Las Vegas Joins Chicago, Houston, New York City, Miami and Other US Cities in Recording a Surge in Domestic Tourist Arrivals, While International Visitors See a Slow Decline: Everything You Need to Know

Published on November 27, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Las Vegas, along with cities like Chicago, Houston, New York City, Miami, and several others, has been experiencing an impressive surge in domestic tourist arrivals. At the same time, international visitors have shown a sluggish decline across these popular U.S. destinations. This shift in travel trends is causing waves in the tourism industry, as local tourism is flourishing, while international tourism faces significant challenges. The rising number of domestic tourists in these major cities signals a new era for U.S. tourism, where Americans are rediscovering their own cities. Las Vegas, Chicago, Houston, New York City, and Miami are all leading this charge, each recording a remarkable increase in domestic travel numbers. While international travelers are still an important part of the tourism economy, their steady decline in these cities is making way for the growth of domestic tourism.

In cities like Las Vegas, Chicago, and New York City, local tourism is not just surviving—it’s thriving. Miami, Houston, and other cities are similarly seeing more domestic tourists than ever before. As international visitors show slower growth, these cities have become more reliant on their domestic markets to fuel the tourism economy. Understanding why this shift is happening is crucial for anyone looking to explore these cities. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about this evolving trend in U.S. tourism.

2025 is witnessing a major shift in U.S. tourism. A wave of changes is sweeping through the travel landscape, as international tourism takes a heavy hit, while domestic tourism is breaking all records. Cities once reliant on international visitors are now pivoting towards an increasing surge in homegrown travelers. International tourism may have suffered, but domestic tourism is seeing a monumental boost, and here’s why that matters. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that the U.S. is projected to lose US $12.5 billion in international traveller spending in 2025. Get ready for the inside scoop on how some of America’s most iconic destinations are thriving amid this drastic shift.

International Tourism is in Decline, But Domestic Travel is Unstoppable

For years, international tourists flooded the U.S. with billions in spending. But in 2025, this trend is dramatically shifting. Reports confirm that international tourism in the U.S. has fallen by 8.2%, causing a ripple effect across major cities. Cities like Las Vegas, New York, and Miami—once magnets for overseas visitors—are feeling the pain. But here’s the twist. While international tourism takes a backseat, domestic tourism is absolutely exploding. Americans are hitting the road in record numbers, keeping the tourism economy alive and well.

It’s a shocking reversal, but the real story is this: cities that were once struggling with falling international arrivals are now benefiting from the resilience of domestic travelers. It’s not just a small shift—domestic tourism is holding the economy together, with cities seeing record hotel revenues and sold-out events despite the downturn in international visitors. America is discovering a new kind of tourism power—one that’s homegrown and stronger than ever.

Las Vegas: A Ghost Town for International Tourists, But a Haven for Domestic Travelers

Las Vegas is an iconic city that’s synonymous with international tourism. From Canadian travelers to visitors from Europe and Asia, the Strip has historically relied on a global influx. However, in 2025, things are different. International visitors are down by an alarming 13%, leaving the glitzy city facing a sharp decline in its foreign visitor numbers. Yet, in the midst of this downturn, domestic tourism in Las Vegas is thriving. Americans are flocking to the city, not just for gambling, but for entertainment, conventions, and value-driven vacations. Local casinos and hotels have even reported increased revenues, thanks to a boom in domestic visitors. It’s clear: Las Vegas may have lost some international shine, but its American roots are proving stronger than ever. The city has now become the perfect domestic playground, and it’s thriving in this new environment.

Chicago: International Drop-Off But Domestic Tourism is Still Going Strong

Chicago, a city that thrives on international foot traffic, is experiencing a significant dip in overseas visitors. Reports confirm a sharp decrease in international bookings from Canadian and European tourists, with some sources citing a 70% drop in inbound travel from those regions. The downturn is tough, but Chicago’s tourism scene isn’t crumbling just yet. In fact, domestic tourism is holding steady. Hotel revenues are record-breaking, driven by an influx of domestic visitors seeking conferences, sports events, and cultural festivals. Chicago’s ability to hold the line against international declines and sustain domestic demand proves that domestic tourism is no longer a secondary market—it’s now the backbone of the city’s travel industry. The future of tourism in Chicago lies firmly in the hands of U.S. residents, who are showing up in full force to experience everything this great city has to offer.

