We find ourselves in the middle of Spring, a time of new beginnings and opportunities, superblooms and emerging sunshine and blue skies. As the energy of this season kicks in, we contemplate the work we do and the impact that it has. This May, we are focusing on National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), celebrated from May 7-13 in the United States. Established in 1983, NTTW is an annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry and its essential role in “stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day.”
The theme for this year’s NTTW is #TravelForward, which aims to highlight the essential role that travel will play in driving economic growth and innovation. The travel industry fuels every industry, and its success is the nation’s success. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly impacted the travel industry, but as we move forward, it’s essential to recognize that travel serves as a catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries.
The Travel Industry’s Economic Impact
The travel industry has a profound economic impact on the United States. In 2022, the U.S. travel industry generated $2.6 trillion in economic impact. This industry supports a total of 15 million American jobs and is a critical component to the economic vitality of communities in every state.
Domestic leisure travel spending reached $837 billion in 2022. While far above pre-pandemic levels in nominal terms, it has essentially recovered to 2019 levels when adjusted for inflation. This rebound is a testament to the resilience of the travel industry and the important role it plays in our economy.
The Essential Contributions of Travel
The importance of travel to the U.S. economy and society cannot be overstated. Travel spending generated nearly $160 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2022, revenue that helped fund critical public services while saving each U.S. household an average of $1,270 in taxes, according to the U.S. Travel Association, the group behind NTTW.
Travel also helps to cultivate vibrant communities by stimulating business activity and elevating the quality of life for everyday Americans. By visiting new places and experiencing different cultures, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the world and develop a sense of empathy and appreciation for the people they meet. In turn, this fosters mutual respect and understanding, which is critical for building stronger communities.
Celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week
As an agency marketer for tourism destinations, we recognize the important role that travel plays in stimulating economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing the quality of life for Americans. Our purpose as an organization is to create positive impact, contributing to thriving lives and communities and this is a big part of why we do the work we do. This National Travel and Tourism Week, we encourage everyone to join us in celebrating the contributions of the U.S. travel industry.
Whether it’s exploring a new destination or supporting local businesses in your community, travel has the power to bring people together and create meaningful experiences that last a lifetime. Let’s all do our part to move #TravelForward and help fuel America’s economic success.
To discuss your destination’s potential for moving travel forward with our experienced marketing agency, contact Mary today at [email protected].