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GBTA Research
Business Travel Within the U.S. Drives Over $623 Billion in Economic Impact as Spending Reaches $538 Billion, According to New GBTA Study
Business travel within and to the U.S. continues to be a major engine powering the nation’s economy and growth, generating $623.8 billion in total gross domestic product (GDP) as related travel spending reached $538.5 billion, according to a new study released yesterday by GBTA.
Based on comprehensive 2024 data analysis, the report reveals the far-reaching impact of business travel across industries, employment, public finances and regional economies across all 50 states, including accounting for 2.1% of the entire U.S. economy (GDP), $148.6 billion in U.S. tax revenue and supporting 6.7 million jobs nationwide.
“Business travel delivers value that reaches well beyond companies and travelers ─ it’s also about direct economic impact in communities across the country,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA. “The data shows how deeply business travel is connected to U.S. economic resilience, growth and competitiveness.”
Additional study highlights include:
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Each dollar invested in business travel generated $1.16 in GDP.
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Meetings, conventions and events drove $217.8 billion in U.S. spending, highlighting the expanding role of in-person group meetings.
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The top five states for spending are California, New York, Florida, Texas and Illinois, and the top 10 account for over half (57%) of total spending.
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Nearly 488 million business trips were taken across the U.S. in 2024.
Neufang added, “While 2024 marked a strong year for business travel and its economic impact, 2025 and 2026 have presented new and complex challenges. Delivering economic and industry insights is central to GBTA’s mission, and we will continue to monitor these shifts and report on how evolving dynamics are affecting the business travel industry.”
Impact study findings will also be shared with U.S. policymakers on Capitol Hill during the GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit, June 9-11, in Washington, D.C.
Read the full announcement and download the study here.
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