Houston: Internationally Impacted But Domestic Tourism Surges Like a Tsunami

Houston is another example of a city feeling the brunt of the international tourism slowdown. With inbound international visitors down by more than 10%, this once-thriving international hub faces tough times. But all hope is not lost. The rise of domestic tourism in Houston is nothing short of explosive. Americans, particularly those from nearby states, are flocking to Houston for events, conferences, and a taste of Texas hospitality. With $11 billion in tourism spending in 2025 alone, Houston has clearly managed to shift the focus from international to domestic. From arts festivals to the booming culinary scene, Houston’s domestic tourism economy is now stronger than ever, and the city is reaping the rewards of a thriving, homegrown travel market.

New York City: A Mixed Bag, But Domestic Resilience Shines Through

New York City, one of the world’s most iconic tourism destinations, has seen its international visitors drop, but the story here is a bit more complex. While international arrivals in 2025 have dipped significantly, especially from Canada, domestic tourism in the city is holding up reasonably well. New York is still a prime domestic destination, and with a wealth of attractions, shows, and cultural experiences, it remains a must-see for Americans. The city’s hotels and entertainment sectors are enjoying the benefits of a solid local audience eager to experience its magic. Despite the global dip, New York’s domestic tourism is creating a safety net for the city’s travel industry. International numbers may be down, but New York’s cultural and entertainment dominance ensures that domestic tourism is strong and steadily growing.

Miami: The Sunshine State’s Domestic Reign Amidst a Global Slide

Miami, long known for its ability to attract tourists from across the globe, is feeling the effects of a decline in international tourism. While some international visitors are still trickling in, numbers from Canada, Europe, and Latin America have taken a significant hit. However, domestic tourism in Miami is booming. The city’s sunny beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious hotels continue to draw Americans in record numbers. Miami is now enjoying a domestic-driven renaissance, with local businesses reporting strong performances and hotels seeing full bookings. With the U.S. as its primary source of tourists, Miami is proving that even a dip in international travel can’t stop its rise as a domestic destination.

A Nationwide Trend: Cities Relying More on Domestic Tourism Than Ever Before

While some cities may have struggled more than others, the overall trend across the U.S. is clear: domestic tourism is booming, and it’s picking up the slack for international declines. Cities like Los Angeles, Orlando, and Las Vegas are all pivoting to focus more on attracting U.S. travelers, and it’s paying off. With Americans still eager to hit the road, staycations and domestic vacations are replacing international trips. The shift towards domestic tourism is helping U.S. cities weather the storm of declining international visitors, and for the first time in decades, homegrown travel is the star of the show. These cities are realising the immense power of local tourism and tapping into the millions of Americans looking for new adventures within their own borders.

The Future of Tourism in the U.S. – Is Domestic Travel the New King?

As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, it’s clear that domestic tourism is more than just a safety net. It’s now the driving force of the U.S. travel industry. Cities that can adapt to this new reality and cater to the needs of domestic tourists will come out on top. With international tourism facing challenges such as political tensions, economic slowdowns, and higher travel costs, U.S. cities are focusing their efforts on domestic-driven initiatives. From local events to value-driven tourism experiences, the future looks bright for domestic tourism. The U.S. has officially entered a new era of travel, one where the domestic traveler is king.

Final Thoughts: A New Era of Domestic Tourism in U.S. Cities

In the wake of international tourism declines, U.S. cities are embracing the power of domestic tourism like never before. From Las Vegas to Chicago and Miami, domestic visitors are now fueling the tourism industry, proving that Americans are willing to travel within their own borders. This surge in domestic tourism is not a temporary trend—it’s the future of U.S. travel. While international visitors may return in the future, it’s clear that for now, domestic tourism is here to stay.