Published on January 17, 2026
San Antonio has joined cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Aurora, and others in Texas, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Illinois in implementing travel taxes this year to boost U.S. tourism. The move follows growing tourism in these regions, where increased taxes are being used to fund infrastructure improvements, attract more visitors, and enhance the overall tourism experience. In San Antonio, voter-backed venue projects are driving a boost in tourism tax rates, while cities like Las Vegas and Honolulu have long relied on tourism taxes to support their iconic attractions. These efforts reflect a broader trend across the U.S., as cities strategically invest in their tourism sectors to maintain and grow their appeal on the global stage.

San Antonio, TX: Boosted by Voter-Backed Venue Projects

San Antonio’s tourism has experienced a significant boost due to voter propositions passed in 2025 for major venue projects, resulting in an increase in the city’s tourism tax rate to 16.75% – 17.0%. The city, already renowned for its historic missions, the Alamo, and the famous River Walk, is now positioning itself as a prime destination for conventions and large-scale events. With new venues on the horizon, the increased tourism tax is expected to fund these developments, further enhancing San Antonio’s appeal to both domestic and international travelers. The city’s rich blend of Spanish colonial history, vibrant cultural festivals, and unique Tex-Mex cuisine makes it an attractive destination for tourists seeking a mixture of history, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The tax hike is being used to ensure that the city can support its expanding tourism infrastructure, especially with a focus on convention tourism. As the city grows, it becomes an even more important player in the Texan and national tourism scene, with new attractions and events drawing visitors in year-round.

Los Angeles, CA: Standardized Transient Occupancy Tax for Major Attractions

Los Angeles continues to be a tourism powerhouse in the United States, with a 14.0% standard transient occupancy tax applied to hotel stays throughout the city. Known globally for its iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios, and Venice Beach, LA attracts millions of tourists every year. The city’s tourism tax plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the infrastructure that supports its thriving tourism industry. The funds raised through the transient occupancy tax contribute to city services, beautification projects, and tourism promotion efforts, ensuring that Los Angeles remains one of the most visited cities in the world. In addition to its entertainment industry, LA is also a cultural hub, home to numerous art galleries, museums, and diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience. With a tax structure that is applied equally across the city, Los Angeles ensures that its robust tourism ecosystem continues to grow, allowing for reinvestment into the attractions and experiences that bring millions of visitors each year.

San Diego, CA: Tiered Taxes Fueling Convention Tourism

San Diego, California, applies a tiered transient occupancy tax system ranging from 11.75% – 13.75%, based on the proximity to the Convention Center. This flexible tax structure is designed to cater to both leisure and business tourists, particularly those attending conventions, trade shows, and large events. The city’s tax system reflects its dual appeal as a family-friendly vacation destination and a top convention city. San Diego’s stunning coastline, world-class zoo, and cultural attractions like Balboa Park and Old Town provide a rich vacation experience for leisure travelers, while the Convention Center and its surroundings host a range of business-focused tourism. By introducing tiered rates, San Diego ensures that the funds generated from tourism taxes are used to support city infrastructure, event hosting, and destination marketing. This approach enhances the city’s appeal to both tourists attending conventions and those seeking leisure experiences, reinforcing San Diego’s position as one of the most attractive tourism hubs in California.

Honolulu, HI: Balancing State and Local Tourism Taxes

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Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, applies a combined 14.25% – 15.0% tourism tax, which includes an 11% state tax and an additional 3%–4% local county surcharge. This tax structure is designed to support both the state’s and city’s tourism infrastructure, which is critical in a location as dependent on tourism as Honolulu. Hawaii, with its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and unique cultural heritage, attracts millions of tourists annually. Honolulu, with iconic locations like Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor, serves as the gateway to the islands, hosting a significant portion of the state’s inbound tourism. The funds generated by the tourism taxes are invested in local infrastructure, conservation efforts, and the preservation of the islands’ natural beauty. While the high tax rate may be a consideration for some visitors, the revenue is reinvested to improve the quality of the tourism experience, including enhanced public services, airport upgrades, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Honolulu’s tourism tax is a vital part of ensuring the island’s continued appeal and ecological balance.

Las Vegas, NV: Strip-Centered Tax Benefits Gaming Tourism

Las Vegas, Nevada, remains one of the top global destinations for entertainment and gaming, with a tourism tax rate of 13.38% applied primarily to stays on the Las Vegas Strip, the city’s primary gaming corridor. The city’s distinctive appeal lies in its vast array of world-class casinos, entertainment shows, and vibrant nightlife, which draw millions of visitors each year. The tourism tax on the Strip is aimed at generating revenue for the city’s infrastructure and public services, ensuring that the tourism-driven economy continues to thrive. With high-rolling visitors flocking to its lavish resorts and iconic landmarks, the tax supports ongoing development, including new hotels, entertainment venues, and convention spaces. Las Vegas’ ability to combine gambling, entertainment, and world-class dining experiences makes it an all-encompassing destination, and the tourism tax helps ensure that the city remains competitive in the global tourism market. The tax also helps fund marketing efforts to keep Las Vegas at the top of every traveler’s list.

Aurora, IL: Rising Tourism Tax Reflects City’s Expanding Appeal

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Aurora, Illinois, recently doubled its city tourism tax from 3% to 6% starting January 1, 2026, a move designed to boost city revenues and support the growth of its tourism sector. Known for its proximity to Chicago, Aurora has been steadily increasing its attractiveness as a tourism destination with new attractions, events, and infrastructure. The increased tax is expected to fund urban development projects, improve public services, and support tourism-related initiatives that will make Aurora a more appealing destination for visitors. With its historic downtown, Fox River views, and proximity to popular destinations like the Hollywood Casino Aurora, the city is attracting more tourists each year. The increase in the tourism tax is part of a broader strategy to invest in the city’s future, ensuring it can compete with other major Illinois cities and provide high-quality experiences for tourists. This change signals Aurora’s commitment to enhancing its tourism infrastructure while contributing to the growth of the state’s tourism economy.

San Antonio joins cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Aurora, and others in Texas, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Illinois in implementing travel taxes this year. These taxes aim to boost U.S. tourism by funding infrastructure and attractions.

Conclusion

San Antonio joins Los Angeles, San Diego, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Aurora, and other cities in Texas, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Illinois in implementing travel taxes this year to boost U.S. tourism. These taxes are designed to enhance infrastructure, attract more visitors, and improve the overall tourism experience. By investing in key tourism initiatives, cities across the U.S. are positioning themselves as prime destinations for both domestic and international travelers, ensuring sustained growth in the tourism sector and strengthening their global appeal.

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Tags: San Antonio, tourism growth, Travel Taxes, US Tourism

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