Published on September 26, 2025
Las Vegas saw 41.7 million visitors in 2024, with $55.1 billion in spending, 6 million convention attendees, 83.6% hotel occupancy in 2024. This surge in tourism positions Las Vegas alongside major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco, all of which also experienced a significant boost in tourist numbers last year. The city’s strong performance is part of a broader trend in U.S. tourism, with Las Vegas continuing to be a key driver of the industry’s recovery. Factors such as world-class entertainment, a booming convention industry, and the city’s appeal as a luxury travel destination have contributed to the remarkable growth. In this article, we explore the reasons behind Las Vegas’ tourism boom, how it compares to other U.S. cities, and what these numbers mean for travelers and the future of tourism in the U.S.

Las Vegas Tourism Surge in 2024

Las Vegas saw a notable resurgence in tourism in 2024, with 41.7 million visitors, reflecting a 2.1% increase from the previous year. This boost translated into a record-breaking $55.1 billion in direct spending, contributing to a $87.7 billion economic impact for the Southern Nevada region. Convention tourism played a significant role, with 6 million attendees, bolstering Las Vegas’s position as a premier destination for both business and entertainment. The hospitality sector continued to thrive, with a 83.6% hotel occupancy rate and 46.8 million room nights occupied. Harry Reid International Airport set a new record by handling 58.4 million passengers. Despite an 11.3% decline in visitor numbers in June 2025, Las Vegas remains resilient, with a 4% increase in statewide gaming revenue in July 2025. Las Vegas remains a key player in the global entertainment industry, offering unparalleled experiences in gaming, entertainment, and luxury.

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Las Vegas City Guide

• Top Attractions: Visit The Las Vegas Strip, see the stunning Bellagio Fountains, and explore Fremont Street for vintage Vegas.
• Dining: Enjoy Michelin-starred dining or celebrity chef-owned spots like Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen.
• Nightlife: Party at Omnia, XS, or catch a live show on the Strip.
• Entertainment: Attend spectacular Cirque du Soleil performances or comedy shows.
• Transportation: Harry Reid International Airport serves as a major hub, while taxis, ride-sharing apps, and buses make exploring the Strip easy.
• Shopping: Shop at The Shops at Crystals, Fashion Show Mall, or The Forum Shops at Caesars.

Los Angeles’ Strong Recovery in 2024

In 2024, Los Angeles made a significant recovery in its tourism sector, welcoming approximately 49.1 million visitors, marking a remarkable 6% increase from 46.2 million in 2022. This surge demonstrates the city’s growing appeal as a global destination, drawing in tourists from both domestic and international markets. The bulk of the visitors came from within the United States, with 43.3 million domestic travelers exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, cultural offerings, and entertainment scene. International visitation also saw a strong uptick, reaching 5.8 million, which is about 79% of the 2019 levels, reflecting a robust recovery of global interest in the city. Los Angeles’ tourism spending skyrocketed to $40 billion, contributing significantly to its economy. This surge in spending supported the creation of over 528,000 jobs, further solidifying tourism as a key driver of LA’s economic recovery. With its unparalleled diversity and world-class attractions, LA remains one of the most sought-after travel destinations worldwide.

Los Angeles City Guide

• Iconic Attractions: Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, see the magic of Universal Studios, and admire art at the Getty Museum.
• Beaches: Relax at Santa Monica and Venice Beach, or surf the waves at Malibu.
• Dining: Savor a mix of Michelin-starred restaurants, explore food trucks, and indulge in authentic international cuisines.
• Shopping: Shop in Beverly Hills’ luxury boutiques, or explore the LA Fashion District for trendy finds.
• Family Fun: Discover hands-on exhibits at the California Science Center, visit the LA Zoo, or make unforgettable memories at Disneyland Resort.
• Nightlife: Experience vibrant nightlife with rooftop bars and live music venues in downtown LA, offering diverse entertainment options for all tastes.

