Visit Wichita is joining hundreds of Destination Marketing Organizations across the U.S. to celebrate the powerful impact of travel on local economies during National Travel and Tourism Week, May 3-9. Now in its 43rd year, the U.S. Travel Association annually presents National Travel and Tourism Week, spotlighting travel's essential role in driving economic impact and celebrating travel's power to fuel economies and strengthen communities across the country. 

Travel is one of America’s most powerful economic engines, which support 15 million jobs, generating $2.9 trillion in economic output and funding essential public services. It strengthens every sector of the economy, from restaurants and retail to tech, manufacturing and agriculture*. 

In 2025, Wichita reached a new milestone, welcoming 7 million visitors – an all-time high – who spent $1.6 billion in our local economy. That activity generated a total economic impact of $2.6 billion, supported more than 17,000 jobs across the community and produced $215 million in state and local tax revenue.**

Whether visiting for leisure or attending meetings, conventions and sports events, every visitor dollar fuels our local economy, supporting local businesses, generating income for residents and helping fund essential public services. In fact, visitor spending supports one in every 15 jobs in Wichita and offsets the tax burden for local households.

Meetings, conventions and sporting events mean business. Each year they drive year-round tourism, stimulate local business, garner national recognition, enhance quality of place and inspire future leisure travel.

Here’s some of the meetings, conventions and sports events taking place this year:  

• 2026 NAIA Men's and Women's Wrestling National Championships — held in March 2026
• NCAA Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament — held in March 2026 
• 2026 USA Judo Youth National Championships — held in March 2026 
• USA Gymnastics Trampoline & Tumbling Elite Challenge — May 2026 
• USA Boxing National Junior Olympics and Summer Festival — June 2026 
• USA Badminton 2026 YONEX U.S. Junior National Championships — July 2026
• US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup — July 2027 

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.

“Wichita’s 7 million annual visitors generate $215 million in state and local taxes,” said Susie Santo, president and CEO of Visit Wichita. “That revenue helps fund critical public services while supporting more than 17,000 jobs in our community. Every visit makes a meaningful impact here.” 

Please visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.