U.S. cultural destinations help grow the U.S. economy by attracting foreign visitor spending.  In 2015, 29 percent of overseas visitors went to an art gallery or museum, while 16 percent attended a concert, play or musical during their visit, per the International Trade Commission in the Department of Commerce.  Arts destinations help grow the economy by attracting foreign visitor spending—effectively making the arts an export industry.

Cultural travelers—both domestic and international—are ideal tourists.  They spend more money and stay at their destinations longer.