The United States was the country worldwide with the highest international tourism receipts in 2022. That year, inbound tourism receipts in the U.S. amounted to roughly 135 billion U.S. dollars.

While tourism generates billions in global revenue, the entities that profit the most in 2026 are often large multinational corporations rather than local communities. This phenomenon is known as "Economic Leakage." The biggest earners include international airline conglomerates, global hotel chains (like Marriott or Hilton), and massive online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia and Booking.com, which take significant commissions on every booking. In many "all-inclusive" destinations, it is estimated that up to 80% of the money spent by tourists actually leaves the country to pay for imported food, foreign management, and corporate profits. However, at a national level, governments profit immensely through "Tourism Taxes," airport fees, and VAT, which fund public infrastructure. To ensure more profit reaches the local population, there is a growing trend in 2026 toward "Community-Based Tourism," where travelers intentionally spend money at locally-owned "Posadas," eat at independent restaurants, and hire local guides. Despite this, the "big tech" platforms and legacy transport giants remain the primary financial beneficiaries of the global travel boom.