From recovery to reinvention
After collapsing in 2020, U.S. tourism has staged a full comeback. Domestic travel volumes in 2025 exceed 2019 levels by 7 percent, while international arrivals remain 5 percent below pre-pandemic norms.
Table 1. Travel and Tourism Metrics
| Metric | 2019 | 2023 | 2025 (f) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Trips (M) | 2,290 | 2,415 | 2,455 |
| International Arrivals (M) | 79 | 70 | 75 |
| Hotel Occupancy (%) | 66 | 63 | 65 |
Sources: U.S. Travel Association, STR.
Table 2. Air Travel and Capacity Indicators
| Year | Available Seat Miles (B) | Load Factor (%) | Avg. Fare ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 950 | 83 | 357 |
| 2023 | 915 | 81 | 405 |
| 2025 | 940 | 82 | 419 |
Sources: BTS, IATA.
Structural change
Business travel remains subdued, but leisure and experiential segments dominate. AI-enhanced personalization in hospitality is raising satisfaction scores while cutting staffing needs.
Action step
Hospitality firms should prioritize data-driven yield management and digital guest experience platforms. Municipalities relying on tourism tax revenues must diversify into year-round attractions to stabilize fiscal exposure.