Virginia Joins North Carolina, Colorado, and Massachusetts in Shattering US Tourism Records, New Travel Industry Power Bank—A New Era Begins

Published on September 12, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Virginia joins North Carolina, Colorado, and Massachusetts in shattering U.S. tourism records, marking the start of a new era in the travel industry. In 2024, Virginia saw unprecedented growth, generating a record $35.1 billion in visitor spending. This achievement places Virginia alongside other tourism powerhouses like North Carolina, Colorado, and Massachusetts. The tourism sector has become a key economic driver, with thousands of jobs created and billions of dollars in revenue generated for the state. This surge in tourism not only boosts local economies but also highlights the growing appeal of Virginia as a top destination. As Virginia joins these states in leading the way, the tourism industry is poised to continue its growth, transforming local economies and shaping the future of travel across the U.S.

In 2024, the tourism industry across the United States has reached new heights. Visitor spending has hit record-breaking numbers, and the economic impact on states has been enormous. From the coasts to the mountains, tourists flocked to the U.S., and their spending is helping fuel the economy in a big way. With over $1.3 trillion in spending, tourism is now a major part of the U.S. economy, creating jobs, generating revenue, and benefiting local businesses. Let’s take a closer look at how U.S. states are thriving from this growth.

US National Tourism Growth in 2024

The United States saw its tourism industry hit an all-time high in 2024. The total spending by visitors reached an incredible $1.3 trillion. This record-breaking amount is more than just a number; it is a reflection of the hard work done by tourism boards, local governments, and businesses to make the country an attractive destination for travelers from around the world.

In addition to this spending, the total economic output from tourism across the U.S. was $2.9 trillion, which makes up 2.5% of the nation’s GDP. This huge contribution shows how important tourism is to the U.S. economy. Not only does it bring in money, but it also creates jobs. In fact, tourism supports over 9 million jobs across the country, showing just how many people depend on the industry.

US State-Specific Tourism Growth

While the national statistics are impressive, looking at the specific states that have done well in tourism in 2024 reveals even more. Different states are showing unique trends and success stories. Let’s explore some of these states and how they have benefited from the tourism boom.

Virginia: A Record-Breaking Year

Virginia had a remarkable 2024, with the state achieving record-breaking visitor spending. The tourism industry in Virginia generated $35.1 billion, a 5.4% increase from the previous year. This increase shows how strong tourism is in the state. Many visitors come to Virginia for its history, beautiful scenery, and great food.

In addition to the money spent, tourism created around 229,000 jobs in Virginia. These jobs are in hotels, restaurants, airports, and various attractions. The success of the tourism industry is not only helping the state’s economy but also supporting a large number of jobs for local residents. Virginia’s tourism industry has become an essential part of its economy.

North Carolina: Continuing to Attract Visitors

North Carolina also had a very successful 2024 in tourism. The state saw tourism spending reach $36.7 billion, which is a 3.1% increase from 2023. Like Virginia, North Carolina’s tourism industry is growing steadily year by year. Domestic visitors made up the majority of the spending, but international visitors also made an impact.

In total, the tourism sector in North Carolina supported over 230,000 jobs, contributing significantly to the state’s economy. The tourism board has worked hard to attract people to both its coastal areas and the mountains, and the results are paying off.

Colorado: A Thriving Tourist Destination

Colorado’s tourism industry grew to $28.5 billion in 2024, with a record number of visitors arriving in the state. Over 95 million people visited Colorado, showing just how much people enjoy the state’s natural beauty and outdoor activities. Colorado is known for its mountains and national parks, making it a top choice for those who love outdoor adventures.

However, despite this success, Colorado did experience a slight drop in market share compared to previous years. In 2019, the state had 2.3% of the U.S. tourism market, but by 2024, that number had dropped to 1.8%. This slight decline doesn’t take away from the overall success, but it does highlight the need for Colorado to continue its efforts to remain competitive with other states.

Massachusetts: Growth in Visitor Spending

Massachusetts also had an impressive year in 2024, with visitors spending $24.2 billion in the state. This is a $600 million increase from 2023. The state welcomed over 52 million visitors, and the tourism sector created thousands of new jobs.

The increase in visitor spending shows that Massachusetts continues to be a popular destination, particularly in its larger cities like Boston. Tourists come for the history, food, and culture, and the state’s tourism industry continues to support both local businesses and the wider economy.

