Florida Joins Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota and More in US as Tourism Plunge for Eleven Months Straight as 2025 Nears Its End: New Report You Need to Know

Published on December 9, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

As 2025 ends, Florida, with 1.4 million visitors in October and a projected decline in November, joins Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Dakota in experiencing eleven straight months of tourism decline, driven by reduced travel demand, economic challenges, and border crackdowns. These states, which have long been major tourism destinations, are now grappling with a significant downturn, affecting both their local economies and tourism sectors.

The reasons for the drop in visitor numbers are multifaceted. The tightening of border regulations, changes in travel preferences, and ongoing economic uncertainty have all contributed to the sustained decline. This troubling trend is reflected across the country, with states traditionally reliant on tourism now facing steep challenges as they work to recover.

Tourism across the U.S. is facing a significant downturn, with several states experiencing 11 straight months of reduced visitor numbers. This national decline is reflected in projections from the U.S. Travel Association, which expects international inbound visits to drop by 6.3% in 2025, from 72.4 million to 67.9 million compared to 2024. Additionally, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that international visitor spending will decrease by US$12.5 billion in 2025, marking the first drop in recent history. The decline is attributed to stricter border policies, higher travel costs, and ongoing economic challenges, creating a difficult environment for the tourism sector. As the year ends, the need for recovery strategies is critical, with efforts focused on revitalizing the industry in 2026.

Florida: Tourism Struggles Continue as 2025 Nears Its End

As 2025 draws to a close, Florida’s tourism sector is experiencing a significant decline, with visitor numbers dropping for 11 months straight. Despite being one of the top tourist destinations in the U.S., the state has struggled to maintain its usual high levels of visitation. In August 2025, Florida saw 1.7 million visitors, a slight drop from 1.8 million in August 2024. The downward trend continued in September 2025, where the state welcomed only 1.3 million visitors, compared to 1.4 million in September 2024. In October 2025, the tourism numbers reached 1.4 million, a small decline from the 1.5 million visitors in October 2024. These figures clearly indicate that Florida’s tourism sector is struggling to recover, and November 2025 is projected to follow the same declining pattern.

This sustained decline over the past several months has raised concerns for Florida’s tourism industry, which has historically been one of the most visited destinations in the U.S. The 11-month slump is in stark contrast to the stable or growing numbers seen in 2024, emphasizing the current challenges faced by the state’s tourism sector.

Tourism Breakdown for Florida (2024 vs. 2025)

With the consistent decline over the last 11 months, the tourism outlook for November 2025 is not expected to improve, further highlighting the difficulties Florida faces in regaining its usual tourism levels. The state’s tourism industry will need to explore new strategies to attract visitors as 2025 nears its end.

Idaho: A Slow Decline in Visitor Numbers as 2025 Nears Its End

As 2025 draws to a close, Idaho’s tourism sector is also grappling with a continued decline, marking 11 months straight of reduced visitor numbers. Known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, Idaho has seen its tourism figures drop significantly over the past year. In August 2025, Idaho recorded 21.9K visitors, a decrease from 30.9K in August 2024. This downward trend continued in September 2025, where the state saw 17.1K visitors, compared to 22.7K in September 2024. By October 2025, the number of visitors dropped further to 15.0K, down from 18.7K in October 2024.

With these consistent declines, November 2025 is also projected to see a similar drop in tourism, continuing the downward trend that has marked much of the year. This sustained decline in visitor numbers has raised concerns for Idaho’s tourism industry, which plays an important role in the state’s economy.

The 11-month slump in tourism is a stark contrast to the more stable or even growing figures seen in 2024, highlighting the challenges the state is facing in reversing the current trend. The drop in visitors has had significant economic implications, particularly during the peak summer months, when tourism typically peaks. With July and August in 2025 showing substantial declines — from 31.1K to 23.0K in July and from 30.9K to 21.9K in August — it’s clear that Idaho’s tourism sector is struggling to recover.

