BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS, May 5, 2025 — National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) shines a spotlight on the U.S. travel industry's essential role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing the nation's global competitiveness.
"Travel is one of our nation's most powerful economic engines—supporting millions of jobs, fueling businesses and propelling industries forward," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. "National Travel and Tourism Week reinforces the pivotal role travel plays in building a stronger, more prosperous America."
Since 1983, NTTW has underscored the travel industry's contribution to U.S. economic strength, community vitality and quality of life. In 2024, the travel industry generated $2.9 trillion in economic output, supported more than 15 million jobs and produced $190 billion in tax revenue—equivalent to $1,490 per household.
In Bentonville, the travel industry continues to show remarkable growth, with Bentonville Advertising & Promotion tax collections surpassing $4 million in 2024. Hotel collections demonstrated particularly strong performance with a 13% increase, while restaurant collections rose by 12%. Tourism is now a $9.9 billion industry in Arkansas, with Bentonville making significant contributions to this economic impact by supporting local businesses and fostering long-term growth.
Visit Bentonville is recognizing travel's impact through strategic investments in community amenities that enhance both visitor experiences and resident quality of life. In 2024, the organization invested $600,000 for Phillips Park development and $5,000 for public art projects.
"Travel drives economic opportunity and strengthens our community," said Kalene Griffith, president and CEO of Visit Bentonville. "This National Travel and Tourism Week, we celebrate travel's undeniable impact and reaffirm its importance in shaping our local economy and quality of life. From our earliest investments of Lawrence Plaza to our most recent contributions to Phillips Park and the Bentonville Public Library, we continue to reinvest tourism tax revenue into experiences that make Bentonville even better for residents and visitors alike."
Bentonville's growing reputation as a premier destination is evident in recent accolades, including recognition as an epicenter of the biking world in the New York Times and named one of "The 50 Best Adventures in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada” by Outside Magazine.
Visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.
