By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Even as U.S. Homeland was threatening travel chaos by withdrawing U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in U.S. “sanctuary cities, the U.S. Travel Association’s signature annual travel trade show IPW 2026 wrapped up on Friday, having drawn nearly 5,000 delegates from over 60 countries, including Canada, over the event’s four full days last week in South Florida.
Companies and individuals with maple leaf pins ranged from the Air Canada, Air Miles and the Alberta Motor Association to Edmonton International Airport, Porter Airlines and WestJet, along with Canadian representatives of U.S. states and CVBs, Brand USA, and the Discover America Canada Committee. Media included Travel Industry Today.
The theme of IPW 2026 underscored the essential role international travellers play in the U.S. economy and the industry’s united effort to expand international visitation in the years ahead – not least from Canada, which has seen a significant drop in visitations since 2025, largely as a result of political tensions.
U.S. Travel says its international inbound show drives nearly 11 million international visitors to the U.S. over three years – generating $26.1 billion in spending, supporting 63,000 American jobs and producing $3.3 billion in tax revenue.
Now in 57th year, 2026 was the first year the show has been held in Greater Fort Lauderdale, which showcased the sparkling Broward County Convention Centre and, for the Canadian delegation, the just-opened (and connected) Omni Fort Lauderdale as home base.
“At a moment when the competition for international travellers has never been more fierce, the U.S. travel industry showed up in force,” stated Geoff Freeman, President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association. “IPW isn’t just a trade show, it’s a down payment on billions in future spending, thousands of American jobs, and the global reputation of the United States as a destination that wants to be visited.”
Over three days, more than 75,000 business appointments connected the U.S. travel industry with global buyers and media, showcasing the diversity of American travel – from coast to coast, big cities to small towns.
Visit Lauderdale rolled out the welcome mat for global delegates, curating events and experiences that put Greater Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful beaches, entertainment and culture on full display.
“IPW 2026 was an incredible opportunity to showcase the energy, accessibility and continued evolution of Greater Fort Lauderdale to travel professionals and media from around the world,” said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “We were proud to highlight the experiences, hospitality and connectivity that continue to make Greater Fort Lauderdale a standout destination. The connections made throughout the week will continue to drive meaningful business and visitation to our community for years to come.”
New Orleans is now “on the clock” for 2027, May 3-7.
(Ed. note: Tune in tomorrow to find out how U.S. Travel and Brand USA responded to Travel Industry Today’s probing concerns about the Canadian market).
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