U.S. Travel Forecast Factors to Regular Progress Forward

U.S. journey spending will hit a document $1.37 trillion in 2026 and climb to $1.42 trillion in 2027, in keeping with the most recent U.S. Travel Forecast. Proof that Americans are persevering with to prioritize journey at the same time as inflation, financial uncertainty and world instability weigh on family budgets.

The forecast, powered by modeling from Tourism Economics, tasks regular, domestic-led development for the journey trade in 2026 and past, with whole spending rising 3.4% in 2027 (inflation-adjusted).

“Travel continues to be one of the most resilient and essential sectors of the U.S. economy,” stated Joshua Friedlander, Vice President, Research, U.S. Travel Association. “Even with inflation and broader economic pressures, Americans are continuing to invest in experiences, reunions and business connections that happen through travel.”

Domestic journey stays the spine of the trade, accounting for 87% of all journey spending. Domestic leisure is the one main journey section to exceed pre-pandemic spending in actual phrases, with spending projected at $909 billion in 2026.

International inbound journey, which declined in 2025, is predicted to renew development in 2026. Visitor spending from worldwide vacationers is projected to rise 1.6% to $178 billion, and worldwide visitation is forecast to extend 3.4% to 70.6 million, although full restoration to 2019 ranges shouldn’t be anticipated till 2029.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted throughout U.S. cities, represents a key alternative to speed up that restoration. At the identical time, inbound journey’s sluggish rebound is widening the U.S. journey commerce deficit, which reached $72 billion in 2025 as outbound journey outpaces worldwide visitation.

Business journey spending is forecast to develop modestly, rising 0.8% to $319 billion in 2026, as corporations maintain journey budgets regular whereas persevering with to prioritize in-person conferences and occasions.

The forecast additionally flags draw back dangers: persistent inflation and vitality costs, geopolitical battle, softening client confidence and boundaries going through worldwide guests, together with lengthy visa wait occasions and world perceptions of the United States.

See the complete forecast replace.

The Spring 2026 replace extends the journey forecast outlook via 2030 and presents knowledge in 2025 inflation-adjusted {dollars} utilizing Tourism Economics’ forecasting mannequin.