Seattle, Las Vegas, and More USA Spots That Need Tourists in 2026

Your Travel Dollars Matter More Here

American tourism is in trouble. International visitor spending dropped by an estimated $12.5 billion in 2025, making the U.S. the only country out of 184 to see a decline.

Canadian visitors are down 30% in some border states.

Hurricanes have gutted coastal economies. And states that depend on tourism dollars are watching their small businesses struggle to survive.

But here’s the flip side: these places are open, less crowded, and eager to welcome you. Your vacation can actually help a community get back on its feet.

North Carolina Lost $322,000 Per Business

Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina in September 2024, and the tourism economy still hasn’t recovered.

Lodging revenue in the Asheville area was down 21% in mid-2025.

A survey of 700 small businesses found they lost an average of $322,000 each from the storm. Half are still down 20% or more in revenue.

The Blue Ridge Parkway has mostly reopened, with only about 20 miles still closed. Breweries, restaurants, and mountain towns are back in business.

They just need people to show up.

Hawaii Launched a $6 Million Campaign

Maui tourism is down 21% since the August 2023 fires destroyed Lahaina. The state spent $6 million on a recovery campaign with one message: please come back.

Lahaina Harbor reopened in December 2025 for whale watching tours. Kaanapali, Kapalua, and Wailea are fully operational.

Hotels have been renovated. Restaurants have reopened in new locations.

Tourism generates 70% of every dollar on Maui and supports 75% of private-sector jobs. Visiting responsibly is one of the best ways to help.

Florida Is Still Rebuilding Three Years Later

Hurricane Ian hit Southwest Florida in September 2022, and Sanibel Island is still only at 72% business capacity.

Fort Myers Beach has about half its hotel rooms back. The Sanibel Causeway was rebuilt for $328 million and reopened in 2025. Beaches have been restored.

The shelling is as good as ever. Further west, Mexico Beach is still recovering from Hurricane Michael, which hit in 2018.

The town just completed a full beach nourishment project in April 2025. A beloved restaurant, Toucan’s, is finally returning in 2026.

Nevada Casinos Are Running Sales

Las Vegas ran its first-ever citywide sale in September 2025 to lure back visitors. International guests are down 12%.

Canadian air traffic to Vegas dropped 23%. The famous Strip is quieter than usual, with hotel lobbies that once buzzed now seeing slower foot traffic.

For visitors, that means better deals on rooms, easier restaurant reservations, and shorter lines. The shows are still world-class.

The food scene hasn’t slowed down. You just won’t fight as many crowds to enjoy it.

California Tourism Hit 79% of Normal

The January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles burned through Pacific Palisades and Altadena, killing 29 people and destroying over 16,000 structures.

But 98% of LA was untouched. The problem is perception. Small businesses, from indie bookstores to family-run tour companies, are hurting.

International tourism to California is at only 79% of 2019 levels, the worst recovery of any major U.S. city.

Theme parks, beaches, and museums are open and ready. Visiting now supports a city working hard to rebuild.

Seattle Took the Nations Steepest Drop

International visitors to Seattle fell 26.9% in 2025, the biggest decline in the country.

The collapse of Canadian travel hit the Pacific Northwest especially hard. Some border towns rely on Canadians for over 90% of their international tourism.

Tour operators, restaurants, and hotels are feeling the impact. But Seattle’s food scene, coffee culture, and access to stunning natural beauty haven’t changed.

Pike Place Market is still there. The mountains are still gorgeous. The city just needs more people to come see it.

Maine Hotels Are Half Empty

Hotel occupancy in Maine dropped to 54% in 2025, down from 57% the year before. Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are seeing up to 30% fewer Canadian visitors.

Family-owned bed-and-breakfasts that once filled up during peak season are struggling to book rooms. The coastline is still rugged and beautiful.

Lobster rolls are still fresh. Fall foliage is still spectacular.

But the crowds that usually descend on Maine’s small towns have thinned, and local businesses are feeling it.

Vermont Ski Towns Need Visitors

Canadian visitors to Vermont dropped 30% in 2025. That’s devastating for a state where ski resorts and winter tourism drive the economy.

Family-owned lodges are hurting. Restaurants that count on leaf-peepers and skiers are seeing slower traffic. The Green Mountains haven’t changed.

The slopes are still groomed. The covered bridges are still picturesque. Vermont just needs people to book those trips instead of staying home.

Michigan Border Towns Are Struggling

Michigan welcomed 657,000 visitors in August 2025, down from 732,000 the year before. Border regions that once saw steady traffic from Canada are now much quieter.

The Great Lakes are still there, the dunes are still dramatic, and the craft beer scene is still thriving. But fewer people are making the trip.

For travelers willing to explore the Upper Peninsula or the lakeshore towns, 2026 is a chance to enjoy Michigan without the usual summer crowds.

New Mexico Visitor Spending Fell 15%

Santa Fe and Albuquerque are seeing fewer international tourists from Canada and Europe. Visitor spending across New Mexico dropped 15% in 2025.

The state’s art galleries, desert landscapes, and cultural festivals are still world-class. Meow Wolf is still mind-bending. The chile is still hot.

But the tourists who once filled the Plaza and wandered Canyon Road have thinned out. For anyone who loves art, history, or wide-open spaces, New Mexico is waiting.

Idaho Had 11 Straight Months of Decline

Idaho’s tourism sector struggled through all of 2025. Summer visitors dropped from 31,000 in July 2024 to just 23,000 in July 2025.

The outdoor recreation economy, from river rafting to mountain biking, is feeling the pressure. But the Sawtooth Mountains are still stunning.

The rivers are still wild. And the crowds that sometimes clog Yellowstone’s neighbor are nowhere to be found.

If you’ve been waiting for a quieter time to explore Idaho, this is it.

Your Trip Is More Than a Vacation

Tourism isn’t just about hotels and restaurants. It funds schools, roads, and emergency services through tax revenue.

It keeps small businesses open and neighbors employed. In states hit by hurricanes or hammered by declining international travel, every visitor matters.

You get fewer crowds, better deals, and communities genuinely happy to see you. They’re not just open for business. They’re counting on it.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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