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5 Fastest-Growing International Destinations for U.S. Travelers

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. November 7, 2019 — Egypt is once again the fastest-growing international destination for U.S. travelers, but reports show new destinations are on the rise, according to travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth.

 

Squaremouth reveals new travel trends for the top 5 fastest-growing international destinations.

 

5 Fastest-Growing International Destinations for U.S. Travelers 

 

  • Egypt remains the fastest-growing international destination for the second year in a row with an 84% increase in travelers this year.

 

  • Puerto Rico secures a top 5 spot with a 42% increase, just two years after the impact of Hurricane Maria.

 

  • Portugal returns to the top 5 list after experiencing slow growth in 2018.

 

  • U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Portugal, and Panama have surpassed Morocco, Tanzania, and Colombia as top 5 fastest-growing tourist destinations over last year.
    Country Year Over Year Increase
    Egypt + 83.54%
    U.S. Virgin Islands + 44.30%
    Puerto Rico + 42.13%
    Portugal + 40.17%
    Panama + 32.99

 

Average Trip Cost Increases Slightly

 

  • Trip cost increased less than 2% on average for the top 5 destinations.

 

  • Travelers heading to Egypt saw the highest increase and spent the most on their trips, with an average cost of $5,145.

 

  • Travelers going to Panama spent the least at $3,023.

 

Country Average Trip Cost Year Over Year Change
Egypt $5,145 + 12.67%
U.S. Virgin Islands $3,744 – 7.04%
Puerto Rico $3,086 + 3.63%
Portugal $3,908 + 8.23%
Panama $3,023 – 8.62%

All Generations Enjoy Top Destinations

 

  • Millennial travel saw the highest increase in tourism to Panama, more than doubling over last year.

 

  • Egypt saw the highest increases from Gen Z, Baby Boomer, and Silent Generation travelers.

 

Country Gen Z Millennial Gen X Baby Boomer Silent Generation
Egypt + 149% + 62% + 64% + 99% + 100%
U.S. Virgin Islands + 26% + 37% + 38% + 40% + 59%
Puerto Rico + 51% + 51% + 51% + 33% + 16%
Portugal + 31% + 30% + 39% + 45% + 47%
Panama + 97% + 104% + 41% + 29% + 29%

Surprising Decrease for Popular Destinations

 

  • Iceland grew significantly in popularity in 2017 and 2018, however the closure of low cost carrier WOW Airline in March 2019 may have contributed to a 13.28% decline this past year.

 

  • Russia and China also saw a slowdown in growth, decreasing by 4.74% and 4.40% respectively.
Country Year Over Year Decrease
Iceland – 13.28%
Russian Federation – 4.74%
China – 4.40%

 

About Squaremouth

 

Squaremouth compares travel insurance policies from every major travel insurance provider in the United States. Using Squaremouth’s comparison engine and third-party customer reviews, travelers can research and compare travel insurance policies side-by-side. More information can be found at www.squaremouth.com.

Santiago Alvarado

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