Florida has cemented its position among the top-performing destinations in the United States’ biggest tourism boom of the year, joining Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, and New York City in defying the slump caused by a massive drop in Canadian visitors. As Canadian tourism to the U.S. plummets by nearly 70%, the resilience and surge of domestic travelers have propelled these states and cities into record-breaking territory, with hotel bookings, event attendance, and overall tourism revenue reaching levels not seen in years.
In the first quarter of 2025, Florida reported over 41 million visitors, reflecting a 7.2% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth came despite a stark 40% decline in Canadian tourists, driven by political tensions and consumer backlash north of the border. Orlando International Airport registered a 9.4% rise in passenger volume, further highlighting the city’s enduring allure, especially among families flocking to its renowned theme parks. Meanwhile, Miami’s hotel occupancy soared to 82%, up from 77% in 2024, signaling a powerful rebound fueled by domestic tourists. Tampa, Sarasota, and Fort Lauderdale also saw robust growth, with visitors from Georgia, the Carolinas, and the Midwest filling hotel rooms, restaurants, and attractions across the Sunshine State.
Texas Emerges as a Tourism Powerhouse with 8.3% Growth
Texas stands tall with an 8.3% increase in tourism activity across its major metro hubs. Austin, now the fifth most popular U.S. summer destination, witnessed swelling crowds at music festivals, vibrant nightlife spots, and local attractions. Dallas alone welcomed 27.6 million visitors in 2024, on track to surpass 29 million by the end of 2025. San Antonio’s River Walk and Hill Country regions contributed to a 6.8% jump in visitor spending during Q1. Even smaller destinations like Fredericksburg continue to attract over 1.5 million visitors annually, with its wine tourism sector booming following the opening of the town’s first full-service hotel earlier this year. The Lone Star State’s tourism growth is fueled almost entirely by domestic travelers, compensating for the lost Canadian influx with ease.
Tennessee’s Tourism Soars with 10% Summer Booking Surge
Tennessee has emerged as a quiet powerhouse in the national tourism scene. For summer 2025, hotel bookings are up 10% year-over-year, driven largely by the enduring popularity of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and entertainment attractions like Dollywood, which is smashing attendance records. The park itself hosted 12.7 million visitors in the past year, sustaining restaurants, cabins, and tour operators throughout the region. Pigeon Forge reported a 12% increase in summer lodging and rentals, while cities such as Nashville and Chattanooga are experiencing a surge of road trippers eager to enjoy live music, food scenes, and scenic drives. The Volunteer State’s rise is notable for its reliance on regional visitors rather than international ones.
Oregon Rebounds as Bend and Portland Draw Adventure Seekers
Oregon has turned the corner in its post-pandemic recovery, with the Bend region seeing a 9.6% increase in overnight stays and generating more than $7.8 million in room tax revenue between July 2024 and March 2025. The state’s tourism rebound is anchored by its outdoor recreation appeal, sustainable travel ethos, and affordability. Portland’s hotel occupancy is projected to hit 70% this summer, a marked improvement from 64% in 2024, as visitors from neighboring California and Washington replace Canadians who remain absent in large numbers. Oregon’s mix of urban experiences and wilderness adventures is proving irresistible to a growing number of domestic travelers.
New York City Approaches Full Tourism Recovery
New York City is enjoying a powerful resurgence, hosting 64.3 million visitors in 2024 and projected to hit 67 million by year-end 2025, a 4.2% gain that underscores the Big Apple’s enduring magnetism. Broadway attendance climbed 7.5%, and hotel bookings jumped 11% in the first half of the year, bolstered by a flood of tourists from Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio, and Florida. Even as Canadian arrivals slump by 28%, domestic visitors are more than bridging the gap. Tourism spending in NYC is projected to top $50 billion in 2025, driven by high-profile sporting events, global conferences, and the city’s unmatched cultural attractions.
How Domestic Travelers Are Powering the Boom
The massive decline in Canadian tourism has left a significant void—particularly for border states and winter destinations that once depended heavily on Canadian snowbirds and road trippers. But in 2025, the resilience of domestic tourism has been the dominant story. U.S. travelers are embracing local discovery, shorter trips, and the wide array of experiences offered within their own borders. The rise of flexible work schedules, affordable fuel prices, and a shift toward supporting local economies have all contributed to this historic surge.
Despite the absence of millions of Canadians, American travelers have reignited the tourism engine, turning what could have been a challenging year into one of the most profitable and dynamic periods for the U.S. travel sector. With Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, and New York City leading the charge, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for domestic tourism, setting the stage for even greater growth in the years ahead.
