Global Travel Grows, but U.S. Drags Down Momentum

Even with Americans eager to visit Europe this summer, weak consumer confidence and currency headwinds at home are weighing down the broader recovery.

Global travel showed modest growth in April, but the gains masked weakness in North America. According to the latest Skift Travel Health Index, global travel activity rose 1% from March, while North America slumped 5%, dragged down by weaker U.S. consumer sentiment and reduced travel spending.

The declines in North America contrasted with steady or rising performance elsewhere: Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa all posted gains, while Europe held steady. The weakening U.S. economy, combined with political uncertainty ahead of the November election, has led to what some analy