The U.S. Travel & Tourism sector is entering 2025 as one of the world’s strongest examples of how economic expansion, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion can progress together. According to the latest environmental and social industry assessments, the United States has successfully combined steady GDP gains with meaningful carbon reductions and inclusive employment strategies, setting a new global model for responsible tourism development.
Economic Strength Paired with Environmental Commitment
From 2019 to 2024, the U.S. Travel & Tourism industry demonstrated impressive resilience in a changing global economy. The sector recorded an average annual GDP growth rate of 1.8%, reflecting healthy demand, strong traveler confidence, and the industry’s ability to adapt to shifting market dynamics. This growth occurred even as the sector made significant strides in lowering its environmental impact.
Over the same period, greenhouse gas emissions declined by an average of 1.7% each year—marking clear progress toward reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. A key indicator of this improvement is emissions intensity. In 2019, the sector emitted 0.38 kilograms of CO₂ equivalent for every U.S. dollar of tourism-related GDP. By 2024, that number had dropped to 0.32, reflecting more efficient operations, wider adoption of clean energy, and improved sustainability practices across tourism businesses.
The sector’s use of low-carbon energy also increased. By 2024, 5.2% of the industry’s total energy consumption came from low-carbon sources, up from 5.1% the previous year and significantly higher than the 4.1% recorded in 2019. This shift demonstrates a steady commitment to energy transition strategies and environmentally conscious tourism development.
Transportation Remains a Key Challenge in Emissions Reduction
Despite strong progress overall, transportation remains the most significant obstacle to achieving long-term emissions goals. Travel-related transportation—including air, road, and rail—accounts for 54% of tourism sector emissions in the United States, compared with a global average of around 40%. Utilities represent another 14%, underscoring the combined impact of mobility and energy consumption in tourism.
One of the most promising solutions is the increased adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). U.S. airlines are investing heavily in SAF development, securing multi-year agreements, and expanding production capacity. Although supply constraints and technological barriers remain, SAF is widely recognized as an essential tool for reducing aviation emissions.
Alongside SAF initiatives, the industry is also improving energy efficiency across transport services, optimizing travel routes, enhancing fleet performance, and integrating low-emission mobility technologies. These collective efforts signal the country’s determination to decarbonize one of tourism’s most challenging sectors.
A Sector Advancing Social Inclusion Through Employment
Beyond environmental progress, the U.S. Travel & Tourism sector is making substantial contributions to social equity and workforce inclusion. Women and young workers continue to gain opportunities across the industry, reflecting expanding efforts to cultivate a more equitable labor environment.
In 2024, women held 9.5 million jobs within travel and tourism, representing a 170,000 increase from the previous year. Women now make up 47.4% of direct employment in the sector—highlighting ongoing initiatives to promote gender balance, leadership opportunities, and inclusive hiring practices.
Youth employment has also strengthened. Workers aged 15 to 24 increased from 3.5 million in 2023 to 3.54 million in 2024, now representing 23.7% of direct sector employment. This share is substantially higher than the regional average for the Americas and nearly double the overall youth workforce share in the wider U.S. economy. These figures underscore travel and tourism’s role as a vital entry point for young job seekers and a crucial training ground for future professionals.
By expanding opportunities for women and youth, the industry supports broader national goals related to social mobility, community empowerment, and equitable economic development.
A Model for Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Growth
The performance of the U.S. Travel & Tourism sector demonstrates that economic advancement and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. By generating GDP growth while simultaneously reducing emissions, the industry is setting an example for how tourism can evolve into a cleaner, more efficient, and socially responsible engine of national prosperity.
Investments in renewable energy, operational efficiency, inclusive hiring, and technological innovation are positioning the sector for long-term global competitiveness. Sustainable tourism initiatives—ranging from carbon reduction to community-based workforce development—are shaping a modern tourism model that prioritizes both economic value and environmental stewardship.
A Future Built on Sustainability, Innovation, and Inclusion
Looking ahead, the U.S. Travel & Tourism industry is poised to build on its achievements and establish new international benchmarks for sustainability. With a stronger commitment to clean energy, renewed efforts to decarbonize transportation, and growing investment in workforce development, the sector is preparing for a future where environmental protection and economic resilience move forward together.
The industry’s progress reinforces a powerful message: tourism can thrive while honoring climate goals, supporting communities, and creating equitable opportunities. Through innovation, responsible leadership, and strategic investment, the United States is shaping a tourism landscape that inspires global destinations seeking sustainable and inclusive growth.
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