Tennessee: Breaking Records

Tennessee set a new record in 2024 with $31.7 billion in tourism spending. With 147 million visitors, Tennessee experienced the largest increase in tourism spending in the state’s history. The state’s tourism sector also generated $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. This revenue helps support the state’s infrastructure, schools, and public services, showing how important tourism is to Tennessee’s economy.

International visitors to Tennessee increased by 12%, which is a strong sign that the state is becoming a more popular destination for people from around the world. The tourism industry also helped save Tennessee households $1,170 each in taxes.

Visitor Trends Across the United States

In addition to the state-specific successes, the overall trends in visitor arrivals in the U.S. show that tourism is on the rise. In December 2024 alone, international arrivals to the U.S. were up 9.5% compared to the previous year. With 6.4 million international visitors arriving in the U.S. that month, it’s clear that the U.S. remains one of the top global destinations for travelers.

Over the entire year, the total number of international visitors to the U.S. reached 72.4 million. This marks a 9.1% increase from the previous year. The largest groups of visitors came from Western Europe and Asia, with the biggest growth coming from Asia, where visitors increased by 21.6%.

These figures highlight the growing popularity of the U.S. as a travel destination, and the country’s tourism industry is expected to continue expanding.

What This Means for the U.S. Economy

The growth in tourism has a significant impact on the overall U.S. economy. With billions of dollars in spending, tourism supports jobs in many sectors, from hospitality to transportation. This spending helps to fuel local economies, making it possible for businesses to thrive. It also leads to more tax revenue, which is used to improve public services and infrastructure.

Tourism also helps to support local attractions, such as national parks, museums, and cultural sites. As more people visit these places, they generate more revenue, which helps maintain and improve these attractions. In turn, this helps create a positive cycle, where more visitors lead to better attractions and more revenue for the economy.

The Future of U.S. Tourism

Looking ahead, the U.S. tourism industry is expected to keep growing. States that have already seen success in 2024 will continue to benefit from their efforts to attract tourists. Other states will look to replicate the success of states like Virginia and North Carolina, which have seen significant increases in visitor spending.

One of the key challenges for the future will be maintaining this growth while ensuring that tourism remains sustainable. As more visitors flock to popular destinations, it’s important to ensure that the local environment and culture are preserved. This means focusing on responsible tourism practices and making sure that local communities benefit from tourism in a meaningful way.

In 2024, U.S. states experienced record-breaking growth in tourism, with visitor spending reaching unprecedented levels. This surge in tourism is providing significant economic benefits, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses. Whether it’s the history and culture of Virginia, the outdoor adventures in Colorado, or the vibrant cities of Massachusetts, tourists are flocking to every corner of the U.S., and their spending is having a major impact.

The U.S. tourism industry has proven to be a key driver of economic growth, and with continued investment and strategic planning, it will continue to thrive in the years ahead. As more and more visitors choose the U.S. as their destination, the tourism industry will remain an essential part of the nation’s economy.

Virginia’s Tourism Industry Smashes Records in 2024: A Game-Changer for the State

The summer tourist season may be winding down, but for Virginia, the tourism industry has just hit an all-time high. Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced that Virginia’s tourism sector generated a staggering $35.1 billion in visitor spending this year. This record-breaking figure marks a significant 5.4% increase from the $33.3 billion seen in 2023. As the leaves change and the days shorten, it’s clear that Virginia’s tourism industry is stronger than ever, contributing heavily to the state’s economy and offering much-needed jobs and opportunities across the region.

How Virginia’s Tourism Industry is Boosting the State’s Economy

With the numbers speaking for themselves, the impact of tourism on Virginia cannot be overstated. The $35.1 billion in visitor spending is a direct reflection of the state’s thriving tourism sector, one that is bringing in more out-of-state visitors than ever before. In fact, around 75% of those visitors come from outside Virginia, highlighting the state’s national and even global appeal.

Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Dan Roberts notes that the state has become a must-see destination for tourists, offering everything from its stunning coastlines to its mountainous regions. Whether you’re soaking in the history of Williamsburg, exploring the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, or indulging in local cuisine in Richmond, Virginia continues to provide an attractive mix of adventure and culture for every type of traveler.

