American Bus Association Partners with The Great American Road Trip to Champion Group Travel and Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
Academy Bus, TCS, and Windstar join the Association in sponsoring the US DOT event, part of the America 250 celebration
The Great American Road Trip, a national storytelling initiative celebrating the people, places, and experiences that define the United States, today announced a new partnership with the American Bus Association (ABA), the leading trade association for bus, tour, and group travel companies across North America. ABA will join The Great American Road Trip as an official partner for the 2026 journey, leading into America’s 250th birthday.
Through this partnership, The Great American Road Trip and the American Bus Association aim to shine a spotlight on the essential role motorcoach travel plays in connecting communities—particularly small towns, historic landmarks, national parks, and regional gems that truly define the American landscape.
In 2026, ABA, together with its co-sponsors—Transportation Charter Services (TCS), Windstar Lines, and Academy Bus—will help bring The Great American Road Trip programming to life. Along the journey, they’ll highlight local businesses and attractions, showing how group travel not only makes exploration more accessible but also supports local economies and brings people together.
This collaboration fits seamlessly with The Great American Road Trip’s mission: to celebrate the full spectrum of American travel experiences and inspire families and groups to reconnect with the nation’s most beloved destinations.
“Buses play a critical role in connecting people with places, and supporting the Great American Road Trip during the nation’s 250th anniversary is meaningful for group travel, tourism, and the communities hosting these celebrations,” said Fred Ferguson, President and CEO of the American Bus Association. “We’re proud to participate as a sponsor alongside ABA member companies Academy, Windstar, and TCS, helping move people safely, efficiently, and at scale so more Americans can experience the best of what this country has to offer.”
“The American Bus Association has long championed the power of travel to connect people and communities, making them a natural partner for The Great American Road Trip. As we inspire Americans to explore the nation ahead of America’s 250th, ABA helps us shine a light on the destinations, both large and small, that define our national story. We’re proud to partner with an organization that brings millions of travelers to the very places that make America extraordinary,” said Tori Barnes, Executive Director, The Great American Road Trip.
ABA’s participation adds significant momentum to the growing coalition of travel and tourism leaders supporting the semiquincentennial celebration. As a partner, ABA underscores the essential role that group tours and motorcoach tourism play in connecting Americans, fueling local economies, and ensuring that more people can experience the country’s beauty and history during this historic anniversary year.
Read more from the ABA News Center
- American Bus Association Partners with The Great American Road Trip to Champion Group Travel and Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
- American Bus Association Urges Delay of Proposed National Park International Visitor Fee
- American Bus Association Wins 2025 CommImpact Award for Effective Member Engagement
