A new survey of over 1,200 international visitors has revealed positive associations with their experiences in the United States. The survey, conducted for the U.S. Travel Association by polling firm YouGov, noted that 91% of international visitors were satisfied with their recent trip to the U.S., with 83% of respondents stating that they felt welcome during their visit, 61% noting that their trip left them with a more favorable opinion on the U.S. and 56% responding that traveling in the U.S. improved their perception of safety in America. 48% of respondents noted that their visit made them more supportive regarding U.S. government policies focused on safety. Additionally, 78% of respondents noted that they had shopped at a small business during their trip, with those shopping small businesses showing higher levels of satisfaction with their time in America.
“We’re in a moment when confidence and perception are shaping traveler decisions,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Travel is our greatest public diplomacy tool. Every international visitor who has a positive experience becomes America’s greatest ambassador.”
