Travel Industry Looks for Fed Signals at Jackson Hole

The Federal Reserve’s annual retreat in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the summer’s main stage for central bankers. And this week, the travel industry is paying close attention.

U.S. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will speak Friday at the Kansas City Fed’s Economic Policy Symposium, where markets expect him to hint at a September interest-rate cut. Markets are pricing in at least two cuts before year-end.

The stakes for travel companies are high. Airlines, hotels, and hospitality providers rely on debt markets to finance planes, properties, and new business. Lower rates mean lower interest costs. A single quarter-point cut could save businesses millions.

And the knock-on effect for the travel industry is massive. Travel spending is discretionary and tied to sentiment. Weal