GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Vacation Industry Statistics

A detailed analysis of the vacation industry with key statistics on bookings, expenditures, popular destinations, and travel trends.

Highlights: Vacation Industry Statistics

  • In 2019, the travel and tourism industry contributed approximately 580 billion U.S. dollars to the GDP in the United States.
  • Travel spending in the U.S. decreased by nearly 42% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • According to data from 2017, approximately 61% of Americans took a vacation that year.
  • Worldwide, the travel and tourism industry supported 319 million jobs in 2018.
  • The number of international tourist arrivals worldwide is estimated to have decreased by 74% in 2020 compared to 2019.
  • The total contribution of the travel and tourism sector to global GDP was approximately 6.7 trillion U.S. dollars in 2019.
  • Holiday travel made up 30.51% of the entire U.S. travel market in 2019.
  • About 35.5% of US families planned to take a vacation 50 miles or more from home in 2020.
  • During the summer of 2019, the average American traveler spent an average of $941 per person on transportation.
  • 30% of Millennials prefer spending money on experiences like vacations rather than material things.
  • In 2018, roughly 45% of Americans used a smartphone to book a vacation.
  • The vacation rental market worldwide was valued at approximately 87.61 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.
  • As of 2019, the leading reason for going on vacation in the U.S. was to visit relatives, cited by 96% of respondents.
  • In 2020, Beach vacations were the most popular vacation type in the U.S., making up 31% of all vacations.
  • Approximately 42.75 million people visited Las Vegas – a top tourist destination – in 2019.
  • In 2019, approximately 50.1% of people in the U.S. reported making use of online comparison websites to book vacation accommodations.
  • As of 2020, 35% of US travelers used Airbnb for accommodation.
  • Disney theme parks were the most visited vacation spots globally, with more than 155 million visitors in 2019.
  • In 2019, over 45% of US households owned an RV, making road trips a popular vacation option.

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The Latest Vacation Industry Statistics Explained

In 2019, the travel and tourism industry contributed approximately 580 billion U.S. dollars to the GDP in the United States.

The statistic that the travel and tourism industry contributed approximately 580 billion U.S. dollars to the GDP in the United States in 2019 indicates the significant economic impact of this industry on the country. This contribution represents the total value of goods and services produced within the travel and tourism sector, including spending by both domestic and international visitors. The industry encompasses a wide range of businesses such as hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and attractions, all of which play a vital role in driving economic growth and creating jobs. The substantial GDP contribution highlights the importance of the travel and tourism industry to the overall economic health of the United States, emphasizing its key role in generating revenue, supporting employment, and fostering economic development.

Travel spending in the U.S. decreased by nearly 42% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statistic shows that travel spending in the U.S. saw a significant decline of almost 42% in 2020, largely attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This sharp decrease in travel spending reflects the widespread travel restrictions, border closures, and fear of contracting the virus that disrupted tourism and travel patterns. With many countries enforcing lockdowns and implementing safety measures to curb the spread of the virus, people were forced to cancel or postpone travel plans, resulting in a substantial drop in travel-related expenditures. The massive reduction in travel spending highlights the profound economic repercussions of the pandemic on the travel industry and its interconnected sectors, such as hospitality, transportation, and entertainment.

According to data from 2017, approximately 61% of Americans took a vacation that year.

The statistic indicates that in 2017, around 61% of Americans engaged in some form of vacation, suggesting that a majority of the population participated in leisure travel activities during that year. This information is valuable for understanding the travel behavior and preferences of Americans, as well as the potential economic impact on the tourism industry. It implies that vacations are a common aspect of American life and highlights the significance of the tourism sector in the country. Additionally, analyzing this data can provide insights into consumer trends, travel patterns, and overall societal well-being related to leisure and recreation.

Worldwide, the travel and tourism industry supported 319 million jobs in 2018.

The statistic indicates that in 2018, the global travel and tourism industry played a significant role in supporting employment by providing jobs for a total of 319 million people worldwide. This figure highlights the widespread impact of the industry on the labor market, illustrating its contribution to job creation and economic growth across various countries. The jobs supported by the travel and tourism industry can range from direct employment within transportation, accommodation, and entertainment sectors to indirect jobs in related industries such as agriculture, retail, and construction. The statistic underscores the importance of the travel and tourism sector in driving employment opportunities and fostering socio-economic development on a global scale.

