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Travel Forward: Why National Travel & Tourism Week Matters More Than Ever

If you’ve ever checked into a cozy hotel after a long drive, explored a charming downtown with a cup of local coffee in hand, or snapped sunset photos from your weekend getaway-congrats. You’ve supported one of the most powerful industries in the country.

This week, we’re celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW)-an annual tribute to the impact of travel in our lives, our communities, and our economy. And yes, it’s a pretty big deal.

So, What is National Travel and Tourism Week?

Founded in 1983 by the U.S. Travel Association, NTTW shines a spotlight on travel as a driver of innovation, jobs, and growth across the country. It’s about more than just suitcases and sightseeing—it’s about:

  • $2.9 trillion in total economic impact
  • 15 million American jobs supported
  • $190 billion in tax revenue generated
    (Source: U.S. Travel Association, 2025)

And this year’s theme, “Travel Forward,” urges us to keep moving—toward smarter travel, stronger communities, and a more connected world.

A Look at the Numbers: Why Travel Is Vital

Travel fuels everything from small businesses to school budgets. In 2024 alone:

  • Leisure travel accounted for $1 trillion in spending.
  • Business travel brought in over $300 billion.
  • Travel-generated taxes saved the average U.S. household $1,490.

And with massive global events on the horizon (hello, World Cup and Olympics!), the U.S. travel system is gearing up for 40 million+ international visitors—a $100 billion opportunity.

But to keep this momentum, we must invest in infrastructure, shorten visa wait times, and ensure a seamless guest experience from touchdown to checkout

What This Means in Minnesota (and Beyond)

Here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, travel and tourism are a major part of our identity. Thanks to Explore Minnesota and hardworking CVBs across the state, our local towns and cities get to show off the best of what they have to offer—unique experiences, local flavor, and that unmistakable Midwestern charm.

From promoting hidden gems like the Mississippi River Trail to launching seasonal travel guides and campaigns, Explore Minnesota is making sure our state stays on the map—and on everyone’s travel bucket list.

Local CVBs (Convention & Visitors Bureaus) are also rolling up their sleeves this week to:

  • Host community events
  • Share stories from local business owners and hotel staff
  • Partner with hospitality teams (like ours!) to spotlight the real heroes of tourism

Why It Matters at TPI Hospitality

At TPI, we’re proud to be part of this bigger picture. Our hotels aren’t just places to stay—they’re starting points for adventures, reunions, business wins, and unexpected detours that turn into lifelong memories.

Whether it’s our GMs welcoming a returning guest by name or our housekeeping teams prepping a room for someone’s first vacation in years, we know that every little detail matters in making travel feel effortless, exciting, and personal.

How You Can Join the Celebration

  • Travel locally-even a weekend nearby helps boost local economies.
  • Share your favorite memory-tag us and use #TPITourismWeek.
  • Thank a hospitality hero-a kind word to a front desk agent goes a long way.
  • Plan your next trip-because the best adventures are the ones still ahead.

So here’s to moving forward. To new places, new stories, and new reasons to travel.

From all of us at TPI Hospitality-Happy National Travel and Tourism Week