s revenue for the quarter grew by 10.28% year-over-year and amounted to $2.89 billion, ahead of market consensus by $8.67 million. Here are some comments from Expedia Group Inc.’s (NASDAQ:EXPE) Q4 2023 earnings call:
“Meaningfully, we have gone from approximately 30% of people working in product and tech in 2019 to 50% today. Again, we are at a truly different place as a company as we launch into 2024, which does not mean that it's all just linear improvement from here, that learn and test-and-learn is a big part of our journey, and we will still get things wrong in our tireless effort to improve the customer experience. But we can afford to get a lot more wrong as we, in fact, get a lot more right. Ultimately, more at-bats, the sheer power of going fast and simplifying our ability to innovate is what puts us in a position to once again lead our industry technologically for the next decade.”
As the demand for travel and tourism continues to grow, travel companies are enhancing their market presence by implementing various strategies. On March 12, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) announced the expansion of its innovative, midscale hotel brand, “Tru by Hilton”, to New York City with the grand opening of Tru by Hilton Brooklyn. Located near the lively Park Slope neighborhood, this contemporary hotel offers an ultramodern and lively lodging option for both business and leisure travelers. Tru by Hilton Brooklyn boasts 101 well-appointed rooms that offer the brand’s signature amenities, including large HDTVs, premium bedding, spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers, and complimentary Wi-Fi to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for all guests.
Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is an American multinational hospitality company. As one of the largest travel companies in the world, it operates, franchises, and licenses lodging including hotels and resorts in over 130 countries around the world. On February 8, Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) reported that one of its brands, Moxy Hotels, has announced the opening of Moxy Halifax Downtown, marking the brand’s first venture into Canada. This new 160-room hotel offers a fresh take on traditional hospitality by providing vibrant guest experiences and exceptional service. Halifax is a rapidly growing city in Atlantic Canada and the new hotel in the city is located in close proximity to Halifax's bustling downtown area.
Now that we have discussed what’s going on in the travel and tourism industry, let's shift our attention to the 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers.
20 Most Visited States in the US by Foreign Travelers
A busy airport terminal with travelers queuing up for flights, revealing the sheer volumes of travelers served by the company.
Methodology
In this article, we have listed the 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. To collect data for our list of most visited US states, we consulted the International Trade Administration, US Department of Commerce. This database provided us with a list of territories and states in the US that were visited the most by overseas travelers in 2022. The 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers are listed below in ascending order of the number of foreign travelers that visited them in 2022.
20 Most Visited States in the US by Foreign Travelers
20. Tennessee
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 292,000
Tennessee is a landlocked state in the Southeastern region that ranks among the 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. Tennessee is known for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, whiskey, and country music. In 2022, Tennessee attracted 292,000 foreign travelers.
19. Louisiana
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 314,000
Louisiana is a state in the Deep South and South Central regions of the US that is known for its rich and fascinating culture which reflects a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. According to recently reported data, Louisiana attracted 314,000 overseas visitors in 2022.
18. Colorado
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 321,000
Colorado is a state in the Mountain West sub-region. It is renowned for its magnificent scenery of mountains, rivers, plains, canyons, plateaus, and desert lands. In 2022, the US state of Colorado attracted 321,000 foreign travelers.
17. Maryland
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 326,000
Maryland, a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US, ranks 17th on our list of the 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. Also known as "America in Miniature" and "Little America", the US state of Maryland attracted 326,000 foreign visitors in 2022.
16. North Carolina
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 340,000
North Carolina is a state in the Southeastern US. It is known for the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as its iconic city of Asheville which is known for its architecture, mountain scenery, and outdoor activities. North Carolina saw a total of 340,000 international tourists in 2022.
15. Utah
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 412,000
Utah, a landlocked state in the Mountain West sub-region of the Western US, ranks among the top 15 on our list of the most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. Known for its stunning natural landscapes and incredible national parks, the US state of Utah attracted 412,000 visitors in 2022.
14. Virginia
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 438,000
Virginia is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the US. It is known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and diverse geography. According to recently reported data, Virginia welcomed 438,000 foreign travelers in 2022.
13. Georgia
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 465,000
Georgia is a state in the Southeastern region of the US that is renowned for its natural beauty. Atlanta, the capital city of Georgia, is a major hub for finance, technology, transportation, and manufacturing. The Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the state of Georgia is the busiest airport in the world by flights per day. In 2022, Georgia attracted 465,000 foreign travelers.
12. Washington
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 467,000
Washington is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the US that ranks 12th on our list of the most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. Nicknamed “The Evergreen State”, the state of Washington is known for its mountainous landscapes, volcanoes, glaciers, and an abundance of evergreen forests. The state of Washington attracted 467,000 foreign travelers in 2022.
11. Pennsylvania
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 592,000
Pennsylvania is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region that is known for its diverse geography. It is one of the most populated states in the US. In 2022, 592,000 foreigners traveled to the US state of Pennsylvania.
10. Arizona
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 663,000
Arizona is a state in the Southwestern US that ranks among the top 10 on our list of the most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. It is the sixth largest state in the US by size and it is best known for the Grand Canyon. In 2022, Arizona attracted 663,000 foreign travelers.
9. Massachusetts
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 807,000
Massachusetts is one of the smallest and most densely populated states in the US. It is home to some of the most reputable educational institutions, such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The US state of Massachusetts attracted 807,000 foreign visitors in 2022.
8. New Jersey
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 867,000
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern region of the US. It is the most densely populated state. New Jersey is known for its boardwalk beaches and Atlantic City casinos, which attract hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. In 2022, New Jersey attracted a total of 867,000 foreign travelers. It ranks 8th on our list of the most visited states in the US by foreign travelers.
7. Hawaii
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 953,000
Hawaii, in the Pacific Ocean, is an island state of the US. Known as the Paradise of the Pacific, Hawaii is known for its stunning natural landscapes and beautiful beaches. In 2022, Hawaii welcomed 953,000 foreign travelers.
6. Illinois
Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 1.13 Million
Illinois is a state in the Midwestern region of the US that is one of America’s most industrialized states and a major manufacturing center. Nicknamed the Prairie State, Illinois is also known for its agriculture, corn, and farmlands. In 2022, it attracted 1.13 million foreign travelers. Illinois ranks 6th on our list of the 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers.
