Decline in Global Travelers to U.S. Costing Nation Billions
Study cites concerns with entry process and lack of effort to promote U.S.
A nearly 20-percent drop in the United States' share of the overseas travelers since 2000 has cost the nation billions of dollars in revenue and nearly 200,000 jobs, according to a study conducted by the Travel Industry Association, on behalf of the Discover America Partnership.
The organization will offer an in-depth report with a series of detailed recommendations to reverse the decline and attract more travelers to the United States, including a push for Congressional action.
In 2000, U.S. market share of the $6 trillion worldwide travel market stood at 7.5 percent. By 2006, the country's share had dropped to 6.1 percent. (Since Sept. 11, 2001, overseas travel to the U.S. has declined by 17 percent.)
The study looked at the economic "ripple effect," over time, as a result of the drop—such as the potential loss of spending, employment, payroll and tax receipts due to a loss of international visitors.
According to the study, the damage to America's economy includes:
58 million fewer visitors;
194,000 lost jobs;
$25.9 billion in lost payroll;
$94 billion in lost spending; and
$15.6 billion in lost taxes to federal, state and local governments.
More Rental Operations

Turo to Launch Vehicle Delivery Service
Turo Delivered will let travelers search for vehicles that hosts can deliver directly to hotels, homes, airports, train stations, and other locations.
Read More →
Palm Beach Airport Code Change Creates Car Rental Distribution Gap
A test of rental searches under the old PBI and new DJT airport codes returned largely different sets of brands and vehicles, highlighting a potential distribution problem for rental operators.
Read More →
U-Save Continues Dominican Republic Expansion with Launch in Punta Cana
The new franchise location builds on U-Save’s existing Santo Domingo operation and will begin taking reservations for October 2026.
Read More →
When AI Books the Rental Car, Who Controls the Sale?
As AI moves from comparing rental rates to completing transactions, operators need to understand how travelers find, interpret, rank, and ultimately see their offers. (Part 2 of 2.)
Read More →
European Booked Car Rental Rates Fell 5%, Results Varied by Country
Ireland, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom saw steep declines, while booked rates rose in Poland and Hungary.
Read More →Is It Time to Rethink Rental Categories?
As traditional economy and compact cars disappear from the market, longtime rental operator Mike DeLorenzo asks whether the industry’s familiar vehicle categories still make sense — and what operators need to rethink along with them.
Read More →
Who Owns the Rate? AI Is Creating a New Distribution Problem for Car Rental
Generative Engine Optimization asks whether AI can find a rental company, but operators also need to know whether the agent inspected enough of the market, compared equivalent offers, and presented a rate the traveler can actually book. (Part 1 of 2)
Read More →
U.S. Business Travel Car Rental Rates Forecast to Rise Up to 2%
Improved fleet supply should limit pricing gains in 2026-27, while insurance, repair costs, and softer residual values continue to pressure rental operations, according to Amex GBT.
Read More →
Sixt Revenue Tops $2.4 Billion in First Half of 2026
Sixt’s first-half revenue surpassed $2.4 billion for the first time as demand outpaced fleet growth, lifting utilization and earnings despite weaker consumer sentiment in North America.
Read More →
In Memoriam: Bobby Klyce, Avis Licensee Legend
The longtime Birmingham Avis operator and 2018 Auto Rental News Impact Award recipient was remembered as an advocate for independent licensees and the broader car rental industry.
Read More →
