National Tourism Week – May. 2, 2027

Expected National Tourism Week Deals

National Tourism Week is a prime time for the travel industry to highlight its value and encourage exploration. While direct consumer deals are less common than for retail holidays, expect travel associations and local tourism boards to partner with airlines like Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, hotel chains such as Marriott International and Hilton Worldwide, and online travel agencies like Expedia Group and Booking Holdings. These collaborations often feature special packages, loyalty point bonuses, or discounts on experiences. Local destinations may offer reduced admission to attractions or special events. We will update this page with confirmed live programs as May approaches, encouraging support for the industry.

History of National Tourism Week

Tourism began with the idea of the Pilgrimage, originating in Eastern civilizations before spreading to Western. About 2,000 years ago, there were many pilgrimages to the early Buddhist sites, around what we currently know to be Nepal. Pilgrimages to Mecca were also a popular ritual that is still practiced to this day.

In the west, the custom of pilgrimage began to flourish from about 1660, and with the invention of different modes of transport, they followed a standard itinerary. This custom was seen as an educational opportunity and a rite of passage. This was reserved for the British nobility and wealthy landed gentry.

In the 18th century, after the invention of the railway, the Grand Tour became a popular tourist activity for upper-class students. The Grand Tour offered a journey to cultural sites in France, Germany, and Italy. Over the next few years, the tour encompassed many other European sites.

By the 19th century, journeys for health, leisure, and culture became common practice among the European middle classes and were ways for them to gain cultural capital. On these trips, people could socialize and also show their social standing. During this time, tourists got used to using guidebooks and travel companies that created itineraries. Tourism also brought about the development of art and souvenir markets, as well as transport and accommodation systems, like hotels and lodging.

From the 20th century onward, shipping lines also promoted international tourism. They encouraged tourists to take cruises and travel from the Norwegian fjords to the Caribbean. Between the World Wars, many upper-class Americans traveled by air and sea to a variety of destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Tourism Week