Vermont Achieves New Record Tourism Revenue, With Chittenden County Leading the Way

Published on December 16, 2025

Vermont’s tourism sector has registered a historic feat in 2024, with visitors contributing a staggering $4.2 billion to the economy, as Vermont recorded a record high of 16 million visitors. This is an improvement over the past year and indicates Vermont’s popularity as a premier travel destination in America. The impact of tourism has significantly contributed to Vermont’s economy, standing at 9% of Vermont’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), well above the national average of 3%.

Tourism Drives Economic Growth and Job Creation in Vermont

The impact of tourism on Vermont’s economy is substantial. Direct spending by visitors in 2024 included over $1.5 billion for lodging, nearly $876 million for food and beverages, $680 million in retail spending, $678 million for transportation, and $462 million for recreational and entertainment activities. These expenditures not only benefit the tourism industry but also help sustain Vermont’s broader economy by supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and generating revenue for public services.

According to Heather Pelham, Commissioner of the Department of Tourism and Marketing, “Visitors to Vermont are essentially temporary taxpayers, bringing in outside money that helps to make Vermont more affordable for all of us.” The economic contributions of tourists are felt across the state, with revenue supporting essential services and helping to maintain the quality of life for residents. In fact, tourism’s broader economic impact, which includes indirect spending and the effects of supply chain purchases, amounted to a total of $7 billion in 2024.

Chittenden County Leads the Way in Visitor Spending

Among the state’s counties, Chittenden County stands out for its dominant share of visitor spending. In 2024, it accounted for 24.5% of total tourism spending, exceeding $1 billion. This includes spending on accommodations, dining, shopping, transportation, and local experiences, highlighting the importance of Chittenden County as a central hub for tourism in Vermont. The county is home to Burlington, the state’s largest city, which boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, diverse dining options, and proximity to outdoor recreation areas. These factors make Chittenden County a prime destination for tourists year-round.

Other counties also saw strong growth in tourism-related spending. For instance, Lamoille, Rutland, and Windsor counties each contributed over 10% of the state’s tourism revenue. This reflects the widespread popularity of Vermont’s smaller towns and rural areas, where tourists flock to enjoy the state’s natural beauty, peaceful landscapes, and local culture.

The Solar Eclipse Boosts Tourism in St. Johnsbury

The 2024 total solar eclipse was another significant event that brought a surge of tourists to Vermont, particularly in rural areas like St. Johnsbury in Caledonia County. The town hosted an estimated 23,000 visitors, providing a major economic boost to the local community. Gillian Sewake, director of Discover St. Johnsbury, said, “The positive impact of tourism on a rural community like St. Johnsbury was clear. It was wonderful to feel that vibrancy in our downtown, with visitors filling sidewalks, enjoying the attractions, and helping businesses break revenue records.”

The solar eclipse underscored the growing interest in Vermont as a destination for special events, and it demonstrated how even smaller, rural communities can benefit from tourism during major global occurrences. This influx of visitors showcased the potential of Vermont’s underexplored regions and illustrated how tourism can provide significant economic opportunities, even outside the state’s more popular urban centers.

Bennington County: A Hub for Small Business and Community Sustainability

In Bennington County, tourism generated nearly $300 million in direct spending in 2024, highlighting the significant role that tourism plays in sustaining the local economy. John Burnham, executive director of the Manchester Business Association, explained, “Tourism is one of our region’s most powerful economic drivers, supporting nearly 13% of our workforce. But its value reaches far beyond jobs. Visitor spending strengthens our economy, sustains small businesses, and helps fund the local services and amenities we all rely on.”

Tourism in Bennington County also fosters community development by supporting local cultural attractions, restaurants, and outdoor recreation areas. This creates a thriving environment for residents and visitors alike, promoting a sense of place while generating revenue for public services. Vermont’s focus on preserving its rural character while embracing tourism is a model for balancing growth with sustainability.

Resident Support for Increased Tourism

The importance of tourism to Vermont’s economy is not only recognized by local officials but also by the state’s residents. A poll by the University of Vermont Center for Rural Studies in 2025 found that 85% of residents agree that tourism is important to their local economy, while 78% believe that increased tourism would benefit their communities. This broad support indicates that Vermonters recognize the value of tourism, both in terms of economic development and community engagement.

Vermonters are increasingly seeing tourism not just as a seasonal influx of visitors but as an integral part of the state’s long-term economic health. The steady growth in visitor numbers, coupled with the rise in high-end accommodations and local experiences, suggests that Vermont’s tourism industry is well-positioned to continue thriving.

Looking to the Future: Tourism as a Catalyst for Regional Growth

With tourism continuing to play a key role in Vermont’s economic development, the future looks bright for the state’s tourism sector. The projected increase in tourism arrivals for 2025—coupled with ongoing infrastructure improvements, new attractions, and sustainable travel initiatives—indicates that the state will continue to benefit from a growing tourism economy.

As the state works to attract more visitors, it will need to continue balancing the needs of tourists with the preservation of Vermont’s natural beauty and small-town charm. The focus on sustainable tourism practices, along with a commitment to community development, will help ensure that Vermont remains a desirable destination for travelers and a prosperous place for residents.

The Power of Tourism in Vermont’s Economic Future

Conclusion: Vermont’s tourism sector is a major catalyst for its economic growth, and Vermont’s dedication to developing its tourism sector has reaped excellent results for it as it attracts record numbers and boosts its expenditure related to tourism. Vermont is making optimal use of its attractions and is on its path to remaining a leading tourist destination as it remains committed to responsible tourism and developing its regions as well.