Tourism Jobs in the US: 15.8 Million Supported in 2019

According to the U.S. Travel Association, the travel and tourism industry supported 15.8 million jobs in the United States in 2019 (pre-pandemic peak). This represents 1 in 10 American jobs, spanning:

• Direct Tourism Employment: Hotels, restaurants, airlines, attractions, travel agencies, tour operators, convention centers.
• Indirect/Induced Jobs: Food suppliers, linen services, advertising, construction, financial services, government tourism offices.

The sector generated $2.6 trillion in economic output and $180 billion in tax revenue (federal, state, local). Leisure travel accounted for ~80% of spending; business travel, ~20%. Post-COVID recovery has been strong: by 2023, direct employment neared 2019 levels, though business travel and international inbound lagged. Tourism remains a critical, labor-intensive engine of the U.S. economy, with outsized impact on entry-level, flexible, and minority employment.