Tourism Economics, a company that specializes in travel data and forecasts, has provided Travel Oregon with data on international visitor volume and spending since 2016. This new report aims to provide details on the interests and behaviors of international tourists from key markets during 2023, visitation and spend recovery post-COVID, as well as provide forecast data through 2028.
Key findings are summarized as follows:
- International travel spending in the US has continued to recover post-Covid. Adjusted for inflation, spending was still 24% below its 2019 level during 2023 but is expected to recover above its 2019 level in 2025.
- Oregon experienced strong gains in international inbound activity during 2023, outpacing US growth as international visits to Oregon grew 41% and spending grew 48% percent year over year.
- Canada accounted for 34% of international visitor spending in Oregon in 2023, making it the most important inbound market in the near term.
- Asia Pacific markets have been slower to recover, but over time, Asia Pacific is on track to be the most important origin market for Oregon by 2028 in terms of spending.
- Growth in inbound activity in 2024 is anticipated to be strong, with the year representing almost full recovery in visits to Oregon (total international 4% below 2019, overseas 2% below 2019). Total international visitor spending in Oregon is expected to increase 21% year over year.
For more information on international visitation to Oregon, see the 2020 report.