Business and Group Travel: A Catalyst for Growth, Jobs and Innovation Across America It’s time to get back to business Image Business travel, meetings and events fuel our economy by generating billions in revenue, creating jobs and sparking the innovations that drive growth. Business and group travel are powerful economic engines—driving revenue, creating jobs and forging connections that fuel innovation and growth. When business meetings, conventions, trade shows and other major events come to town, they bring high-impact visitor spending—filling hotels, restaurants, shops and energizing local economies in communities nationwide. Why it matters: Business travelers typically represent just 20% of total travel volume, but they account for up to 60% of lodging and air revenue, making them essential to America’s travel economy. In 2024, business travel generated $312 billion in spending, an 85% recovery from 2019 levels. Transient business travel—individual, work-related trips—reached $186 billion in 2024 (87% of 2019 levels), though growth has slowed as companies maintain cost constraints. Group travel—conventions, trade shows and team events—generated $126 billion in 2024, recovering to 82% of 2019 levels and projected to grow faster than transient travel through 2025 as the desire for face-to-face interactions grows. But barriers remain. While companies continue to watch costs, logistical friction—like travel delays, outdated infrastructure and visa processing issues—is becoming a more prominent drag on business travel. Bottom line: Business and group travel lead to stronger relationships, better collaboration and real results. There’s no substitute for face-to-face interactions—and a seamless, efficient travel experience is key to inspiring more business travel and unlocking its full potential to power growth. See how we can improve the travel experience to drive more business travel. SHOW LESS SHOW MORE RECOMMENDATIONS Nominate and confirm the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel & Tourism Establish a formal and permanent process to efficiently provide visitor visas for attendees of large international events held in the U.S. KEY RESOURCES FACT SHEET | The Economic Impact of In-Person Meetings FACT SHEET | The Business Value of In-Person Meetings KEY RESOURCE LINKS Meetings Mean Business Coalition Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) The Latest Travel Data CONTACT US U.S. Travel Association For more information about this Issue, please contact us at: 202.408.8422 @ustravel Getting Back to Business The Mid-Point to 2019 Levels Follow US Travel on Facebook Follow US Travel on Twitter Full Report ›
PRESS RELEASE August 06, 2024 ICYMI: U.S. Travel’s Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel Makes Capital Area Airport Field Visits, Advances Work to Modernize Travel Process Image Last week, over the course of two days, U.S. Travel Association’s Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel convened to advance their work to innovate the travel process and determine how the United...
THE ITINERARY June 17, 2024 U.S. Travel's Commission on Seamless & Secure Travel Visits London Image Last week, the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel and leaders from U.S. Travel headed to London for an international field visit. The London visit was a critical opportunity for the Commission...
THE ITINERARY May 07, 2024 New Economic Forecast Highlights Growth of International Visits to U.S. Image Right in time for IPW, the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) shared updated forecasts that affirm the resurgence of international visits to the United States. According to NTTO, there were 66...
THE ITINERARY May 06, 2024 Highlights from the Weekend at U.S. Travel’s IPW 2024 Image Delegates have already experienced a multitude of productive business meetings, invaluable networking opportunities, destination experiences and a lineup of over-the-top evening events. Here are some...