According to the latest Tourism Economics 2025 study*, Wichita welcomed 7 million visitors in 2025 – an all-time high – who generated a $2.6 billion total economic impact for the local economy and supported more than 17,000 jobs across the community. This year’s National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) theme, “Postmarked: Essential,” highlights that in every corner of the country, travel is a foundational pillar of growth, leaving an indelible mark on our local economies and culture.
“Our mission at Visit Wichita is to grow the travel and tourism economy of Wichita. Travel is a powerful economic driver for our city, generating $1.6 billion in direct visitor spending, supporting thousands of jobs and creating meaningful opportunities for our community,” said Susie Santo, president and CEO of Visit Wichita. “This National Travel and Tourism Week, we are proud to celebrate the essential role travel plays today, and the impact it will continue to have in the future.”
From May 3-9, 2026, Visit Wichita is joining the U.S. Travel Association in raising awareness about tourism's essential role in driving economic growth locally and nationwide.
Whether visiting Wichita for a getaway or to attend a meeting, convention or sporting event, every visitor dollar fuels the local economy, which support businesses, generating income for residents and sustaining more than 17,000 jobs in Wichita’s tourism and hospitality industry. In fact, visitor spending supports one in every 15 jobs in Wichita.
“Wichita’s 7 million visitors generated $215 million in state and local taxes,” said Santo. “That revenue helps fund critical public services while supporting thousands of jobs across our community. Every visit makes a meaningful impact here.”
In addition to economic impact, tourism contributes to quality of life for local residents. The industry supports local businesses and brings a variety of festivals and community celebrations – like Wichita’s America250 festivities – meetings and sporting events to the city, such as the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships and NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship First and Second Rounds.
Locals also play a key role in the success of tourism in Wichita. “Whether it’s someone working in hospitality, welcoming guests, serving food or transporting visitors – or a local sharing their love for Wichita – everyone plays a part in creating a memorable experience,” said Santo. “National Travel and Tourism Week gives us the opportunity to recognize that shared impact and thank the people who make it possible.”
Nationally, travel generates $3 trillion in economic output and supports 15 million jobs, representing a significant 2.4% of America’s GDP**
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About Visit Wichita
Visit Wichita markets the greater Wichita area as a premier convention, sports and tourism destination, increasing travel and tourism as a key economic driver for the city, county, region and state. Wichita was named the Best Sports-Event Host City by SportsTravel magazine, a national recognition that highlights the city’s proven success in hosting high-caliber sporting events with world-class venues, seamless operations and strong community support. Visit Wichita is led by President and CEO Susie Santo, and in 2025 travel and tourism contributed more than $2.6 billion in total economic impact to the greater Wichita area. For more information, go to VisitWichita.com.
About U.S. Travel
Established in 1983, NTTW is an annual tradition to mark the U.S. travel industry’s role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, stimulating business activity and elevating the quality of life for everyday Americans. Visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.
* Tourism Economics 2025 is an economic impact study recently conducted for Visit Wichita by Tourism Economics, the leader in tourism research.
** Source: Tourism Economics, U.S. Travel Association, U.S. Department of Commerce, and U.S. Department of State
