- Nationwide Tourism Boom: In 2024, states like West Virginia, Wyoming, Montana, Georgia, North Carolina, and Washington all experienced historic, record-breaking tourism growth.
- Significant Economic Impact: The surge generated billions in economic activity, such as $9.1 billion in West Virginia and $45.2 billion in Georgia, while supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.
- Outdoor Adventure Drives Growth: The trend was largely fueled by travelers seeking stunning natural landscapes, iconic national parks, and a wide array of outdoor recreational activities.
- Broad Visitor Spending: Tourists spent heavily across multiple sectors including recreation, food and beverage, lodging, and retail, providing widespread benefits to local economies.
A remarkable tourism boom swept across the United States in 2024, with several states achieving historic milestones in visitor numbers and economic impact. West Virginia led a cohort of destinations, including Wyoming, Montana, Georgia, North Carolina, and Washington, that all experienced record-breaking years. This nationwide success story is fueled by a growing appreciation for America’s stunning natural landscapes, abundant outdoor adventures, and rich cultural heritage.
In West Virginia, tourism generated an incredible $9.1 billion in economic impact from 77.2 million visitors, showcasing a growth rate that significantly outpaces the national average. This trend was mirrored in other states, from Wyoming’s $4.9 billion in visitor spending driven by its iconic national parks to Georgia’s massive $45.2 billion tourism sector.
The positive effects of this surge are being felt in communities large and small. The industry has become a cornerstone of local economies, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating billions in tax revenue, which in turn provides savings for resident households. Visitors are spending generously across a wide range of sectors, including food and beverage, recreation, lodging, and retail, ensuring that the benefits are widespread. From the mountains of Montana to the coastline of North Carolina, this banner year highlights the incredible resilience and diverse appeal of U.S. destinations. The thriving tourism sector is not just recovering but is setting a new standard for growth, pointing toward a very bright and prosperous future.