Miami Joins Growing U.S. Tourism Surge in 2026
Overview of U.S. Tourism Growth
As 2026 unfolds, Miami has asserted its place alongside major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Las Vegas, and Orlando in a remarkable surge in U.S. tourism. Following a year of robust visitor revenue and arrivals, this growth can be attributed to strategic shifts in tourism management, stronger domestic demand, and a gradual recovery in international travel. With industries adapting strategically rather than merely aiming for sheer volume, the landscape of tourism has matured, leading U.S. cities to experience a powerful rebound.
Miami: Domestic Strategy Delivers Consistent Growth
Miami’s 2025 tourism success was notable for its strategic pivot towards domestic travel, resulting in a 3% increase in visitor spending—totaling $21.3 billion—despite a slowdown in international air arrivals. An impressive 31% of visitors now hail from within Florida, diminishing concerns about global travel instability.
By focusing on regional visitors, cruise passengers, and those seeking short stays, Miami was able to maintain high hotel occupancy and a thriving restaurant scene. The city’s vibrant nightlife, rich cultural offerings, and its status as the world’s leading cruise hub contributed significantly to visitor spending. As 2026 progresses, Miami stands ready to harness sustained domestic growth and a gradual resurgence in international tourism, backed by infrastructure improvements and an extensive calendar of events.
Los Angeles: Global Events Set the Stage for a Breakout Year
Los Angeles enters 2026 on an upward trajectory, with $21.5 billion in revenue from nearly 49.2 million visitors expected—approaching 79% of pre-2019 levels. The city has experienced a slower recovery than some competitors; however, global events are primed to catalyze a substantial increase in tourism.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is projected to generate a $594 million economic impact, attracting international visitors and creating heightened hotel demand. In addition to improved air service and infrastructure renovations, Los Angeles is prioritizing high-impact events and long-haul tourism, setting the stage for a pivotal year that could reinforce its status as a premier entry point for U.S. tourism.
New York City: High-Spending Visitors Power a Strategic Rebound
New York City continues to be the financial powerhouse of U.S. tourism, driven by a focus on high-value visitors rather than sheer statistics. In 2025, it recorded over $49 billion in spending, the highest among U.S. destinations, despite welcoming 64.7 million visitors. Average hotel prices rose to $301 per night, highlighting an emphasis on revenue-per-visitor.
Projected numbers for 2026 aim for 66 million visitors, bolstered by a bustling calendar of events and a recovering international tourism scene. While foreign visitation dipped, New York’s diverse tourism offerings—from Broadway shows to luxury shopping—have provided a buffer. The city’s strategy hinges on attracting high-value tourists, ensuring robust economic impacts across various sectors.
Orlando: Theme Park Expansion Fuels America’s Travel Capital
Orlando is projected to host a staggering 76 million visitors in 2026, affirming its reputation as the most-visited city in the U.S. Following a strong showing in 2025, which saw $36.5 billion in tourism spending, Orlando’s growth is largely attributed to significant expansions in its theme parks and attractions.
The anticipated Universal’s Epic Universe has sparked what local officials are dubbing an "Epic Surge," generating record-breaking hotel tax revenues. Increased hotel rates and solid domestic demand underline the city’s resilience to global travel fluctuations—the loyalty of family travelers, repeat visits, and bundled experiences contribute to its sustained popularity.
Las Vegas: Reinvention Drives the Next Tourism Cycle
Las Vegas is experiencing a moment of transformation as it navigates changing visitor expectations. In 2025, the city excitedly recorded $38.6 billion in spending from roughly 38.6 million visitors. Although visitation numbers dipped by 7.4% late in the year, Las Vegas retained its status as a revenue heavyweight due to increased spending on premium experiences.
Focus has shifted toward high-value experiences, including professional sports, conventions, and world-class entertainment—an approach designed to stabilize visitor numbers and maintain revenue growth. The city’s reinvention hinges on quality experiences rather than mass tourism, maintaining its significance in the national tourism landscape.
Chicago: Conventions and Events Power a Midwest Renaissance
Chicago emerged as a robust competitor in the tourism market, experiencing a remarkable $20.6 billion in economic impact from 55.3 million visitors in 2025. A record-breaking summer generated $949 million in hotel revenue, signaling a resurgence fueled by conventions and events.
The recovery in large-scale meetings—a 12.4% increase year-over-year—has solidified Chicago’s reputation as a key business travel hub. A balanced mix of leisure and corporate tourism, along with cultural events and enhanced global connectivity, positions Chicago as an essential contributor to the broader national tourism growth.
U.S. Tourism Revenue: Growth Driven by Value Over Volume
The overall landscape of U.S. tourism revenue is seeing a promising shift towards valuing visitor spending over sheer numbers. As the travel sector stabilizes, higher expenditures linked to longer stays, premium accommodations, and entertainment-driven events are fundamentally shifting the economic contributions of this industry. Enhanced hotel rates, sustainable domestic demand, and rising international spending are collectively powering U.S. tourism toward a more sustainable and diversified economic future.
In this evolving landscape, cities like Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Las Vegas, Orlando, and others are leading the charge, proving that strategic investments in experiences and infrastructure can yield significant dividends in the tourism sector.