Castillo Rancon
Planning your summer escape? You might want to double-check the mood first. Some states are sweating more than sunscreen sales, thanks to weather woes, travel shifts, and rising costs. Before you book that getaway, see which spots are struggling to keep vacationers coming.
California
California saw international arrivals drop by 11% year-over-year, thanks to rising political tensions and a strong dollar. Still, the Golden State holds its global charm. Tourism officials are now rolling out fresh campaigns aimed at drawing more international travelers back.
Nevada
Las Vegas is doubling down on new conventions and local deals as it faces a rough patch—convention bookings fell 15%, and slot machine revenue has declined for three months straight. The city’s resilience lies in constantly reimagining how to keep guests coming.
New York City
Hotel revenues in NYC may fall by $1.2 billion this summer, partly due to sluggish international traffic through JFK and LaGuardia. Pre-pandemic levels still feel out of reach. To counter the dip, the city is betting big on fresh events, local offers, and travel campaigns.
Colorado
Off-peak travel campaigns are gaining traction across Colorado, aiming to spread visitation beyond crowded summer weekends. But with national park reservations dropping 17% and Denver airfare climbing 18%, many hikers may be scaling back on their Rocky Mountain travel plans this year.
Hawaii
Tourism in Hawaii cooled this spring, with March 2024 showing a 5% decline in both visitors and spending. Cost concerns and economic jitters may be partly to blame. State leaders are now pushing off-peak travel as a way to stabilize the seasonal dip.
Arizona
Summer heat scorched Arizona’s numbers last year, cutting Phoenix tourism by 12% and triggering 30% cancellations at Grand Canyon lodges. Still, the state remains a draw for outdoor enthusiasts while steering more attention toward indoor attractions that offer relief from the rising heat.
Alaska
Alaska still shines as a cruise destination, thanks to creative promotions targeting independent travelers. But cruise passenger numbers are down 9% from 2023, and the state’s tourism workforce hasn’t yet bounced back to where it stood before the pandemic hit.
Louisiana
Jazz Fest attendance dropped by 30,000 this year, and summer hotel reservations are lagging. Analysts blame airfare hikes and early hurricane anxiety. While tourism’s pace is slower than usual, Louisiana’s event lineup is as bold as ever, hoping to reignite interest before fall.
Washington
Mount Rainier visits plunged 22% last June, and Seattle hotels are still trailing their West Coast rivals in bookings. Still, Washington isn’t losing steam—tourism leaders are spotlighting quieter seasons as the smart choice for adventure seekers who want more room to roam.
Texas
Beach visits to Corpus Christi and Galveston have dropped by over 20%, with July’s heat forecasts already triggering cancellations. Despite the challenges, Texas beaches still draw loyal crowds, and local businesses are stepping in with deals to keep the traffic flowing.
