Santa Cruz County Joins Portland, Erie, District of Columbia, King, Multnomah in Surging Domestic Tourism While the International Visits Plunging, New Update is Here

Published on November 27, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Santa Cruz County has now joined a growing list of destinations, including Portland, Erie, District of Columbia, King, and Multnomah, in experiencing a remarkable surge in US domestic tourism. While international visits continue their steep decline, these regions are benefiting from a significant boost in domestic travel.

Santa Cruz County, alongside Portland and Erie, has seen an impressive uptick in local visitors, indicating a broader national trend. With international visits plunging across key global markets, domestic tourism is proving to be the lifeline for these areas, bringing in much-needed revenue.

The sharp fall in international tourist numbers, particularly during the summer months, has had a profound impact on destinations traditionally reliant on foreign visitors. However, the surge in domestic tourism is transforming the tourism landscape, with places like Santa Cruz County and Portland leading the way.

This shift is not just a temporary change; it’s a strategic pivot that could define the future of the industry. As Santa Cruz County joins these other cities in embracing this new wave of travel, it’s clear that domestic tourism is now the dominant force in the travel sector. To understand how these counties are capitalizing on this trend, make sure to dive into the full story!

Santa Cruz County Sees Domestic Tourism Surge as International Visits Plunge

Santa Cruz County has witnessed a significant shift in its tourism dynamics, with domestic tourism booming as international visits plummet. According to a recent report from the Nogales Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce Tourism and Visitor Center, the months from July to September 2025 saw a remarkable 43% increase in local tourism compared to the same period last year. The center recorded 1,221 local visitors, highlighting a strong uptick in domestic interest in the county’s attractions.

However, the picture was starkly different when it came to international tourism. The center reported a sharp decline in foreign visitors, with only 520 international tourists visiting Santa Cruz County between July and September 2025. This marks a staggering 60% drop from the previous year, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by the county’s tourism industry as global travel remains impacted by various economic and geopolitical factors.

The surge in domestic tourism can be attributed to several factors, including increased interest in local travel and shorter trips, as well as a rise in regional road trips. The report suggests that the county’s proximity to major metropolitan areas may have played a key role in attracting more American visitors looking for quick getaways. With travel restrictions and uncertainties still affecting international visitors, Santa Cruz County has successfully capitalised on the growing trend of domestic travel, providing a much-needed boost to its local economy.

While the drop in international visitors is concerning, the rise in domestic tourism provides a silver lining for the region, offering hope for continued growth in the face of global challenges. As local tourism thrives, Santa Cruz County remains optimistic about its future as a popular destination for American travellers.

The Shockwaves of 2025 Tourism in the US

The year 2025 has ushered in a monumental shift for the United States tourism industry. International tourism has seen a catastrophic collapse, while domestic tourism surges in a startling twist of fate. What’s happening? Why are Americans flocking to their own backyard when global travel seems more uncertain than ever? In this in-depth analysis, we uncover how US counties are dealing with the rising tide of domestic tourists and the disastrous drop in international visitors. With real-time government data, we examine the winners and losers in this turbulent tourism landscape. The shift is massive and undeniably affecting the economy in ways no one could have predicted.

The Unprecedented Drop in International Visitors

International tourism to the United States has taken a hard hit in 2025, with overseas visitors showing a sharp decline across key global markets. The figures are staggering and tell a tale of geopolitical unrest, high costs, and a decrease in global travel confidence. According to official reports, international tourist arrivals fell by 3.4% in June 2025, a significant plunge that’s expected to worsen as the year progresses. Visitors from Western Europe and Asia were the hardest hit, with Scandinavian countries like Denmark and Norway seeing double-digit decreases in numbers. This decline, rooted in a mix of economic pressures and strained diplomatic relations, has particularly devastated counties that rely heavily on foreign visitors.

