Chicago, USA — From June 14 to 18, the city of Chicago will become the global epicenter of travel and tourism as it hosts IPW 2025, the most important event in the U.S. travel industry. Organized by the U.S. Travel Association, the event will take place at the iconic McCormick Place Convention Center and will welcome more than 6,000 industry professionals, including buyers, tour operators, and travel journalists from over 70 countries. It is the leading inbound travel marketplace in the United States, where destinations, companies, attractions, and government agencies present their latest offerings and negotiate key business deals for the years ahead.

More than just a travel trade show, IPW (International Pow Wow) is a finely tuned business platform that helps generate billions of dollars in future travel to the United States. It is also a space where cultures meet, global marketing strategies are renewed, and both iconic and emerging U.S. destinations are showcased to the world.

A Global Meeting Point

Over five days, attendees will participate in pre-scheduled business appointments, social events, press conferences, and unique cultural experiences designed to highlight the best of what U.S. tourism has to offer. From theme parks and scenic byways to major cities, Indigenous tourism, luxury, gastronomy, and sustainability, every segment of the industry will be represented.

Inbound Tourism by the Numbers

The previous edition of IPW generated over 112,000 business appointments in just three days. According to estimates from the U.S. Travel Association, each IPW drives more than $5.5 billion in future travel to the U.S. within three years. In a post-pandemic recovery context, these figures are especially critical for both local and national economic development.

A Vibrant Host City

Selected for its strong connectivity, modern infrastructure, and rich cultural scene, Chicago is ready to shine before the world’s top travel industry leaders. The city offers not only an ideal logistical venue but also a vibrant identity rooted in architecture, music, cultural diversity, and world-class cuisine.

Key Challenges and Opportunities

Among the current challenges facing the U.S. travel industry are the decline in international arrivals and growing concern over proposed budget cuts to Brand USA, the nation’s official tourism marketing organization. A recent Republican budget proposal calls for slashing its funding from $100 million to just $20 million, sparking alarm among travel stakeholders who warn of potentially serious consequences for one of America’s key economic sectors.

At the same time, international hotel bookings in the U.S. fell by 61% in April 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to HotelPlanner. Canadian bookings were down 52%, and those from the UK dropped 33%. This decline reflects a significant shift in traveler behavior, especially among Canadians—historically the largest source of inbound travelers—due to dissatisfaction with U.S. policies, economic factors, and a changing global travel landscape.

In this context, streamlining tourist visa processing and improving the entry experience have become urgent demands, especially with major global events on the horizon: the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and, more importantly, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host with Mexico and Canada. These tournaments present a unique opportunity to reverse the trend and reposition the U.S. as a top global destination. However, industry leaders stress that to truly capitalize on this momentum, a coordinated response is needed, with robust promotion, faster entry processes, and long-term policies aimed at sustainable inbound tourism growth.

ABC MUNDIAL will be on the ground in Chicago bringing full coverage of IPW 2025, with interviews, news, and trends that will define the future of global tourism.
Follow us on social media and at www.abcmundial.com for more updates.