In 2024, Virginia joined a prestigious group of U.S. states experiencing a record-breaking surge in tourism, following in the footsteps of states like Michigan, Tennessee, North Carolina, California, Wisconsin, and more. These states saw an unprecedented boom in visitor spending, driven by a variety of factors ranging from natural attractions to cultural landmarks and urban revitalization. This tourism explosion has not only boosted local economies but also underscored the resilience and diversity of the U.S. tourism sector, which continues to adapt to evolving travel trends.
Virginia's tourism hit a high of $35 billion in direct visitor spending, spurred by its coastal escapes, Civil War history, and wine trails. Its cities like Richmond and Norfolk further contributed to the state's tourism appeal, drawing both domestic and international visitors. Similarly, Michigan posted a $54.8 billion tourism impact, with a revival in Detroit, the allure of its Great Lakes, and the stunning beauty of its Upper Peninsula.
Other states like Tennessee, known for its music scene and outdoor adventures, North Carolina with its breathtaking coastlines and mountains, California's iconic landscapes, and Wisconsin's stunning natural wonders have all seen remarkable increases in visitor numbers and spending, further cementing their status as top travel destinations. This record tourism boom across the U.S. in 2024 has been a testament to the resilience of the travel industry and its crucial role in sustaining local economies.
As we look ahead, these states are poised for continued growth in 2025, with investments in infrastructure, new attractions, and innovative marketing strategies. Their diverse offerings, from city life to nature, ensure they remain on travelers' radar for years to come.
Looking forward, while rising travel costs may affect international visitors, California's robust tourism infrastructure and diverse attractions ensure its continued leadership in U.S. tourism.
Things to Do: Wine tasting in Napa, Hiking in Yosemite, Exploring Hollywood
Food & Culture: California Cuisine, Mexican and Asian influences in food. Vibrant arts and music scene.
Hidden Gems: Big Sur's coastal views, Sequoia National Park, Lake Tahoe
In 2024, Wisconsin emerged as a surprising tourism powerhouse, achieving a record-breaking $16.3 billion in visitor spending. This surge was driven by the state's natural beauty, cultural attractions, and diverse experiences. Iconic destinations like Door County and the Apostle Islands captivated visitors with their scenic views, outdoor activities, and charm. The state also saw significant tourism in Wisconsin Dells, famous for its unique natural wonders, and Milwaukee, known for its cultural scene and craft breweries.
The state's tourism impact reached $25.8 billion, underscoring its vital role in Wisconsin's economic growth. Tourism supported local businesses, created jobs, and fueled economic activity across the state, from Madison to Green Bay. Looking ahead to 2025, Wisconsin's commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure and offering unique experiences ensures it will remain a top destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and cultural richness.
Things to Do: Hiking and boating in Door County, Explore Lake Michigan beaches, Visit Milwaukee's breweries and museums
Food & Culture: Cheese, Bratwurst and beer
Hidden Gems: Devil's Lake State Park, The House on the Rock, Kettle Moraine State Forest
Montana has rapidly risen as a hidden gem in the U.S. tourism industry, experiencing record-breaking growth in 2024, with $5 billion in visitor spending. Known for its vast, untouched landscapes and outdoor adventure opportunities, Montana has captivated travelers seeking the Great American West. The state's iconic national parks, including Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, offer breathtaking views, wildlife encounters, and endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. Additionally, Montana's rugged terrain and serene locations like Cody and Jackson have drawn adventure seekers and nature lovers from around the world.
This tourism boom has fueled local economies, supporting thousands of jobs related to hospitality, outdoor recreation, and tourism services. Looking ahead to 2025, Montana's unparalleled beauty and outdoor experiences continue to attract visitors, solidifying its place as one of the top destinations for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Top Cities: Billing, Bozeman, Missoula
Places to Visit: Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, Mackenzie River
Things to Do: Hiking and wildlife viewing in Glacier National Park, Fishing and rafting on the Yellowstone River, Exploring Cody and Jackson for scenic landscapes.
The economic impact of tourism extends beyond visitor spending. Tourism also supports over 388,000 jobs in the city, ranging from hotel staff and restaurant employees to tour guides and transportation workers. Additionally, tourism-generated tax revenue of $6.8 billion helps fund crucial public services and infrastructure projects. As the city recovers and prepares for more growth, experts predict over 67 million visitors in 2025, further fueling the local economy and supporting businesses across the five boroughs.
Top Neighborhoods: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens
Places to Visit: Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Things to Do: See a Broadway show, Take a stroll through Central Park or rent a bike, Explore the highline park built on an old railway track.
In 2024, North Carolina firmly established itself as a leading tourism destination, with $36.7 billion in visitor spending, marking a 3.1% increase from the previous year. The state's appeal lies in its diverse landscapes, ranging from the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains to the stunning beaches of the Outer Banks. North Carolina offers something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers to history buffs and cultural explorers.
Tourism in the state not only supports a wide array of industries but also plays a vital role in local economies, creating thousands of jobs in hospitality, recreation, and cultural sectors. The state's rich cultural heritage, including historic landmarks and festivals, further enhances its tourism draw. Looking to 2025, North Carolina is expected to continue expanding its tourism infrastructure, solidifying its place as one of the top destinations in the U.S. for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment.
