Domestic Leisure Travel: Driving Economic Opportunity Across America

Domestic travel is the foundation of America’s travel economy—and its future. 

• Domestic leisure travel is essential—powered by real people and businesses, from airports and hotels to attractions and transportation providers, all working together to fuel local economies and strengthen communities.

• But when the travel system falters due to outdated or overloaded infrastructure, it disrupts trips, frustrates travelers and slows economic growth.

• With smart policies and targeted investments to modernize infrastructure and improve the travel experience, we can sustain strong domestic demand and keep America moving forward.

In 2024, domestic leisure travel generated $876 billion in spending, supporting jobs in every community and fueling local economies across the country. From small towns to major cities, this spending is a critical pillar of economic vitality. 

But continued demand isn’t guaranteed. To sustain and grow this essential sector, we must improve the travel experience. 

Americans Still Want to Travel 

Despite broader economic concerns, travelers are still hitting the road—and the skies. Surveys show that Americans continue to prioritize travel, even as they adjust budgets to fit evolving financial conditions. 

A Better Travel Experience Will Drive Growth

To unlock future demand, we must modernize how Americans travel. That means reducing friction throughout the journey, investing in air travel infrastructure and making travel more seamless, secure and enjoyable. By focusing on the traveler experience, we can inspire more trips and strengthen the entire U.S. travel economy. 

A Moment of Opportunity 

With America’s 250th anniversary ahead—and a historic mega-decade of events unfolding—the opportunity to drive more domestic travel has never been greater. These milestone moments can inspire Americans to explore new destinations and deepen their connection to the country. But to seize this potential, we must ensure the travel experience lives up to expectations.