Tourism Breakdown for Idaho (2024 vs. 2025)

As Idaho’s tourism numbers continue to decline, the outlook for November 2025 suggests that the state will need to implement new strategies to revive its tourism industry. With significant declines across several months, Idaho’s tourism sector faces a challenging path ahead as it heads into the final stretch of 2025.

Maine: Tourism Faces Steep Decline as 2025 Winds Down

As 2025 nears its conclusion, Maine’s tourism sector is encountering ongoing challenges, with visitor numbers experiencing a significant drop. Famous for its rugged coastlines, charming small towns, and outdoor attractions, Maine has historically drawn a steady stream of tourists. However, the numbers for 2025 have been disappointing, especially in the latter part of the year.

In August 2025, Maine welcomed 165K visitors, reflecting a sharp decline from 222K in August 2024. The downturn continued through September 2025, which saw 140K visitors, a stark contrast to 178K in September 2024. By October 2025, the state saw 135K visitors, down from 170K in October 2024. This pattern shows a clear and sustained dip in Maine’s tourism sector, which could have wide-reaching implications for local economies that depend heavily on the tourist industry.

Looking ahead, November 2025 is expected to continue this downward trend. Early projections suggest that Maine will see a further reduction in visitor numbers, further highlighting the struggles within the state’s tourism industry. The continued decline throughout 2025 is in contrast to 2024, which saw growth in visitor numbers during the summer months. The state’s seasonal popularity, especially in the warmer months, typically drives a large portion of Maine’s tourism revenue. However, in 2025, these numbers have failed to meet expectations, pointing to a potential long-term shift in travel patterns.

Tourism Breakdown for Maine (2024 vs. 2025)

The data suggests that Maine’s tourism industry has faced persistent struggles in 2025, with a noticeable downturn in visitor numbers across multiple months. As the year concludes, November 2025 is expected to reflect a similar decline, signaling the need for the state to reimagine its tourism strategy and tap into new markets in the coming year.

Michigan: Struggling Tourism Numbers as 2025 Nears Its End

As 2025 comes to a close, Michigan’s tourism industry is facing an uphill battle, with visitor numbers showing a steady decline over the course of the year. Known for its Great Lakes, vibrant cities, and outdoor recreational opportunities, Michigan is a state that usually attracts a significant number of tourists. However, the latest figures for 2025 suggest that the state is struggling to maintain its typical tourism levels.

In August 2025, Michigan welcomed 657K visitors, a noticeable drop from 732K in August 2024. The decline continued into September 2025, where only 609K visitors were recorded, compared to 662K in September 2024. By October 2025, Michigan saw 624K visitors, a decrease from 681K in October 2024. This ongoing decrease in tourism is raising concerns about the state’s ability to recover as the year progresses.

November 2025 is expected to follow the downward trend, with projections suggesting that Michigan’s tourism numbers will continue to decline, adding to the challenges the state faces. The drop in visitors during peak months, like July and August, is particularly concerning, as these months typically bring in the highest number of tourists. July 2025 saw 640K visitors, down from 697K in July 2024, and August 2025 saw 657K, compared to 732K in August 2024.

Tourism Breakdown for Michigan (2024 vs. 2025)

The persistent decline in tourism figures for 2025 signals that Michigan’s tourism industry will need to adapt in order to recover in 2026. As November 2025 approaches, the outlook for the state remains uncertain, and it will require strategic efforts to reverse the trend and attract visitors in the months to come.

Minnesota: A Year of Declining Visitor Numbers as 2025 Nears Its End

As 2025 progresses towards its end, Minnesota’s tourism sector continues to struggle, with visitor numbers declining throughout the year. Known for its beautiful lakes, vibrant cities, and outdoor activities, Minnesota has traditionally attracted a steady stream of tourists. However, recent data shows a downward trend, particularly in the latter half of the year.