Top Cities: Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville
Places to Visit: Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Outer Banks
Things to Do: Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains or the Blue Ridge Parkway, Relax on the beaches of the Outer Banks, Explore historic sites in Wilmington and Old Salem.
Food & Culture: Barbecue, Craft beer, Traditional Southern Cuisine
Hidden Gems: Pisgah National Forest, The Biltmore Estate, North Carolina's wine country.
In 2024, Tennessee reached an all-time high in tourism, recording an impressive $31.7 billion in visitor spending. This surge was largely driven by the state's thriving music scene, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking outdoor landscapes. Major cities like Nashville and Memphis continue to be top attractions, drawing visitors for their iconic music festivals, historical landmarks, and vibrant nightlife. Graceland in Memphis and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville remain two of the most visited sites, offering a perfect blend of music history and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Beyond the music scene, Tennessee's natural beauty also played a crucial role in its tourism success. Millions of visitors flocked to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the U.S., for activities such as hiking, camping, and scenic drives. The park's diverse landscapes, wildlife, and trails cater to families and adventure seekers alike.
Places to Visit: Graceland Elvis Presley's iconic mansion, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The National Civil Rights Museum
Things to Do: Explore the music scene in Nashville, Take a scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains or visit Cades Cove for wildlife viewing, Tour Graceland and immerse yourself in the life of Elvis Presley.
Food & Culture: Barbecue, Hot Chicken, Live Music
Hidden Gems: Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Fall Creek Falls State Park
In 2024, Virginia experienced a significant boost in tourism, with direct visitor spending reaching $35 billion. This growth was fueled by the state's unique offerings, including coastal escapes, Civil War history, and its extensive wine trails. Visitors flocked to iconic destinations like the Chesapeake Bay, with its serene beaches and water activities, and historical sites such as Appomattox Court House and Manassas, where significant Civil War battles took place. Additionally, the cities of Richmond and Norfolk played a major role in contributing to the state's tourism revenue, with Richmond's rich cultural scene and Norfolk's coastal charm attracting both domestic and international visitors.
New Jersey saw a record-breaking year, with visitor spending reaching $50.6 billion, marking the highest in the state's history. The surge in spending was largely driven by Atlantic City casinos, Jersey Shore beaches, and urban attractions close to New York City. The state's strong recovery post-pandemic, alongside an increase in luxury tourism, helped diversify its tourism industry. Visitors flocked to the vibrant Princeton, historic Hoboken, and the bustling Newark area, benefiting from its proximity to the Big Apple while offering its unique local experiences.
Michigan also experienced a notable increase in tourism, with a total tourism impact of $54.8 billion in 2024. Much of this growth was due to the revival of Detroit, which continues to emerge as a cultural hub, and the state's natural beauty, particularly in the Upper Peninsula. The combination of urban tourism in Detroit and outdoor attractions such as Mackinac Island and Sleeping Bear Dunes showcased how both city life and nature tourism can complement each other, driving economic growth across the state.
This article provides an in-depth look at the impressive growth and impact of tourism in several key U.S. states in 2024. It highlights how California, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Montana, and New York City have become top destinations, attracting millions of visitors and generating billions in tourism spending. From California's iconic attractions to Tennessee's thriving music scene and natural wonders, each state has experienced significant economic benefits, including job creation and tax revenue. The article also addresses challenges such as budget cuts in tourism funding, yet emphasizes that the tourism sector is expected to continue its upward trajectory. As these states continue to develop their tourism infrastructure and offerings, they are set to remain top choices for travelers, ensuring a strong future for the U.S. tourism industry.
Tourism has a significant impact on job creation across the U.S., with various states benefiting from the influx of visitors. California stands out with over 1.2 million tourism-related jobs, particularly in the hospitality, entertainment, and transportation sectors. Wisconsin has seen its tourism boom supporting local businesses and job growth, although specific job numbers are not provided. Tennessee also benefits greatly, creating thousands of jobs in its music, cultural, and outdoor sectors. In Montana, the growing tourism industry supports a wide range of jobs related to outdoor recreation and hospitality. New York City sees an enormous contribution from tourism, with 388,000 jobs tied to the sector, ranging from hotel staff to tour guides. North Carolina's tourism infrastructure supports thousands of jobs in areas like outdoor recreation, hospitality, and cultural events. Overall, tourism is a crucial driver of employment across these states, with jobs spanning multiple industries and sectors.
In conclusion, the tourism industry across the U.S. has shown remarkable resilience and growth in 2024, with states like California, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and New York City leading the way. Each state has leveraged its unique attractions, from California's diverse landscapes and cultural hotspots to Tennessee's rich music scene and outdoor adventures. Tourism continues to be a key driver of economic activity, supporting millions of jobs and generating billions in revenue. Despite challenges like budget cuts in some states, the sector's strong foundation ensures its continued success. As 2025 approaches, these destinations remain poised for further growth, solidifying their positions as top travel spots for both domestic and international visitors. The future of U.S. tourism looks bright, with a promise of more exciting developments, new experiences, and expanded opportunities for travelers.