Phoenix Joins Atlanta, Sacramento, Denver, Hartford, Dover, Tallahassee and Other US Cities Skyrocketing Thanksgiving Day Tourism Economy in Recording Visitor Spending, Revenue, and Taxes, Everything You Need To Know is Here

Published on November 25, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Phoenix has joined the ranks of top U.S. cities like Atlanta, Sacramento, Denver, Hartford, Dover, and Tallahassee, as the Thanksgiving Day tourism economy continues to soar. This year, these cities are witnessing record-breaking visitor spending, revenue, and taxes, making it a pivotal moment in the tourism sector.

From Phoenix to Atlanta and Sacramento, the numbers are skyrocketing, showing an unprecedented boom in tourism that’s reshaping local economies. As Thanksgiving approaches, the tourism economy in these cities is set to break even more records. Discover everything you need to know about this explosive growth and its far-reaching impacts right here.

The 2024 Tourism Explosion: Unveiling the Shocking Visitor Spending, Revenue, and Taxes Across the US!

In 2024, tourism in major U.S. cities and states has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, with millions of visitors flooding into key hot spots. From Phoenix to Atlanta, Sacramento to Honolulu, this year has set new records in visitor spending, tourism taxes, and economic impact. If you’ve ever wondered how much cities like Phoenix and Atlanta are making off tourism in 2024, the numbers will blow your mind! Let’s dive into the explosive tourism growth that’s taking the country by storm.

Phoenix’s Shocking Tourism Surge: How Arizona Became a Record-Breaking Destination

Phoenix, Arizona has seen an explosive growth in tourism in 2024. This desert gem welcomed a staggering 20.8 million visitors this year, with spending hitting a jaw-dropping $5 billion. The growth rate for international arrivals alone surged by an incredible 11.1%. With the city’s economy seeing a boost of more than $8.5 billion thanks to tourism, Phoenix is now a powerhouse in the travel industry.

But the true game-changer comes in the form of taxes. Tourism in Phoenix generated a mind-boggling $1.5 billion in tax revenue. That’s not just a small contribution – it’s a critical part of Phoenix’s economic engine. The city’s tourism sector has become so strong, it accounts for a significant chunk of the state’s overall tourism revenue. The whole state of Arizona brought in $29.7 billion in 2024 from tourism, with Phoenix contributing a huge share of this amount. No wonder Arizona is proud to be one of the top tourism destinations in the U.S.

Atlanta’s Record-Breaking Visitor Spending: A $45 Billion Industry

Just when you thought tourism couldn’t get any bigger, Atlanta and Georgia prove you wrong! The Peach State smashed its own records with 174.2 million visitors in 2024, bringing in an eye-popping $45.2 billion. This represents an all-time high for Georgia, showing the incredible power of tourism in this region. Atlanta alone pulled in millions in visitor spending, driving $5.1 billion in tax revenue.

Notably, metro Atlanta’s tourism tax contribution from short-term rentals alone exceeded $126.5 million. With huge contributions from events, sports tourism, and international arrivals, Georgia’s tourism industry is proving to be a juggernaut in 2024. What’s even more impressive is the $2.6 billion in economic activity generated by travel platforms such as Airbnb, giving the tourism tax revenue another boost.

California’s Explosive Growth: A $157 Billion Tourism Powerhouse

California continues to lead the charge in tourism spending. The Golden State saw $157.3 billion in visitor spending in 2024, setting a new record. This state has mastered the art of tourism, from the sunny beaches of Southern California to the tech hubs of Silicon Valley and the cultural landmarks in San Francisco.

What’s even more jaw-dropping is the $12.6 billion in taxes generated by tourism in California. That’s a massive portion of the state’s annual revenue, helping fund infrastructure, public services, and countless projects. With the state of California setting new records year after year, it’s clear why so many tourists flock here. It’s not just the glamour of Hollywood or the allure of its national parks; it’s the economic powerhouse that tourism represents.

The Hidden Gems: Little Rock, Dover, Tallahassee, and Boise – Are They About to Explode in 2024?

While major cities like Phoenix and Atlanta take the spotlight, let’s not forget about the smaller, emerging tourism markets like Little Rock, Dover, Tallahassee, and Boise. These cities may not yet be breaking tourism records, but their growth in 2024 should not be underestimated.

In Dover, Delaware, tourism is already a $4.7 billion industry, contributing over $724 million in taxes. Little Rock is experiencing a steady rise in visitors, bringing in millions for local businesses. Tallahassee is attracting more students, conferences, and government-related tourism, while Boise is becoming a top contender in the mountain region, with an increasing number of visitors seeking outdoor adventures.

Though the specific numbers for 2024 are still rolling in, these cities are rapidly becoming important players in the tourism sector. As travel continues to boom, their unique offerings are drawing more attention, making them essential to the larger picture of U.S. tourism growth.

The Tourism Tax Impact: How These Cities Are Using Visitor Dollars to Fuel Growth

One of the most significant contributions from tourism in 2024 has been the tax revenue generated by visitors. Phoenix alone pulled in $703 million in state and local taxes, while Georgia’s tourism sector contributed $5.1 billion in tax revenue across the state. This tax income is crucial for funding infrastructure projects, maintaining public services, and investing in future growth.

California’s $12.6 billion tourism tax revenue is vital for the state’s economy, and the newly implemented taxes on short-term rentals are expected to bring in even more in the coming years. The same goes for cities like Sacramento and Atlanta, where the taxes levied on visitor spending are making a big impact on local budgets and funding improvements.

Without these tourism taxes, many of these cities and states would struggle to support the growing demands of both residents and visitors. From road repairs to police funding, tourism taxes are a crucial lifeline for maintaining the quality of life in these areas.

What’s Next for 2025? Tourism Growth Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

As we move toward 2025, the tourism industry across the U.S. is poised for even greater growth. Cities like Phoenix, Atlanta, and Sacramento will continue to see increased visitor numbers, as their attractions, events, and festivals bring in tourists from around the world. But the real excitement lies in the emerging destinations, like Little Rock, Boise, and Tallahassee, where tourism is gaining momentum and is expected to break out in the coming years.

What can we expect next year? More visitors, more spending, and of course, more tourism tax revenue to fuel the economy. In 2025, it’s likely that these cities will continue to push the envelope in terms of tourism impact, creating new economic opportunities and supporting millions of jobs across the country.

Conclusion: A Year of Unbelievable Growth in U.S. Tourism!

The year 2024 has been a game-changer for tourism in the U.S., with record-breaking visitor spending, tax revenue, and economic impact across the board. Phoenix, Atlanta, Sacramento, and California have led the charge, while emerging cities like Little Rock, Dover, and Boise are showing incredible promise. The tourism sector has proven to be a major contributor to local and state economies, creating jobs, funding infrastructure, and driving growth. With no signs of slowing down, 2025 is set to be another landmark year for tourism in the U.S.