In August 2025, Minnesota saw 70.4K visitors, a drop from 89.9K in August 2024. This was followed by 58.6K visitors in September 2025, a significant decrease compared to 72.1K in September 2024. By October 2025, the visitor numbers had further declined to 49.8K, compared to 59.0K in October 2024. These numbers reflect a steady downward trajectory in Minnesota’s tourism industry as the state struggles to maintain its usual visitation levels.

Looking forward, November 2025 is expected to follow the same pattern, with projections indicating a further drop in visitor numbers. This sustained decline has raised concerns for Minnesota’s tourism industry, particularly as the year winds down and the winter season approaches, which typically sees an increase in visitors for winter sports and holiday activities.

The 11-month decline is a stark contrast to the more stable or even growing numbers seen in 2024, where the summer months showed solid visitation numbers. In 2025, even during peak months like July and August, Minnesota’s tourism numbers have been lower than expected, with July bringing in 72.6K visitors, down from 86.5K in July 2024, and August showing 70.4K, down from 89.9K the previous year.

Tourism Breakdown for Minnesota (2024 vs. 2025)

The persistent decline in tourism for 2025 suggests that Minnesota’s tourism industry will face challenges heading into 2026. As November 2025 approaches, the state’s tourism officials will need to consider new approaches to attract visitors, especially with the upcoming winter months offering opportunities for a recovery in certain sectors.

North Dakota: Tourism Decline Persists as 2025 Ends

As 2025 nears its end, North Dakota’s tourism industry is facing continued struggles, with visitor numbers consistently lower than in previous years. Known for its wide-open spaces, scenic parks, and historic sites, North Dakota typically draws tourists interested in nature and history. However, the latest data for 2025 indicates a steady decline in the state’s tourism figures.

In August 2025, North Dakota saw 77.3K visitors, a significant drop from 103K in August 2024. The decline continued into September 2025, with only 65.3K visitors recorded, compared to 78.6K in September 2024. By October 2025, visitor numbers dropped further to 66.2K, down from 77.8K in October 2024. This ongoing reduction in visitor numbers points to a challenging year for North Dakota’s tourism sector.

November 2025 is projected to continue the trend of decline, with expectations that visitor numbers will remain low. This consistent downturn is concerning for North Dakota’s tourism industry, which has relied on attracting visitors to its parks, historic sites, and festivals. The decline in tourism during the peak summer months, such as July and August, has been particularly troubling, as these months usually bring the highest number of tourists. July 2025 saw 74.8K visitors, compared to 91.8K in July 2024, and August 2025 saw 77.3K, down from 103K in August 2024.

Tourism Breakdown for North Dakota (2024 vs. 2025)

North Dakota’s tourism figures for 2025 highlight a steady and concerning decline. With November 2025 projected to continue this trend, it will be crucial for the state to rethink its tourism strategies in order to reverse the ongoing downturn. The state’s tourism industry, which thrives on its natural beauty and outdoor offerings, will need to adapt in order to attract visitors and recover in 2026.

“Florida, with 1.4 million visitors in October and a projected decline in November, joins Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Dakota in facing 11 straight months of tourism decline, driven by reduced travel demand, economic pressures, and stricter border crackdowns as 2025 ends.

A Tough Road Ahead for U.S. Tourism in 2025 and Beyond

As 2025 comes to a close, the ongoing 11-month decline in tourism across states like Florida, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Dakota paints a challenging picture for the U.S. travel industry. The combined impact of reduced travel demand, economic pressures, and border crackdowns has led to sharp drops in visitor numbers, with November 2025 expected to follow this trend.

While the decline has been felt most acutely in the latter half of the year, the larger question remains: how can these states recover? With 2026 on the horizon, it will require strategic innovations, new marketing approaches, and possibly more relaxed border policies to reverse the downward trajectory. The tourism industry, which has long been a vital contributor to state economies, will need to adapt quickly to changing global circumstances to regain its momentum.

As the year wraps up, tourism officials and local businesses must remain resilient and proactive in addressing the underlying issues, working together to rebuild the tourism sector for the year ahead. The road to recovery may be long, but with targeted action, these states can pave the way for a more positive tourism outlook in 2026.