U.S. citizens’ travel to international destinations rises 1 percent

International outbound travel by U.S. citizens was up 1 percent in 2013.

According to the National Travel & Tourism Office, annual departures totaled 61.6 million travelers.

In 2013, U.S. travel to overseas markets totaled 29 million, up 2 percent for the year. The highest increases went to the Middle East and Oceania, each with 5 percent upticks compared to 2012 to 1.6 million travelers and 572,000 travelers, respectively. Travel to Africa decreased 5 percent to 352,000 people.

U.S. travel to North American markets totaled 32.6 million, up 1 percent compared to 2012. Mexico saw the most U.S. citizens in 2013, with 20.5 million travelers, up 1 percent from 2012. Canada had 12 million travelers visit, also up 1 percent.

U.S. travel to overseas locations again accounted for 47 percent of total U.S. outbound travel. Of overseas locations, Europe held the largest share of the market, with 19 percent. Next in line was the Caribbean, with an 11 percent share, followed by Asia, which has a 7 percent share.

North American markets received 53 percent of all U.S. international outbound travel. Mexico has a 33 percent share and Canada’s share is 20 percent.