It was another good year for Omaha tourism. While numbers were more measured than the explosive growth seen in 2022 and 2023, growth persisted in 2024. Trends indicate Omaha tourism for both leisure travel and group business (conventions, meetings, sporting events, and motor coach tours) will enjoy continued success in 2025.
As an affordable and convenient destination full of surprises, Omaha is uniquely positioned to meet leisure travelers’ shifting preferences—namely, “JOMO” (the joy of missing out), and multigenerational travel. According to Expedia, 63% of travelers seek out less crowded destinations that offer authentic, stress-free experiences, valuing quality time with loved ones over packed itineraries.
The second trend is a surge in multigenerational travel. According to booking.com, Baby Boomers are ready to take trips, and cover costs for children and grandchildren to come along. This generosity will spread the joy of travel through the generations.
Group business in Omaha reached full recovery in 2023, and the future looks bright. According to Tourism Economics, an independent research firm, group business is expected to surge in 2025. Meeting professionals are also feeling optimistic, according to a recent Amex Global Business Travel survey. Many respondents are seeing an increase in budget, which they plan to allocate toward attendee engagement, sustainability, and new technology.
These projections for the new year bode well for Omaha. Omaha is a destination that balances excitement and relaxation, convenience, and affordability. With continued effort from the Visit Omaha team and tourism partners throughout the city, “JOMO” might become the abbreviation for another worthy concept—the joy of meeting Omaha.
Find more information about tourism’s positive impact on Omaha atvisitomaha.com/wtll.
This article originally appeared in the February/March 2025 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.