The number of international tourist arrivals worldwide is estimated to have decreased by 74% in 2020 compared to 2019.

The statistic indicates that the total number of international tourist arrivals globally experienced a significant decline of 74% in 2020 when compared to the previous year, 2019. This sharp decrease can be attributed to the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to widespread travel restrictions, border closures, and lockdown measures implemented by countries around the world to curb the spread of the virus. The dramatic reduction in international travel reflects the severe disruption faced by the tourism industry in 2020, highlighting the economic and social repercussions of the pandemic on global tourism.

The total contribution of the travel and tourism sector to global GDP was approximately 6.7 trillion U.S. dollars in 2019.

The statistic indicates that the travel and tourism sector made a significant contribution to the global economy in 2019, amounting to approximately 6.7 trillion U.S. dollars. This suggests that the industry plays a vital role in driving economic growth and development worldwide. The figure underscores the sector’s importance in generating revenue, creating jobs, and stimulating various related industries such as hospitality, transportation, and entertainment. Additionally, it highlights how travel and tourism have become key drivers of economic activity on a global scale, showcasing the sector’s significant impact on GDP and overall economic prosperity.

Holiday travel made up 30.51% of the entire U.S. travel market in 2019.

The statistic ‘Holiday travel made up 30.51% of the entire U.S. travel market in 2019’ indicates that during the year 2019, nearly one-third of all travel within the United States was specifically for holiday purposes. This suggests that holiday travel was a significant and popular segment of the overall travel industry in the U.S. in that year. This statistic can be valuable for stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry, as well as policymakers and marketers, to understand the trends and preferences of travelers, allowing them to tailor their services and offerings to better cater to this particular market segment.

About 35.5% of US families planned to take a vacation 50 miles or more from home in 2020.

The statistic that about 35.5% of US families planned to take a vacation 50 miles or more from home in 2020 indicates the proportion of households in the United States that intended to travel for leisure purposes outside of their local area during that year. This statistic suggests that a significant portion of the population was considering or actively making plans for a vacation despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors such as the desire for a change of scenery, relaxation, exploration, and spending quality time with loved ones likely influenced the decision to travel. Understanding these intentions can provide valuable insights into consumer behavior, travel trends, and the overall economic impact of the tourism industry in the United States.

During the summer of 2019, the average American traveler spent an average of $941 per person on transportation.

The statistic indicating that during the summer of 2019, the average American traveler spent $941 per person on transportation provides valuable insight into consumer behavior and economic activity within the travel industry. This figure signifies the mean amount that individuals allocated towards travel-related transportation expenses, encompassing various modes such as flights, car rentals, public transportation, and fuel costs. By analyzing this average expenditure, researchers and businesses can gauge the financial impact of travel on individuals and the overall economy, aiding in decision-making and strategic planning. Additionally, this statistic may also highlight trends in travel preferences, budget allocation, and economic conditions impacting the transportation sector.

30% of Millennials prefer spending money on experiences like vacations rather than material things.

The statistic that 30% of Millennials prefer spending money on experiences like vacations rather than material things indicates a prevalent trend among this demographic group. Millennials, typically defined as individuals born between 1981 and 1996, are showing a shift in their consumption behavior away from material possessions and towards investing in memorable experiences. This inclination may reflect a desire for personal fulfillment, new adventures, and meaningful connections over the accumulation of physical goods. This preference for experiential spending can have implications for industries such as travel, hospitality, and leisure, as companies seek to cater to the unique preferences of this generation.

In 2018, roughly 45% of Americans used a smartphone to book a vacation.

The statistic that roughly 45% of Americans used a smartphone to book a vacation in 2018 provides insight into the increasing trend of mobile technology usage in the travel industry. This suggests that a significant portion of Americans have adopted smartphone technology as a preferred method for making travel arrangements, indicating a shift towards convenience and accessibility. The statistic also highlights the importance for travel companies and services to optimize their online platforms for mobile users, as a large portion of their customer base is engaging with their services on smartphones. This trend could have implications for marketing strategies, customer engagement, and overall business operations within the travel industry.

The vacation rental market worldwide was valued at approximately 87.61 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.

