Surge of international travelers coming to Disneyland and other California theme parks

International visitors will soon return to Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood and other California theme parks once the United States lifts a travel ban that has been in place throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The United States will reopen its borders to fully vaccinated international travelers on Nov. 8.

SEE ALSO: Disneyland teases return of beloved Main Street Electrical Parade

International visitors arriving by air to the United States will need to show proof of vaccination and the negative results of a recent COVID-19 test.

The U.S. will accept international travelers who have received the Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson or any COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the World Health Organization. Children under 18 years old and visitors with some medical issues are exempt from the vaccine requirements, but still need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

The reopening of U.S. borders to vaccinated visitors has ignited a surge in travel searches and bookings, according to Visit California, the state’s travel and tourism commission.

British Airways reported a 700% increase in searches for trips to the Los Angeles area following the announcement about the reopening of U.S. borders to international travelers, according to Visit California.

SEE ALSO: Disneyland parking trams returning in early 2022

The return of international travel is expected to be a boon to the major U.S. theme park hubs in Southern California and Central Florida.

“Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort are thrilled to welcome back our international visitors and are excited for them to enjoy their favorite experiences, rides and attractions across our theme park destinations,” a Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson said via email.

The majority of SeaWorld San Diego’s pre-pandemic international visitors came from Mexico and China, according to park officials. SeaWorld expects to see visitors from Mexico return starting Nov. 8 followed by travelers from further away in the spring.

Before the pandemic, international visitors accounted for 12% of all tourism spending in Anaheim and 33% in Orange County, according to Visit California.

“With Orange County welcoming 4.6 million international visitors in 2019, it underscores the economic power of international travel and the role it will play in Anaheim’s economic recovery,” Visit Anaheim Chief Sales Officer Junior Tauvaa said in a statement released by the nonprofit organization. “Home to world-class theme parks and shopping, Anaheim and Orange County will continue to be a strong draw for international visitors.”

International visitors spent $28 billion in California in 2019, according to Visit California. Travelers from abroad spend more, stay longer and travel midweek and during off-peak seasons — making them the state’s most lucrative guests.

SEE ALSO: Disneyland sells out of top-priced Magic Key annual pass

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure were at the top of the bucket list for international travelers in Visit California’s most recent research conducted in September before the U.S. border reopening announcement was made. The percentage of international visitors by country planning to visit Anaheim in the next 12 months: Mexico (52%), China (38%), Canada (26%), France (21%) and United Kingdom (20%).

Pent-up demand for California theme parks was a top reason for international travelers to visit the United States, according to a 2021 Destination Analysts national visitor study.

Theme parks were among the top reasons for Chinese travelers to visit the U.S. — with 37% of Chinese tourists in the Destination Analysts survey saying they planned to visit a theme park during their vacation.

Nearly one-third of Mexican travelers planned to visit a U.S. theme park, according to the Destination Analysts survey. Theme parks were a top reason to visit the U.S. for tourists from the United Kingdom (22%), Canada (12%) and France (10%).

Brazilians topped the Destination Analysts survey with 39% saying they were motivated to visit the U.S. to see theme parks. Most Brazilians tend to head to Walt Disney World, with Brazil tourists among the biggest group of overseas visitors to Orlando, Florida.

SEE ALSO: Disneyland brings back nearly 80% of workforce with full staffing expected by end of year

A recent Global Rescue travel safety survey found that international travelers want outdoor activities in uncrowded and remote spaces and “deal breakers” include overcrowded destinations and mass events.

“Travel concern is significant but is steadily being overwhelmed by people’s desire to travel,” Global Rescue travel crisis expert Dan Richards wrote in a new column. “There is enormous pent-up demand for leisure travel that will take place as soon as countries reduce or remove border restrictions.”