Chicago, USA – With a sense of excitement and high expectations, the 2025 edition of IPW has officially begun in Chicago. In a formal letter sent to each of the more than 5,000 attending delegates, Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, and Fred Dixon, President and CEO of Brand USA, extended a warm welcome and expressed their gratitude to international buyers, tour operators, and media professionals. The letter emphasized the strategic role of IPW in driving tourism to the United States and strengthening vital commercial relationships for the years ahead.

Organized by the U.S. Travel Association, with Brand USA as the Premier Sponsor, IPW is far more than a tourism trade show. It is a strategic business platform that is projected to generate over $26 billion in future travel to the U.S., helping solidify the country’s position as one of the world’s top destinations.

“We’re thrilled to welcome you to Chicago for a productive, energizing, and globally impactful week,” the industry leaders stated during the opening.

A Platform That Powers Tourism and Economic Growth

Over the course of five dynamic days, IPW will connect key players in the U.S. travel industry with global buyers through pre-scheduled business appointments, institutional presentations, and cultural experiences designed to showcase the diversity of the American travel offering—from theme parks and major cities to tribal tourism, gastronomy, luxury, and sustainability.

Chicago Shines as Host City

Chosen for its exceptional connectivity, hospitality infrastructure, and cultural richness, Chicago is making the most of its moment as a vibrant host. The city provides not only a strategic setting for networking and deal-making, but also a lively cultural scene defined by iconic architecture, musical heritage, and world-renowned cuisine.

Challenges and Opportunities for U.S. Tourism

This edition of IPW unfolds at a critical time for the industry. Among the top concerns are a sharp drop in international tourism and proposed budget cuts to Brand USA, which could see its funding slashed from $100 million to just $20 million under a new Congressional plan. The situation is particularly alarming amid a 61% decline in international hotel bookings in April 2025, according to industry data, with steep drops among travelers from Canada (–52%) and the United Kingdom (–33%).

There is growing urgency around streamlining visa issuance and improving entry procedures—especially ahead of major events like the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Mexico and Canada. These global tournaments represent a historic opportunity to reposition the United States as a leading tourism destination. However, to seize that potential, the sector calls for decisive action: improved facilitation, sustained international promotion, and a coherent long-term strategy for inbound tourism growth.

Special Coverage by ABC MUNDIAL

ABC MUNDIAL is on the ground in Chicago with full coverage of IPW 2025. Through exclusive interviews, industry updates, and the latest trends shaping global tourism, we’ll bring you all the key insights directly from the heart of the event.

Follow us on social media and visit www.abcmundial.com to stay up to date with everything happening at IPW 2025 and discover the future of global travel.