Home » U.S. Travel News » Connecticut boosts tourism with visa waiver for 40 countries, including Germany, New Zealand, Japan
Saturday, July 13, 2024
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Connecticut is the southernmost US state in New England, bordering Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, and Long Island Sound. The state capital is Hartford, and the largest city is Bridgeport. Located between New York City and Boston, Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, which comes from the Mohegan Pequot word “Quinnetuquet,” meaning “long tidal river.” The state facilitates visa-free entry to countries such as Japan and New Zealand, driving a tourism boom.
Connecticut Tourism
Visitor numbers and economic impact: Connecticut saw a 6.7% increase in tourism, reaching approximately 68 million visitors and $1.173 billion in lodging revenues in 2023. This recovery was driven in large part by investments in public parks and beaches, which contribute $4.6 billion annually to the state’s economy.
Attractions and Events: Connecticut offers a wide variety of activities, from college and winter sports to day trips to Mystic. The state’s cuisine is known for New Haven pizza, hot lobster rolls and steamed cheeseburgers. The recently introduced Connecticut Oyster Trail highlights the state’s oyster farms and promotes local businesses and restaurants that serve Connecticut oysters.
Connecticut Economy: GDP Report
Connecticut’s real gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 is approximately $282.48 billion, up from $276.67 billion the previous year, and this growth reflects the resilience and diversification of the state’s economy.
Transportation: Major airports
Bradley International Airport (BDL): Located in Windsor Locks, Bradley International Airport is Connecticut’s largest airport, expected to serve approximately 6.25 million passengers in 2023. It offers a wide range of services, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and a Foreign Trade Zone to support international trade.
Danbury Municipal Airport: Danbury Municipal Airport is a public general aviation airport located in Fairfield County. Established in 1930, it serves as the region’s emergency airport and provides a safe and efficient aviation environment.
Woodstock Airport: Located in South Woodstock, Woodstock Airport is a small, privately owned general aviation facility. Although the runway conditions are substandard, it serves as a hub for private and recreational flying.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Despite being located in New York, LaGuardia Airport is a major hub for Connecticut travelers, handling more than 32 million passengers in 2023. It has undergone extensive renovations to modernize the facility.
Top Airlines
Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines is a major low-cost airline based in Dallas, Texas, serving 121 destinations. In 2023, it carried approximately 137.28 million passengers.
Delta Air Lines: Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Delta operates approximately 5,000 flights daily to various destinations around the world. Delta is one of the oldest airlines still in operation and is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance.
American Airlines: Based in Fort Worth, Texas, American Airlines is the world’s largest airline by scheduled passenger traffic. It operates approximately 6,800 daily flights to 350 destinations and is a founding member of the oneworld alliance.
Hospitality
Market Recovery: The U.S. commercial real estate hospitality market has recovered from the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Despite challenges such as labor shortages and rising interest rates, the market is showing signs of growth, projected to see RevPAR increase of 4.1% and ADR increase of 3.1% in 2024.
Top Hotels and Resorts:
Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection: Located in Washington, this luxury hotel offers a tranquil setting, a world-class spa, and fine dining featuring seasonal ingredients. Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton: Located in Madison, this beachfront hotel features elegant rooms, a spa, and a restaurant with a focus on locally sourced cuisine, making it a popular wedding and event venue. Winbian Farm: Located in Litchfield Hills, Winbian Farm offers unique cottages, gourmet dining, and outdoor activities for a luxurious and adventurous experience.
List of countries that can visit Connecticut without a visa:
Germany, Belgium, Italy, Andorra, San Marino, Japan, Slovakia, Malta, Finland, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Estonia, Greece, Netherlands, Monaco, Austria, Ireland, Poland, Sweden, Slovenia, Israel, Chile, Singapore, Luxembourg, Denmark, Norway, Liechtenstein, Croatia, Australia, Latvia, Brunei, Spain, Iceland, South Korea, Hungary, Portugal, Lithuania, Switzerland, France
Popular tourist destinations
Hartford: The state capital is home to the Mark Twain House and Museum, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center and the Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art.
New Haven: Home to Yale University, New Haven offers a rich cultural experience with museums and historic sites, including the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History.
Stamford: Stamford is home to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Cove Island Park, and Cummings Park, which offer educational and recreational activities.
Bridgeport: Connecticut’s largest city has a rich industrial history and a diverse culture, and is revitalizing its economy through new business development and cultural events.
Popular Attractions
Mystic Aquarium: Founded in 1973, Mystic Aquarium is known for its marine conservation efforts and offers beluga whale and African penguin exhibits and interactive experiences.
Mark Twain House & Museum: Located in Hartford, this museum preserves the legacy of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) and showcases the home where he wrote many of his best-known works.
Gillette Castle State Park: Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam offers a glimpse into the quirky world of actor William Gillette while enjoying unique architecture and beautiful views of the Connecticut River.
Connecticut is a vibrant state with a rich history, diverse attractions and a strong economy that has something for everyone.
With rich historical roots and a strategic location between major urban centers, Connecticut offers an appealing blend of cultural heritage, economic vitality and natural beauty. Fueled by significant investment in public parks and a developing culinary scene, the tourism sector is booming. The state’s economy continues to grow, as evidenced by a rising GDP and a booming hospitality industry. With first-rate transportation, including a major airport and efficient airlines, Connecticut is easily accessible for travelers.
From the historic streets of Hartford to the scholarly atmosphere of New Haven to the beautiful coastal scenery of Stamford and Bridgeport, Connecticut offers diverse experiences for visitors and residents alike. Attractions such as Mystic Aquarium, Mark Twain House and Gillette Castle add to the appeal. Overall, Connecticut stands out as a dynamic state with a promising future, making it an attractive destination for both tourism and business.
Tags: Australia, Connecticut, Connecticut travel news, Delta Airlines, France, Germany, International Airports, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Southwest Airlines, Tourism News, Travel Industry, Travel News, United States, Visa-Free Travel, Visa News
