GBTA U.S. Economic Impact Study
Business Travel’s Impact on Jobs and the U.S. Economy
Published: June 2026
Overview
Business travel remains a major driver of economic growth across the United States.
New research from GBTA, conducted by Rockport Analytics, reveals that business travel generated $623.8 billion for total U.S. GDP and supported 6.7 million American jobs in 2024. The industry also contributed $148.6 billion in tax revenue and accounted for 2.1% of total U.S. GDP, underscoring the far-reaching impact of business travel on communities, businesses, and public services nationwide.
The study examines the economic contribution of business travel nationally, regionally, and across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Key findings from the research include:
- $538.5 billion in business travel spending in 2024
- $623.8 billion generated in total U.S. GDP
- 6.7 million jobs supported by business travel activity
- $366.4 billion in wages supported across the U.S. economy
- $148.6 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue generated
- 487.8 million business trips taken in the United States during 2024
- 1 in every 24 U.S. jobs is linked to business travel activity
- Every $1 invested in business travel generated $1.16 in new economic output
Download the Research
National Report
Access the complete study examining the economic impact of business travel across the United States.
Explore the Data by Region
Access regional reports highlighting business travel’s impact on jobs, GDP, wages, tax revenue, and spending across the United States.
Why It Matters
Business travel creates economic activity far beyond transportation and lodging. Spending supports local businesses, supply chains, workers, and government services in communities across the country.
The study finds that a 1% increase in business travel spending would generate an additional 66,800 jobs, $6.2 billion in GDP, $3.7 billion in wages, and $1.4 billion in tax revenue.
Methodology
The study was conducted by Rockport Analytics and analyzes the full economic contribution of business travel in 2024, including direct, indirect, and induced impacts on GDP, employment, wages, and tax revenue. Findings are based on the most recent full year of available data and include national, regional, and state-level analysis.
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About GBTA Research
Throughout its 50+ year history, GBTA has been at the forefront of bringing to light key trends and topics shaping the industry, enabling business travel professionals to access timely context, validate their thinking, and confidently move ahead.
From comprehensive reports and forecasts to issues-focused polls, education sessions, webinars, podcasts, and more, our research team is focused on serving GBTA members and the industry at large with answering pressing questions and generating a-ha! moments.
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