Chris Thompson, president & CEO of Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization and premier sponsor of U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2024, delivered his final press conference after over a decade of service. As the U.S. international inbound travel industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, Brand USA is poised to further elevate the United States’ position as a premier travel destination.
“There is a clear resurgence in travel enthusiasm with the United States continuing to lead the world in long-haul travel arrivals,” said Thompson. “And while retiring is bittersweet for me personally, the industry is strong, and Brand USA is well positioned which gives me the confidence to step aside.”
Last year, the country welcomed nearly 67 million visitors who spent $213 billion on travel and tourism-related activities within the United States—representing a 28 percent increase over the prior year. Inbound visitation from India has already…