Destinations International and Longwoods International Unveil 2024 Study on American Perspectives on Tourism Growth and Impact

Friday, February 7, 2025

Destinations International (DI), the world’s leading association representing destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), has partnered with Longwoods International, a renowned travel and tourism market research consultancy, to release the United States Industry Brief: 2024 National Resident Sentiment. This annual report provides an in-depth analysis of how U.S. residents perceive tourism, including its advantages and challenges, such as overcrowding and rising living costs.

Since the partnership between Destinations International and Longwoods International began in 2018, the report has offered key insights into how Americans view tourism’s impact on local economies, employment, quality of life, and environmental sustainability. These findings are vital for U.S. destination marketing organizations as they collaborate with communities to ensure tourism remains both sustainable and beneficial for all.

“As destination organizations, we have an important responsibility to engage residents in meaningful ways, share our tourism development plans and ensure that we are building tourism strategies that benefit both visitors and the communities we serve,” said Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International. “The tourism industry is a vital driver of the U.S. economy, and this study provides key insights to help ensure its continued growth in a way that is both sustainable and beneficial to local communities.”

The 2024 study reaffirms strong public support for tourism across the United States, with the percentage of Americans who believe tourism benefits their community rising from 57% in 2020 to 64% in 2024. However, the report also highlights the need to address key community concerns, including overcrowding, rising living costs, and environmental sustainability. To foster greater community engagement, the study recommends the following strategies:

• Highlight Destination Stewardship Efforts: Effectively communicate initiatives that balance tourism growth with residents’ quality of life to demonstrate responsible destination management.
• Promote Sustainable Tourism: With 68% of Americans supporting environmental education for tourists, there is a strong opportunity to advocate for responsible travel practices.
• Share Career Stories: Educate residents about the diverse career paths within the tourism industry, showcasing opportunities that range from entry-level positions to long-term careers with competitive pay and benefits.

“Americans are increasingly supportive of tourism and the positive contributions it brings to their communities,” said Amir Eylon, President and CEO of Longwoods International. “However, this research also highlights areas where further efforts can be made, particularly in keeping residents informed about the economic benefits of tourism, strengthening messaging about sustainability, and actively promoting career opportunities in the tourism industry.”