New York City’s 2024 Milestone

In 2024, New York City witnessed a remarkable tourism resurgence, with 64.3 million visitors, a 3.5% increase from the previous year. This performance is nearing the pre-pandemic record of 66.6 million set in 2019. Visitors spent over $51 billion, contributing to an estimated $79 billion in economic activity. Tourism-related activities also generated more than $6.8 billion in tax revenue. The tourism industry supported over 388,000 jobs, which represent about 9% of the city’s workforce. Domestic visitors accounted for 81% of the total, while international arrivals made up 19%. The city’s hotel industry, boasting 135,000 rooms, saw high demand, with an average nightly rate of $231 and strong occupancy rates. Looking ahead, New York is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels with 68 million visitors expected in 2025, maintaining its position as a global leader in tourism.

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New York City Guide

• Iconic Landmarks: Explore Times Square, visit the Statue of Liberty, or relax in Central Park.
• Museums: Discover art at The Met, Museum of Modern Art, or the Natural History Museum.
• Shopping: Shop on Fifth Avenue, explore SoHo, or visit the Chelsea Market.
• Dining: Savor street food, or indulge in Michelin-star restaurants offering global cuisine.
• Nightlife: Catch a Broadway show, sip cocktails at rooftop bars, or enjoy live music across the city.
• Transportation: Easily navigate with the subway, taxis, ferries, or bike-sharing programs.

Chicago’s Record-Breaking 2024

Chicago’s tourism industry saw a significant resurgence in 2024, welcoming 55.3 million visitors, a 6.5% increase from the previous year, underscoring its growing stature as one of America’s top travel destinations. Of these visitors, more than 2 million were international, marking the highest number of foreign tourists in the city since 2019. This influx of tourists translated into $20.6 billion in direct tourism spending, surpassing the previous record of $19.2 billion set in 2023. The increase in visitor spending reflects the city’s recovery and growth, contributing an impressive $4.7 billion in tax revenue to state and local governments. Chicago’s tourism also played a key role in supporting 282,165 jobs, a testament to the vital economic contribution of the tourism sector. Domestic tourism was especially strong, with 53.3 million visitors, marking a 6.3% increase from the previous year. Chicago’s cultural offerings, iconic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods continue to make it a must-visit destination.
Chicago City Guide

• Must-See Attractions: Don’t miss Millennium Park, the stunning Art Institute of Chicago, and enjoy family fun at Navy Pier.
• Dining: Indulge in Chicago deep-dish pizza, enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine, and explore international dining options throughout the city.
• Shopping: Explore Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, home to luxury boutiques and high-end department stores.
• Transportation: Conveniently navigate the city using CTA’s subway and bus services, as well as the iconic ‘L’ train system.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making it the ideal time to visit Chicago.
• Cultural Highlights: Explore the Museum Campus, and enjoy outdoor events in the summer at Grant Park.

Miami’s Tourism Milestone in 2024

Miami achieved a major milestone in 2024, welcoming over 28 million visitors, setting a new record for the highest annual total ever recorded in the region. This surge in tourism showcases the city’s resilience and global appeal as a top destination for travelers. The breakdown revealed that 19.8 million visitors were from domestic markets, with a significant 6.44 million arriving from overseas. Miami’s international appeal remained strong, with notable increases from key markets such as Colombia, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. These markets showed growth rates of 8%, 12%, and 10%, respectively, demonstrating Miami’s increasing international prominence. Miami’s tourism sector generated an impressive $22 billion in direct spending, contributing to the overall $31 billion in economic impact. Additionally, tourism-related activities brought in $2.2 billion in tax revenue, benefiting local businesses and public services. The thriving tourism industry also supported over 209,000 jobs, underscoring the importance of this sector in Miami’s economy.
Miami City Guide

• Top Attractions: Visit South Beach, explore the Art Deco District, or discover the lush beauty of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.
• Dining: Savor authentic Cuban and Latin American dishes, along with fresh seafood at Miami’s top restaurants.
• Shopping: Head to Lincoln Road Mall for shopping or visit luxury resorts on Miami Beach.
• Best Time to Visit: Enjoy Miami’s pleasant weather from December to April, ideal for outdoor events and festivals.
• Things to Do: Take a boat tour of Biscayne Bay, explore Miami Seaquarium, or indulge in the nightlife of Ocean Drive.

