Texas, January 19, 2026
In a remarkable turn of events, Texas has become the leading tourist destination in the U.S., outpacing California with a record 62 million visitors and generating an astonishing $97.5 billion in spending. Major cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston contributed significantly to this growth, attracting millions of travelers. However, the influx of visitors has led to overcrowding in popular areas, prompting Texas to focus on sustainable tourism practices to manage this growth effectively while preserving the state’s natural resources.
Texas Tops U.S. Tourism Rankings, Leaving California Behind
Austin, Texas – In 2025, Texas emerged as the nation’s top tourist destination, surpassing California and other states in visitor numbers and spending. The state welcomed a record-breaking 62 million travelers, generating $97.5 billion in visitor spending. This surge contributed to an economic impact of nearly $200 billion and supported 1.3 million jobs across Texas.
Tourism Growth in Texas
The tourism boom was particularly evident in major cities:
- Austin: Known for its vibrant music scene and cultural festivals, Austin attracted millions of visitors, solidifying its status as a cultural hub.
- Dallas and Houston: These metropolitan areas saw significant increases in tourism, driven by diverse attractions, business opportunities, and events.
However, this rapid growth also led to overcrowding in popular destinations. Cities like New Braunfels, Fort Worth, Amarillo, and Port Aransas faced challenges in managing the influx of tourists, highlighting the need for sustainable tourism practices.
Comparative Tourism Statistics
While Texas led in overall visitor numbers, other states also reported impressive figures:
- California: Maintained its position as a top destination with 278.3 million annual visitors, generating $145.6 billion in tourism revenue.
- Florida: Set a new state record with 130.65 million domestic travelers and 8.94 million overseas visitors in 2024.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As Texas continues to lead in tourism, the state is focusing on sustainable development to accommodate growing visitor numbers. Efforts include expanding popular attractions, enhancing infrastructure, and implementing measures to preserve natural resources. These initiatives aim to ensure that tourism remains a vital economic driver while maintaining the quality of life for residents and the experience for visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the total visitor spending in Texas in 2025?
Texas saw a record-breaking $97.5 billion in visitor spending in 2025.
Which cities in Texas experienced the highest tourism growth?
Austin, Dallas, and Houston were the primary engines behind the record-breaking influx of over 62 million visitors in 2025.
How did Texas’ tourism numbers compare to other states in 2025?
Texas led the nation with 62 million visitors, surpassing California, which had 278.3 million annual visitors generating $145.6 billion in tourism revenue.
What challenges did Texas face due to increased tourism?
The rapid growth led to overcrowding in popular destinations like New Braunfels, Fort Worth, Amarillo, and Port Aransas, highlighting the need for sustainable tourism practices.
What measures is Texas implementing to manage tourism growth?
Texas is focusing on sustainable development, including expanding popular attractions, enhancing infrastructure, and implementing measures to preserve natural resources.
Key Features of Texas’ Tourism in 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Visitors | 62 million |
| Visitor Spending | $97.5 billion |
| Economic Impact | Nearly $200 billion |
| Jobs Supported | 1.3 million |
| Overcrowded Destinations | New Braunfels, Fort Worth, Amarillo, Port Aransas |
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
