December 22, 2025
A Year of Global Momentum, Connection, and Strategic Alignment
As we reflect on 2025, the Travel and Tourism Research Association celebrates a year defined by connection, momentum, and purposeful growth. Across conferences, chapters, partnerships, and programs, our community came together to advance the strategic use of research and strengthen TTRA’s role as a trusted bridge between insight and action in travel and tourism.
From the strong start of the Marketing Outlook Forum in Fort Worth to the globally inspiring Annual International Conference in Galway, 2025 highlighted the value of meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and collaboration across borders. These moments, and the people behind them, continue to shape a vibrant and engaged association.
Why We Do What We Do
At the core of TTRA’s work is a clear and enduring purpose:
We collaborate to advance the strategic use of research to provide leading-edge travel and tourism solutions that create a positive impact on people, places, and society.
In 2025, this purpose guided our decisions and priorities. It was reinforced by our shared values of thought leadership, community, inclusivity, global perspective, and fun. Together, they shape how we serve members, support chapters, and contribute to the broader tourism research ecosystem.
Membership: A Thriving Global Community
TTRA reached a historic milestone in 2025, surpassing 1,580 members worldwide, the largest membership base in the association’s history. This growth reflects more than numbers. It represents a community that is engaged, collaborative, and invested in the future of travel and tourism research.
Participation deepened across regions and professional roles, with members contributing through conferences, chapters, committees, and leadership. The continued growth of organizational and international membership further strengthened the diversity of perspectives that make TTRA unique.
Conferences: Bringing Research and Practice Together
TTRA’s conferences remained cornerstones of connection and learning in 2025.
The Marketing Outlook Forum in Fort Worth launched the year with strong attendance and energy. Conversations focused on data-driven decision-making, economic outlooks, artificial intelligence, and marketing effectiveness, all grounded in real-world application for destinations and organizations.
The Annual International Conference in Galway, Ireland marked an important moment in TTRA’s global evolution. With expanded international participation among speakers and attendees, the conference reflected a growing global footprint. Academic rigor and practitioner insight came together to explore how research can inform the future of destinations worldwide.
Together, these events reinforced TTRA’s role as a platform where research, practice, and relationships intersect.
Partnerships and Global Reach
Strategic partnerships continued to expand TTRA’s reach and credibility in 2025. Collaborations with industry leaders, data providers, and aligned organizations helped amplify member expertise while extending the association’s influence across regions and sectors.
These partnerships strengthened TTRA’s ability to connect research with real-world application and to elevate the role of evidence-based decision-making in tourism.
Financial Strength and Responsible Stewardship
TTRA closed 2025 in a strong financial position, supported by diversified revenue, disciplined stewardship, and thoughtful investment in member value. This stability allows the association to plan confidently, invest strategically, and remain focused on long-term impact rather than short-term pressures.
Looking Ahead
The year concluded with a strategic session in Chicago that brought clarity, alignment, and renewed energy for the future. Building on the momentum of 2025, TTRA is well positioned to deepen engagement, strengthen chapter connections, expand global partnerships, and continue advancing the strategic use of research.
Most importantly, 2025 reaffirmed what makes TTRA special. It is a community grounded in trust, curiosity, collaboration, and shared purpose. Thank you to our members, partners, volunteers, and leaders who made this a year of growth and connection.
We look forward to what comes next, together.