U.S. Travelers experience 25% surge in trip expenditure from 2019 to 2023

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Arival, the leading research authority in the tours, activities, and experiences sector, has unveiled its 2024 Experiences Traveler Outlook report today. The report discloses a noteworthy trend, indicating that U.S. travelers in 2023 are now allocating 25% more expenditure per trip compared to the figures from 2019, with an average spending of nearly $4,000 per trip.

Concurrently, the data reveals a reduction in the frequency of trips among U.S. travelers in 2023 compared to 2019. Specifically, individuals categorized as frequent travelers, those embarking on a minimum of four leisure trips annually, constitute only 28% of the traveler demographic in 2023, as opposed to the 40% reported in 2019.

Douglas Quinby, co-founder and CEO of Arival, commented on this shift in travel behavior, stating, “While the number of trips taken by U.S. travelers may have decreased, they are optimizing their travel experiences by spending more quality time with family and friends. Furthermore, there is a notable increase in bookings for tours, activities, attractions, and various travel experiences.” Quinby highlighted that travelers engaged in nearly double the number of tours per trip in 2023 compared to 2019, indicating a growing preference for experiential activities.

The report also underscores the resurgence of long-haul international travel, with trips to Europe experiencing significant growth in 2023. Fourteen percent of U.S. travelers reported visiting Europe in 2023, compared to a mere 10% in 2021. Conversely, domestic travel, which saw a surge during the pandemic, exhibited a decline, with only 59% opting for a U.S. vacation in 2023, as opposed to 70% in 2021.

Based on a comprehensive online survey conducted in the fall of 2023, involving 1,000 qualifying U.S. active travelers, the report delves into the behavioral patterns, preferences, attitudes, and intentions of travelers regarding various experiences, including day tours, activities, attractions, and events.

Anticipating a continued increase in trips to Europe from the U.S. in 2024, the upcoming Arival 360 event in Berlin is poised to explore U.S. traveler habits as a focal point. The event, scheduled for March, is expected to attract hundreds of delegates keen on discussing the paramount themes, topics, and trends shaping the global experiences industry in 2024.

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