Published on January 22, 2026
In 2026, Las Vegas joins Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago, New York City, and other cities in surging US tourism with strategic investments poised to transform the travel landscape. Las Vegas, with its $600 million renovation of the Convention Center and the innovative Vegas Loop project, is enhancing its appeal as a top destination for both business and leisure travelers. Similarly, cities like Miami are expanding hotel inventories to meet growing demand, while Los Angeles is positioning itself as a global sports and cultural hub with major events like the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. These investments across key cities ensure that the US remains a leading destination for international tourists.

Las Vegas: Expanding the “Experience Economy”

Las Vegas is setting the stage for even greater tourism growth as it doubles down on its identity as the world’s premier convention and sports destination. The $600 million renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center adds 30% more capacity, expected to drive record-breaking group sales and business travel volume in 2026. Coupled with this, the Boring Company’s Vegas Loop project, an innovative underground tunnel system, will link major areas of the city, reducing transit friction for visitors. This combination of infrastructure improvements and enhanced convention space ensures that Las Vegas will maintain its position as a top destination for business and leisure travelers. As the “Experience Economy” continues to dominate, Las Vegas is capitalizing on these strategic investments to keep tourists coming back for more immersive experiences, whether for conventions, sporting events, or entertainment.

Miami: The “Global Gateway” Evolution

Miami is evolving into a major “global gateway,” with a blend of re-imagining its historic icons and a massive surge in new hotel inventory. Nearly 2,000 new hotel rooms are set to open in 2026, including the 800-room Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel and the reopening of the iconic Delano Miami Beach. This wave of new development is designed to accommodate growing demand from both international travelers and major events. Urban integration projects are also transforming neighborhoods like Edgewater, where brands like AvantStay are pioneering “experience-driven” residential hotels that cater to digital nomads and slow travelers. Miami is positioning itself as a hub for not only leisure tourism but also long-term stays, embracing the emerging trend of remote work and digital nomadism. With these investments, Miami is becoming a more diverse and attractive destination for a global audience.

Orlando: The “Epic” Expansion

Orlando remains at the forefront of theme park investments, with 2026 marking the first full year of operations for several massive projects. Universal’s Epic Universe, which opened in mid-2025, is set to transform the region, triggering a ripple effect in hospitality investments along the I-Drive corridor, with over $5.5 billion planned in developments. This expansion isn’t just about Disney and Universal anymore. The opening of Sloth World and Society Park in 2026 introduces new niches like animal attractions and high-end “Gen Z country clubs” with padel and pickleball. This diversification ensures that Orlando appeals to a broader range of tourists, beyond the usual family-centric theme park crowd. With such monumental investments, Orlando will continue to be the premier destination for both families and niche tourism markets, promising record growth in both tourism numbers and regional economic impact.

Los Angeles: The “Games-Ready” Transformation

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Los Angeles is undergoing a dramatic transformation, positioning itself to be a tourism powerhouse as it prepares to host both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. The city’s $14 billion investment in modernizing LAX is a cornerstone of this transformation, with the highly anticipated Automated People Mover set to launch in early 2026, providing direct connections from terminals to regional rail networks. This move will significantly improve traveler experience, reducing travel time between key destinations. In addition, cultural investments like the $1 billion Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will be a major attraction for film buffs and digital art enthusiasts from across the globe. As the city gears up for these global events, LA is not just improving its infrastructure but is also positioning itself as a cultural and sports epicenter, ensuring it remains a must-visit destination for international tourists.

New York City: The Luxury & Connectivity Surge

New York City is focusing its tourism budget on “clean and safe” infrastructure and attracting high-yield luxury travelers. A major part of this strategy is the ongoing investment in key transit hubs like JFK and the Jamaica Station complex. JFK’s terminal upgrades, including new gates at Terminals 1 and 6, will provide a world-class entry point for international travelers, while the reimagining of Jamaica Station will make it the ultimate gateway to the city. In hospitality, Manhattan is experiencing its highest hotel occupancy in years, with nearly 5,000 new hotel rooms expected in 2026. This includes the addition of luxury boutique hotels, signaling New York’s shift towards catering to upscale tourists. With these infrastructural and hospitality upgrades, NYC is setting itself up to attract the wealthiest visitors, ensuring that it remains a global tourism hub for years to come.

Chicago: Modernizing the “Mother Road”

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As 2026 marks the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, Chicago is seizing the opportunity to revitalize its tourism through heritage-based investments. The “O’Hare 21” project, a $2 billion investment, is one of the largest in the country, expanding O’Hare’s capacity to handle an influx of international visitors expected for Route 66 celebrations and FIFA World Cup matches. In addition, the city is investing in rail and road improvements along the historic Route 66, integrating new digital wayfinding and heritage markers to attract the “Great American Road Trip” crowd. These projects aim to not only enhance Chicago’s appeal to heritage tourists but also improve overall transportation efficiency. With a focus on historical and cultural tourism, coupled with major infrastructural upgrades, Chicago is preparing for a surge in visitors in 2026, ensuring its place as a key destination for both domestic and international travelers.

In 2026, Las Vegas joins Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago, New York City, and other cities in surging US tourism through strategic investments. These developments, from convention centers to luxury hotels, aim to transform the travel landscape and boost visitor numbers.

Conclusion

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Las Vegas joins Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago, New York City, and other cities in surging US tourism through strategic investments that are set to transform the travel landscape in 2026. These cities are making bold moves to enhance infrastructure, increase capacity, and cater to the growing demand for unique and immersive travel experiences. From major renovations and new attractions to expanded accommodations and event spaces, these investments are positioning key US cities as top destinations for business, leisure, and luxury travelers alike. As these cities continue to innovate, they are ensuring a vibrant future for US tourism in the coming years.

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Tags: tourism growth, travel investments, US cities, US Tourism

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