The Hardest Hit Counties: Northern Borders and Major Air Gateways

Counties in northern border states like Washington, Maine, and New York, which have long depended on Canadian tourists, are feeling the brunt of this fall in international arrivals. The drop in Canadian visits is staggering, with land crossings decreasing by a shocking 28%. These border counties, including King County, WA and Wayne County, MI, are reeling from the absence of their typically high-spending Canadian neighbours. Meanwhile, major US air hubs, including New York City (New York County) and Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), are also feeling the pain. As international tourists stay away, these key gateways are witnessing a troubling slowdown in revenue. While the numbers of domestic visitors show some hope, it’s still unclear whether this can fully offset the loss in international spending.

The Surprising Hero: Domestic Travel’s Resilience

While international travel plummets, American tourists are stepping up in a huge way. Domestic travel numbers are holding strong, with millions of Americans choosing to explore their own country rather than venturing abroad. This remarkable resilience has emerged as the saving grace for many counties. In places like Florida and California, where international tourism typically dominates, domestic travelers have filled the void, ensuring the survival of local economies. Official data shows that Americans are taking shorter, more frequent trips, contributing substantially to the tourism recovery. Whether by car, bus, or domestic flight, US residents are flocking to popular spots like Orlando and Miami.

The Great Domestic Migration: Florida as a Case Study

Florida offers the perfect case study for understanding the dynamics of the domestic tourism boom. Official figures from VISIT FLORIDA show that domestic visitors now make up an overwhelming 91.5% of total visitors to the state. Despite a slight drop in international arrivals, domestic tourism has filled the gap left behind. Visitors from the American heartland are choosing Florida’s famous beaches and theme parks over international destinations, helping to buoy the state’s tourism industry. Miami-Dade County, for instance, has seen a modest rise in hotel occupancy rates, driven by domestic tourists eager to enjoy the city’s attractions. This influx has been crucial in keeping Florida’s tourism revenues strong, despite the international tourism slump.

Urban Hubs: New York and Los Angeles Survive with Domestic Help

Even in the biggest cities like New York and Los Angeles, where international tourism once ruled, the surge of domestic travel is making all the difference. New York County (Manhattan), a city traditionally reliant on overseas visitors, is seeing a major shift in its tourism dynamics. Official reports show that 95% of visitors to Manhattan are now domestic, as Americans continue to flood iconic sites like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. While international arrivals are still sluggish, the robust domestic market ensures that New York’s tourism sector continues to thrive. Similarly, in Los Angeles County, local travelers are making up for the loss of foreign visitors, with popular destinations like Venice Beach and Universal Studios enjoying packed crowds.

The Hidden Winners: Counties Benefiting from Domestic Travel Trends

Not all counties have been affected negatively by the international tourism downturn. In fact, some have managed to thrive by capitalizing on the growing number of domestic travelers. San Diego County, CA, for instance, has seen a dramatic uptick in domestic visitors, partly due to its proximity to Mexico and a shift in travel habits. Counties that offer outdoor experiences, from hiking in the Rocky Mountains to the beaches of Texas and South Carolina, are also benefiting from Americans seeking to reconnect with nature. In Tennessee, national parks like the Great Smoky Mountains have experienced record numbers of domestic visitors, boosting local economies in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

The Future: A New Era of US Tourism?

As we look ahead to the next few years, the trends of 2025 may signal a fundamental shift in how the US tourism industry operates. While the decline in international tourism is a serious concern, the rise in domestic travel could lay the foundation for a more resilient, diversified tourism economy. However, counties that heavily depend on international markets must adapt to this new reality, or risk significant economic decline. The challenge for state and local governments will be to balance their tourism strategies, embracing the domestic boom while working to rebuild international confidence in US travel. Will international tourists return? Or will the US tourism industry continue to evolve in this new, self-reliant direction?

The Great Rebalancing of US Tourism in 2025

The year 2025 marks a turning point for US tourism, with a sharp decline in international travel and a domestic tourism surge filling the gap. While this shift presents challenges for counties once reliant on international visitors, it also presents opportunities for growth. Florida, California, New York, and other states are riding the wave of domestic demand, ensuring that their tourism economies stay afloat. The big question remains: Can the US restore its global appeal, or will domestic travelers continue to carry the torch? As 2025 unfolds, the answer will shape the future of US tourism for years to come.