Hundreds of travel organizations and businesses across the U.S. will celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) this week with live and in-person events, spotlighting the critical role that travel plays in driving economic growth and recovery through the theme Future of Travel.

This year’s theme elevates travel’s bright future and how the industry can restore the workforce, help communities accelerate economic recovery, foster sustainability, usher in new innovations and reconnect travelers of all backgrounds.

Follow NTTW rallies and events throughout the week on social media using the hashtags #NTTW22 and #FutureOfTravel.

Recognized annually the first full week in May, NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 39th annual NTTW (May 1-7) arrives as the industry looks ahead to future growth and success following the challenges of the past two years.

“The hundreds of live events our industry has planned during NTTW is proof that the future of travel is not behind a screen, but together and in person,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “After two years of mostly virtual meetings, it is encouraging to see travel organizations across America return to in-person rallies and spotlight the collective strength of our industry and where we are headed.”

“Before the pandemic, travel generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S.—evidence of the outsized role the industry will play in driving America’s recovery and future economic growth,” Dow added. 

Dow will join Destination DC President and CEO Elliott Ferguson, Brand USA President and CEO Chris Thompson and Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, DC, for an NTTW travel rally at Northeast DC’s Union Market Hi-Lawn on Wednesday, May 4, at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Please visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.