Published on September 15, 2025
New Orleans is at the heart of a seismic shift in US tourism as findings from the Olinger 2025 Summer Travel Study reveal travelers have increased their summer travel spending by fifty-four percent despite economic pressures. This groundbreaking research, harnessing proprietary Live Well Methodology, shows that traditional price-based decisions are being replaced by a focus on the emotional return on investment, where meaningful experiences, personal renewal, and connection matter most.
The study, based on insights from three hundred ninety two American travelers, demonstrates how destinations known for cultural depth and vibrant atmosphere, like New Orleans, stand poised for tourism growth, as visitors place a premium on authentic and emotionally rewarding activities.

Miami and Los Angeles: Destinations for Connection

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As travelers seek emotional ROI, cities with rich social, historical, and cultural offerings such as Miami and Los Angeles are anticipated to see substantial tourism gains. These destinations provide immersive experiences, from multicultural festivals to transformative art scenes, that cater to the psychological priorities highlighted by the study.
Olinger’s research divides travelers into three segments:

• High Impact travelers chase premium, emotionally charged experiences in destinations like Miami and Los Angeles, driving spike in luxury tourism and local economic benefits.
• Persuadable travelers are drawn by comfort and brand loyalty, making cities with established hospitality sectors, such as Los Angeles, especially attractive.
• Functional travelers select dependable, straightforward travel options—securing steady tourism flow to major cities regardless of broader trends.

Chicago and Dallas: Strategic Luxury and Climate-Conscious Choices Fuel Tourism

Chicago and Dallas are emblematic of the emerging strategic luxury mindset uncovered by the study. Only thirty percent of affluent travelers now see luxury amenities as must-haves, while the majority prioritize emotional restoration through relaxation and climate-adaptive experiences. With weather and climate rated as highly important by eighty nine percent of participants, these cities are adapting their tourism strategies to meet climate-conscious preferences and ensure resilience.
Destinations that align offerings with travelers’ desire for relaxation and weather stability are expected to capture greater market share and drive sustained increases in visitor spending and trip frequency.

New York: Families and Loyalty Programs Shape Travel Patterns

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New York joins the list of leading US tourism markets benefiting from complex, emotionally driven family travel planning. Olinger’s study finds eighty eight percent of travelers are actively using rewards programs while families are coordinating multifaceted journeys, demanding tailored experiences. By recognizing distinct emotional states, Pride, Loyalty, Authenticity, Nostalgia (PLAN), New York tourism providers can deepen visitor loyalty and maximize the value of each trip.
As families seek deeper connection and shared memories, tourism attractions and hospitality brands in New York are responding by developing more personalized, emotion-based travel experiences.

Olinger’s Research: Transforming the US Tourism Landscape

Olinger’s annual summer travel analysis offers predictive insights beyond demographic segmentation, identifying the emotional drivers that truly motivate traveler decisions. Destinations attuned to these patterns, such as New Orleans, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and New York, stand to benefit from increased loyalty, higher spending, and more frequent visits.
With complex booking behaviors and a permanent transformation in consumer priorities, the US tourism sector is evolving from transactional value toward experiential and emotionally fulfilling travel. Going forward, providers who tailor marketing and service strategies to emotional ROI will likely dominate the competitive landscape, capturing share from those relying solely on demographics or price points.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

The implications for tourism across these key cities are clear: emotional connection and personal renewal outweigh price as drivers of travel investment. As travelers continue to elevate their expectations for meaningful and climate-resilient experiences, summer tourism in New Orleans, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and New York will remain robust. Destinations and brands that understand and leverage this emotional revolution will ensure elevated guest satisfaction and sustained industry growth.

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Tags: emotional ROI, Miami travel trends, New Orleans tourism, Olinger Live Well Methodology

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