National Travel & Tourism Week, (NTTW) the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, spotlights the essential role that travel plays in driving economic growth and innovation through the theme #TravelForward.

“The travel industry fuels every industry—our industry’s success is the nation’s success,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “This week is a prime opportunity to elevate the message that travel is essential to moving America’s economy forward.”

Established in 1983, NTTW is an annual tradition to mark the U.S. travel industry’s role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, stimulating business activity and elevating the quality of life for everyday Americans.

Travel serves as a catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries. The U.S. travel industry generated a $2.6 trillion economic output in 2022 and supported 15 million jobs, fueling communities, small businesses and working families across the country.

Travel spending also generated nearly $160 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2022—revenue that helped fund critical public services while saving each U.S. household an average of $1,270 in taxes.

In Maryland's Wicomico County, the travel industry generates an estimated $57 million in direct economic impact each year. Maryland's Wicomico County is recognizing NTTW by offering snacks, drinks and take-home activities at it's Welcome Center May 7-13.

Visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel & Tourism Week.