WASHINGTON -- A first-of-its-kind forecast released by the
Travel Industry Association found that travel by U.S. residents and
international visitors will increase steadily through 2000, spurred
by a robust economy.
Travel by U.S. residents will increase 3.2% this year,
accounting for 1.15 billion trips, but will rise at a slower rate
over the next three years, the forecast said. Travel to the U.S.
will grow from 46.2 million travelers this year to 51.8 million by
2000.
Other highlights include:
* Travel-related spending for U.S. residents will increase 7.7%
to $412.9 billion this year and reach $499 billion by 2000.
* Business travel will lead the growth in domestic travel,
increasing by 4.8% this year, 3.6% in 1998, 3.4% in 1999 and 3.5%
in 2000.
* The south Atlantic, Pacific and Mountain regions of the U.S.
will see the biggest increases in travel in the future.
The data were based on a new forecast model developed by the TIA
in cooperation with DRI/McGraw-Hill.