U.S. Destinations Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week
By Jonathan Trager
Destinations across the United States marked National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) with airport celebrations, community events, economic reports, and public campaigns highlighting the travel industry’s role in local economies and job creation.
The annual observance, organized by the U.S. Travel Association, ran from May 3 through May 9 this year under the theme “Postmarked: Essential.” The association says the week is intended to recognize travel’s contribution to economic growth, workforce development, and community vitality.
“Travel is not optional—it is fundamental to America’s economy, workforce and way of life,” the association said in promotional materials for the 2026 campaign.
Tourism organizations and state officials across the country have used the week to spotlight visitor spending and prepare for major international events expected to boost travel to the United States in the coming years.
In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers and the state Department of Tourism launched a statewide promotional tour celebrating what officials described as a record-breaking tourism economy.
“Tourism is a powerhouse of economic development and prosperity in our state,” Evers said.
In Las Vegas, the Las Vegas CVA partnered with Harry Reid International Airport to greet arriving travelers with showgirls, giveaways, and photo opportunities in baggage claim areas and rideshare pickup zones. Officials said the airport activation was intended to thank visitors and showcase the city’s hospitality industry at the start of the busy summer travel season.
Visit Orlando announced that the Florida destination welcomed 76.7 million visitors in 2025, a 1.8% increase over 2024 and the highest visitation total in the destination’s history. The group meetings segment also showed strong momentum, increasing 3.1% year over year to reach 5.8 million visitors.
“Orlando’s continued growth in the group meetings segment is a testament to our community’s unwavering commitment to being the premier destination for corporate, association and incentive meetings and events,” said Casandra Matej, President & CEO of Visit Orlando. “With major infrastructure enhancement projects underway at the Orange County Convention Center and Orlando International Airport, Orlando is well-positioned to continue leading as the top choice of meeting planners today and in the years ahead.”
Destination DC announced records for the third consecutive year, with more than 27.2 million people visiting the nation’s capital in 2025— modestly surpassing the previous year’s record by 20,000 visitors—as well as a record $11.9 billion in visitor spending.
“The fact that Washington, D.C., saw record economic impact for the third straight year, especially in a challenging global environment, speaks to both the enduring appeal of our destination and efficacy of our sales and marketing,” said Elliott L. Ferguson II, President & CEO of Destination DC.
In Jacksonville, Florida, tourism officials organized a weeklong schedule of networking events, community gatherings and educational programs tied to the national observance.
Meanwhile, destinations along the Alabama Gulf Coast used the week to highlight tourism’s influence on employment and public funding. Local officials said visitor activity supports hotels, restaurants, charter operators, and infrastructure projects throughout the region.
The weeklong campaign came as U.S. destinations are preparing for a surge in international attention tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
“The World Cup is weeks away. America’s 250th birthday is right behind it,” said Geoff Freeman, President & CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Tens of millions of visitors are coming, and the travel industry is what makes that possible.”