A Once-in-a-Century Opportunity for Travel and Tourism

The legendary Route 66 — “America’s Mother Road” — will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of connecting travelers, cultures, and communities across eight states and 2,400 miles. This milestone isn’t just a historical moment, it’s a golden opportunity for travel professionals to engage with travelers seeking authentic, nostalgic, and distinctly American experiences.

To prepare for the centennial, Congress established the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. The 15-member Commission, appointed by the President and representing federal, state, and local leadership, is dedicated to shaping a year-long national celebration that honors the past while fueling future tourism and economic development along the route.

From historic preservation to tourism investment, the Route 66 Centennial will create new itineraries, marketing initiatives, and cultural events designed to attract domestic and international visitors.

Complementing this effort is the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, a national non-profit formed in 2015 with support from the National Park Service and the World Monuments Fund. The Partnership’s mission is to “revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national and international icon through promotion, preservation, research, education, and economic development.”

For travel professionals, this is the moment to rediscover the magic of the open road. The Route 66 Centennial invites the global travel community to craft new journeys that showcase the music, food, people, and stories that make Route 66 unforgettable — and to help travelers experience the freedom, nostalgia, and adventure that have defined this highway for 100 years.

BY GEMMA LONG- CEO Gem P R & Media, Inc