The U.S. Travel Association has released its “U.S. Group Travel Report: Strength Beneath the Surface,” highlighting a resilient group travel market despite a challenging 2025 operating environment. The report was unveiled ahead of Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), which celebrates the economic and business impact of meetings and events worldwide.
According to the report, U.S. group travel experienced a flat year in 2025. Domestic attendance remained stable, but international visitation from major inbound markets declined.
Government-related meetings also fell sharply after the first quarter. Meanwhile, non-government demand remained strong, with request-for-proposal volumes exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Kevin Hinton, Managing Director of Group Travel, said: “Travel is the industry that makes every other industry possible. Events move ideas. Being together in the same place builds trust. Group travel creates human connections that drive business, strengthen communities, and shape the future.”
The report noted a rebound in activity during the fourth quarter following a slower summer. It identified market volatility as the “new normal,” with planners adjusting strategies accordingly. Despite fluctuations, underlying demand for in-person meetings and events remained strong throughout the year.
Looking ahead to 2026, the report highlights potential growth, supported by improving fundamentals and increasing optimism among planners and business leaders. Small businesses are expected to increase spending on group travel, while 86% of business travelers anticipate more group trips. Additionally, 72% plan to attend at least two meetings, and a majority of executives expect to host more in-person gatherings.
Youth sports travel also emerged as a growing segment, valued at US$40 billion. With 55% of young people participating in organized sports, the sector continues to generate sustained demand for group travel across the United States.
Despite challenges in 2025, planners expressed strong confidence in the value of in-person events, emphasizing their role in fostering collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. The report concludes that demand for group travel remains robust heading into 2026, underlining its importance as a key driver of business and economic activity.