Tourism’s Key Role in Job Creation Across the State

Tourism has proven to be an essential pillar of Virginia’s economy. The tourism sector supports an estimated 230,000 jobs across the state. From hospitality to transportation, these jobs are critical to the day-to-day functioning of local economies, especially in the cities and towns most frequented by visitors. Many workers are directly interacting with tourists, providing everything from hotel services to guided tours, and ensuring that visitors leave with positive experiences that will encourage future visits.

Roberts also mentioned how tourism supports a diverse range of jobs, including those in restaurants, attractions, and even at airports. As more visitors continue to come to Virginia, the demand for these services will only grow, creating a ripple effect of job creation and economic opportunity.

Hampton Roads: A Key Contributor to Virginia’s Tourism Success

While Virginia’s overall tourism performance has been remarkable, certain regions are proving to be crucial in sustaining this success. Hampton Roads, for instance, is responsible for approximately 20% of Virginia’s total visitor spending. The region, encompassing Virginia Beach and Norfolk, is a major draw for beach-goers, history buffs, and those seeking vibrant city life.

Hampton Roads has capitalized on its coastal charm, combining scenic beauty with historic landmarks and contemporary attractions. Visitors flock to the area’s beaches during the summer, but the region also draws attention throughout the year due to its expanding cultural, culinary, and entertainment offerings.

Tourism Trends and the Future: What’s Next for Virginia

Looking ahead, Virginia’s tourism industry isn’t showing signs of slowing down. The fall season, in particular, promises to be a busy time for the state. With its famed mountain towns, including destinations like Roanoke and Shenandoah Valley, Virginia is known for having some of the best foliage in the country. In addition to outdoor activities such as hiking, apple picking, and scenic drives, fall festivals and events will continue to draw tourists seeking a quintessential autumn experience.

Tourists can also explore some of Virginia’s other attractions, including its growing food scene, which has gained recognition for its farm-to-table offerings and craft breweries. Visitors can take advantage of Virginia’s wide range of culinary experiences, from coastal seafood to hearty mountain fare, which continues to be a draw for food lovers.

Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Visit Virginia

October is shaping up to be an especially exciting month for many of Virginia’s mountain and fall destinations. These areas are primed for tourists seeking a peaceful getaway or looking to embrace the beauty of nature as the fall colors emerge. Whether you’re planning a visit to the historic towns of southwestern Virginia or aiming to see the foliage around the Shenandoah Valley, the state has something for every kind of traveler this fall.

Virginia’s tourism calendar is packed with events during the autumn months, from harvest festivals to wine tastings. The Commonwealth offers a chance for travelers to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the natural wonders of the region, including national parks and local vineyards.

Virginia’s Commitment to Expanding Its Tourism Industry

As Virginia continues to shine as a top tourism destination, the state’s tourism officials are committed to making travel easier for tourists. Resources like Virginia.org provide valuable information on current events, local attractions, and updated fall foliage maps. This makes it easier for tourists to plan their trips and make the most of their time in the state.

With its blend of urban sophistication and rural charm, Virginia remains an exceptional destination for tourists of all kinds. The recent surge in visitor spending and growth in the sector signal a bright future for the state’s tourism industry.

What’s Ahead: How Virginia Is Preparing for More Growth

Looking ahead, the future of Virginia’s tourism industry looks promising. With an ever-growing focus on sustainability and maintaining the state’s natural beauty, Virginia is positioning itself as a model for responsible tourism. Local authorities and stakeholders are working together to ensure that tourism continues to thrive, creating a balance between economic benefits and preserving the state’s rich history and environment.

Furthermore, Virginia is leveraging its strong tourism marketing campaigns to invite even more travelers to experience its abundance of attractions. The state has earned its place as one of the premier destinations in the U.S., and with continuing investments in infrastructure and services, it’s poised to stay on top.

Conclusion: The Impact of Tourism on Virginia’s Economy

Virginia’s tourism sector continues to play a crucial role in both the local and state economy, with record-breaking visitor spending marking a huge success for the industry. The tourism boost has brought thousands of new jobs, supporting local businesses, and enriching the cultural landscape across the state. With more tourists flocking to Virginia every year, the state’s tourism industry looks set to continue its upward trajectory, with fall being the ideal time to experience everything the Commonwealth has to offer. Whether it’s for outdoor activities, culinary experiences, or historical explorations, Virginia has something for every type of traveller.