Travel remains the hardest hit industry, and the recovery is uneven across sectors.

The explosive return of leisure travel has served as a lifeline for the travel industry, but it is not enough. Supporting sustained growth of domestic leisure travel, in addition to an urgent restart of business and international travel, is key to a full economic recovery.  

U.S. Travel led successful advocacy efforts to develop and pass federal measures to aid the travel and tourism industry’s recovery, including funding to enable the resumption of marketing and promotion to leisure travelers.

  • Read more on U.S. Travel’s efforts to aid the travel industry’s recovery throughout the COVID-19 pandemic

Our view: Domestic leisure travel has recovered to 2019 levels, however, had the pandemic not occurred the economic benefits of domestic leisure travel would be much higher.

The data shows: In 2024, travel spending across all segments will still significantly lag pre-pandemic forecasts and according to the most recent projections domestic leisure travel spending will still be 13% below pre-pandemic forecasts.

The bottom line: The travel industry’s full economic recovery should be measured by when travel spending and jobs reach the same levels we would have achieved if the pandemic had not occurred. 


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RECOMMENDATIONS

By June 1, develop benchmarks and timelines for a pathway to the new normal that repeals pandemic-focused travel restrictions.

Send a clear message to the American public and the world that it is safe to travel again, particularly for vaccinated individuals.

Pass the Omnibus Travel and Tourism Act of 2021, which would elevate travel policymaking across the government.

KEY RESOURCE LINKS


CONTACT US

U.S. Travel

For more information about this Issue, please contact us at:

202.408.8422

@ustravel


Research, News and Commentary on Maintain Robust Growth in Leisure Travel Demand

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The Latest Travel Data
OUTLOOK & MONTHLY STATISTICS

The Latest Travel Data

December 01, 2022

Monthly member-exclusive summary of the latest economic, consumer and travel indicators, trends and analysis featuring key highlights from the Recovery and Growth Insights Dashboard.
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WEBINARS
Tourism Economics’ Adam Sacks highlighted that though the U.S. is likely headed towards a mild recession in 2023, travel is uniquely positioned for this downturn and expected to prevail largely...
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FORECAST

Travel Forecast

November 29, 2022

The latest forecast projects that domestic leisure travel, which has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, will remain resilient while domestic business travel will continue its slow but steady recovery. International inbound travel will remain sluggish as it continues to face headwinds, with a full recovery not expected prior to 2025.
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