San Francisco’s Steady 2024 Recovery

San Francisco continued its steady tourism recovery in 2024, welcoming 23.06 million visitors, slightly surpassing the previous year’s 23.1 million. This growth is indicative of the city’s continued appeal despite global travel challenges. The city generated $9.26 billion in visitor spending, which contributed to the local economy and supported nearly 62,000 jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Fisherman’s Wharf remained a major attraction, drawing about 12.5 million visits in 2024, continuing to be one of San Francisco’s most visited areas. The city’s hotel industry also showed positive signs, with a 64.4% occupancy rate and an average room rate of $233.07. While domestic tourism rose, international numbers were still below pre-pandemic levels, though recovery is evident. San Francisco’s cultural diversity, iconic landmarks, and thriving arts scene continue to drive its tourism, ensuring that it remains a top destination for travelers.
San Francisco City Guide

• Must-See Attractions: Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, take a boat tour to Alcatraz Island, or explore Chinatown.
• Dining: Enjoy Asian cuisine, indulge in local seafood, or explore innovative food markets.
• Top Attractions: Golden Gate Park offers gardens, museums, and recreational spaces, while Fisherman’s Wharf is bustling with dining and shopping.
• Shopping: Explore Union Square for high-end shopping and local boutiques.
• Transportation: Use BART, Cable Cars, or ferries to easily access the city’s main attractions.
• Family Fun: Enjoy Golden Gate Park’s playgrounds, or visit the interactive exhibits at the California Academy of Sciences.

Tourism Growth and Economic Impact in Major US Cities in 2024

Houston’s Tourism Growth in 2024: Houston attracted 25.5 million visitors in 2024, a 5% increase from 24.3 million in 2023. Visitors spent $10.4 billion, supporting 160,000 jobs. 21.5 million were domestic, while 4 million were international, with notable growth from Mexico, the UK, and Canada.
Seattle’s Tourism Boom in 2024: Seattle welcomed 24.5 million visitors in 2024, a 7% increase from 22.8 million in 2023. Visitor spending reached $13.2 billion, supporting 180,000 jobs. Of the visitors, 19 million were domestic, and 5.5 million were international, with growth from Japan, China, and South Korea.
Washington D.C.’s Tourism Revival in 2024: Washington D.C. saw 24.2 million visitors in 2024, a 5.1% increase from 23 million in 2023. The city generated $9.5 billion in spending and supported 80,000 jobs. 20 million were domestic visitors, and 4.2 million were international, with strong numbers from Europe and Canada.
Dallas’ Tourism Boom in 2024: Dallas welcomed 27.8 million visitors in 2024, up by 4.5% from 26.6 million in 2023. Visitors contributed $14 billion to the economy, with $1.7 billion from tourism taxes. 22 million visitors were domestic, and 5.8 million were international, attracted by the city’s cultural and entertainment scene.
In 2024 Las Vegas saw 41.7M visitors in 2024, with $55.1B in spending, 6M convention attendees, 83.6% hotel occupancy. This surge in tourism, driven by post-pandemic recovery, places Las Vegas alongside Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, and other U.S. cities in experiencing a significant tourism boom.

Conclusion

The tourism sectors of major U.S. cities such as Houston, Seattle, Washington D.C., and Dallas have demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic figures in many cases. With a steady increase in both domestic and international visitors, these cities are becoming increasingly vital to the U.S. economy, contributing billions in spending and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. As tourism continues to rebound, cities are well-positioned to benefit from a diverse range of travelers, further boosting their global appeal. The strong recovery in these regions signals a positive outlook for 2025, with tourism projected to keep growing, reinforcing the importance of the industry in the U.S. economy.

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Tags: Las Vegas tourism 2024, Las Vegas visitor statistics, U.S. tourism boom

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