Kentucky Joins Mississippi, Tennessee, California, Hawaii, Montana, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Others in Skyrocketing US Tourism Revenue in Last Year: Everything You Need To Know

Published on December 10, 2025

Kentucky has joined the ranks of Mississippi, Tennessee, California, Hawaii, Montana, North Carolina, and Wisconsin in driving U.S. tourism revenue to new heights. These states have experienced significant growth in visitor spending, helping to boost the national tourism economy. With their unique attractions, from vibrant cities to natural wonders, these states have successfully attracted both domestic and international visitors. Kentucky, with its rich culture, historical landmarks, and bourbon industry, has become a major contributor to this tourism surge. This growth highlights how these states are shaping the future of U.S. tourism and bolstering local economies. Here’s what you need to know about their impressive tourism impact.

States Leading U.S. Tourism Growth in 2024

2024 marked a year of impressive economic gains for U.S. tourism, as various states recorded historic visitor spending figures. From the bustling cities of California to the natural attractions in North Carolina, the U.S. tourism sector has demonstrated resilience and growth. Let’s take a closer look at the key states contributing to the surge in tourism GDP:

California: A National Tourism Powerhouse

In 2024, California solidified its status as a tourism heavyweight with approximately $157 billion in visitor spending. The state’s diverse range of attractions, from iconic cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco to natural wonders such as Yosemite and Napa Valley, continue to draw millions of domestic and international visitors. This massive influx of tourists plays a crucial role in California’s overall economic health, generating jobs, supporting the hospitality industry, and contributing significantly to state revenues.

California’s tourism economy is a central pillar of the U.S. tourism sector, with a variety of travel experiences catering to all types of tourists, whether they are visiting for business, leisure, or cultural exploration. The state’s constant innovation in tourism offerings ensures that it remains at the forefront of national tourism growth.

North Carolina: A State Seeing Record Growth

North Carolina also made headlines in 2024, with $36.7 billion in visitor spending, marking a 3.1% increase from the previous year. The state’s rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and scenic landscapes—ranging from the Appalachian Mountains to its beautiful coastline—have made it a favorite destination for both domestic and international tourists. In addition, international visitors spent $1.2 billion in North Carolina, further boosting the state’s tourism revenue.

The state’s commitment to sustainable tourism and local engagement has made North Carolina a model for other states looking to grow their tourism economies. Visitors flock to popular cities such as Raleigh, Asheville, and Charlotte, where a blend of art, history, and outdoor adventure draws travelers throughout the year.

Tennessee: Soaring Tourism Revenues

Tennessee saw its highest-ever visitor spending in 2024, reaching $31.7 billion. With 147 million visits, Tennessee’s tourism sector is a powerhouse. This surge in tourism also contributed to $3.3 billion in state and local taxes, reinforcing the state’s reliance on tourism for economic stability. Popular destinations like Nashville—known for its live music scene—and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park continue to attract millions of visitors.

Tourism in Tennessee has become a significant contributor to local economies, particularly in Nashville and Memphis, where the entertainment and cultural sectors thrive. The state’s music heritage, combined with its natural beauty, ensures that Tennessee remains a top destination for both leisure and business travel.

Wisconsin: A Record-Breaking Tourism Economy

In 2024, Wisconsin experienced its best tourism performance to date, with a record-breaking $25.8 billion in tourism impact. This represents the third consecutive year that the state has surpassed pre-pandemic levels in tourism spending. The state’s tourism growth is driven by its vibrant festivals, outdoor recreation opportunities, and family-friendly attractions like the Wisconsin Dells.

Wisconsin’s tourism economy is also boosted by its thriving craft beer and food scenes, with many visitors drawn to its rich agricultural offerings. The state’s tourism infrastructure continues to expand, making it a prime location for both regional and national travelers.

Kentucky: Tourism Contributing to State Economic Growth

Kentucky saw a total economic impact of $14.3 billion from tourism in 2024, with $10.1 billion coming directly from visitor spending. Known for its bourbon distilleries, the Kentucky Derby, and beautiful landscapes like the Red River Gorge, the state continues to grow its tourism economy through targeted marketing and investment in infrastructure. The state is increasingly becoming a key player in attracting both leisure travelers and those seeking unique cultural experiences.

Mississippi: A Year of Record Tourism Spending

Mississippi had a record year in 2024, with $11.9 billion in visitor spending. This marked a significant increase in the state’s tourism revenues, further cementing Mississippi’s place as a growing tourism destination. The state’s rich cultural heritage, combined with a vibrant music scene, makes it a standout destination in the Southern U.S.

Mississippi’s tourism growth is also supported by its expanding arts and heritage tourism initiatives. With attractions such as the Mississippi Blues Trail and historic sites, the state continues to attract travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences.

Additional U.S. States with Recent Tourism‑GDP Gains

• Florida — ~ 142.9 million visitors in 2024, with visitor spending reported at about US$127.7 billion.
• Montana — ~ 13.7 million visitors in 2024 (its highest ever), with direct visitor spending estimated at US$5.0 billion.
• Nevada — Part of the group of states reported in 2025 as “dominating U.S. tourism,” alongside California, Florida, Hawaii, Texas and New York — suggesting strong tourism revenue, though recent precise visitor‑spending numbers weren’t publicly broken out in the reports.
• New York — Frequently cited among top states for tourism growth in 2024. Although specific statewide visitor‑spending totals for 2024 are not clearly disclosed, the state’s performance benefits heavily from massive international and domestic visitation.
• Texas — Recently reported as experiencing a significant tourism surge; multiple outlets describe strong visitor inflows and rising tourism‑driven economic activity, though a uniform “visitor‑spending” number was not available in the public summary.

The Impact on Business and Tourism Travel

The growth in tourism across these states is a significant driver of local economies, creating jobs, boosting businesses, and generating tax revenue. For business travelers, these states offer diverse opportunities, from attending industry conferences in Tennessee to business meetings in California’s tech hubs. The surge in leisure travel means more opportunities for local hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, contributing to the prosperity of these regions.

For tourists, these states continue to offer a wide array of experiences—from cultural events and music festivals in Tennessee to outdoor adventures in North Carolina and California. As tourism spending continues to rise, travelers can expect even more attractions and services designed to enhance their experience.

Quick Tips for Travelers

1. Book Early: With tourism booming in these states, securing your accommodations, flights, and event tickets early will help avoid disappointment.
2. Explore Local Experiences: Make sure to take advantage of the local food, culture, and outdoor attractions. Whether it’s wine tasting in California or visiting historical landmarks in Kentucky, there’s always something new to explore.
3. Travel Responsibly: These states’ booming tourism economies rely on sustainable practices, so be mindful of your environmental footprint while traveling.
4. Check for Deals: Many states, like Tennessee and Wisconsin, offer seasonal discounts and packages to encourage tourism during off-peak seasons.

Conclusion: The U.S. Tourism Economy Continues to Thrive

In conclusion, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, California, Hawaii, Montana, North Carolina, and Wisconsin are key drivers of the U.S. tourism rebound. Their mix of cultural landmarks and natural wonders draws millions, lifting jobs and tax revenues. Rising visitor spend is strengthening local economies and positioning these states as tourism powerhouses. Their diverse offerings and targeted initiatives point to sustained growth. With these leaders setting the pace, the outlook for U.S. tourism is bright.

Disclaimer: The Attached Images in This Article are AI Generated