The statistic that the vacation rental market worldwide was valued at approximately 87.61 billion U.S. dollars in 2019 indicates the total economic worth of the vacation rental industry across the globe during that year. This value represents the combined revenue generated by all vacation rental properties, platforms, and services operating internationally. The sizeable monetary figure underscores the significance and growth of the vacation rental market, reflecting the increasing popularity of this accommodation option among travelers seeking unique and personalized lodging experiences. Such statistics are crucial for investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to understand the market’s magnitude, trends, and potential opportunities for further development and investment in the vacation rental sector.

As of 2019, the leading reason for going on vacation in the U.S. was to visit relatives, cited by 96% of respondents.

The statistic indicates that as of 2019, visiting relatives was the most common reason given by respondents in the U.S. for going on vacation. Specifically, 96% of the survey respondents cited this reason, suggesting that visiting family members was a primary motivation for travel amongst the U.S. population during that time period. This statistic highlights the importance of familial connections and relationships in influencing travel decisions, indicating that for many individuals, spending time with relatives is a significant factor in their vacation planning.

In 2020, Beach vacations were the most popular vacation type in the U.S., making up 31% of all vacations.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2020, beach vacations were the most favored type of vacation among individuals in the United States, comprising 31% of all vacations taken. This suggests that a significant portion of the population chose to spend their vacation time at beach destinations, showcasing a clear preference for coastal getaways. The popularity of beach vacations may stem from various factors such as the appeal of relaxing by the water, engaging in water sports, and enjoying the scenic beauty of coastal locations. Additionally, the allure of the beach as a classic vacation choice that offers opportunities for both relaxation and recreation could have contributed to its high popularity among vacationers in the U.S.

Approximately 42.75 million people visited Las Vegas – a top tourist destination – in 2019.

The statistic indicates that an estimated 42.75 million individuals traveled to Las Vegas in 2019, solidifying its status as a premier tourist destination. This high number of visitors underscores the city’s allure and appeal to travelers from around the world. As a hub for entertainment, nightlife, gambling, and various attractions, Las Vegas continues to attract millions of tourists annually, contributing significantly to its economy and reputation as a must-visit destination. The statistic serves as a quantitative measure of the immense popularity and draw of Las Vegas among domestic and international tourists in the year 2019.

In 2019, approximately 50.1% of people in the U.S. reported making use of online comparison websites to book vacation accommodations.

This statistic indicates that in 2019, about half of the people in the United States utilized online comparison websites to book vacation accommodations. This suggests a significant reliance on online platforms for making travel arrangements, showcasing the growing trend towards digital solutions in the travel industry. The usage of online comparison websites may reflect consumers’ desire for convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness when planning their vacations. Additionally, it highlights the importance of technology and the internet in shaping how individuals engage with and navigate the travel booking process.

As of 2020, 35% of US travelers used Airbnb for accommodation.

The statistic ‘As of 2020, 35% of US travelers used Airbnb for accommodation’ indicates that 35% of travelers in the United States opted to use Airbnb as their accommodation choice in the year 2020. This suggests that Airbnb has gained significant popularity among travelers in the US, potentially due to factors such as cost-effectiveness, unique accommodation options, and flexibility. The statistic highlights the growing trend of travelers choosing alternative lodging options like Airbnb over traditional hotels, showcasing a shift in consumer preferences within the travel industry.

Disney theme parks were the most visited vacation spots globally, with more than 155 million visitors in 2019.

The statistic that Disney theme parks were the most visited vacation spots globally, with over 155 million visitors in 2019, reveals the immense popularity and appeal of these iconic attractions. The impressive number of visitors indicates the widespread global recognition and enduring popularity of Disney’s theme parks as top destinations for leisure and entertainment. This statistic underscores the significant economic impact of the Disney parks on the tourism industry and their ability to consistently attract millions of visitors year after year. Disney’s ability to create magical and immersive experiences for visitors of all ages has solidified its position as one of the premier vacation destinations worldwide.

In 2019, over 45% of US households owned an RV, making road trips a popular vacation option.

The statistic stating that over 45% of US households owned an RV in 2019 signifies that a substantial portion of the population had access to recreational vehicles, highlighting the popularity of road trips as a vacation choice. This data suggests that many individuals and families find value in traveling by RV, enabling them to experience flexibility, convenience, and a sense of adventure during their trips. The high ownership rate points to the widespread appeal of RV travel in the United States, indicating a strong interest in exploring the country’s diverse landscapes and attractions through road trips.

References

0. – https://www.www.statista.com

1. – https://www.finance.yahoo.com

2. – https://www.www.businessinsider.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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