New Jersey Joins Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee with Multi-Billion Dollar Growth with Jobs, Visitor Records and Economic Boost While 2025 Brings Fresh Challenges for US Travel Industry, But American Government Shutdown can be a Concern

New Jersey joins Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee with multi billion dollar growth with jobs, visitor records and economic boost while 2025 brings fresh challenges for US travel industry, but American government shutdown can be a concern.

The momentum of New Jersey joins the national wave of success as Wisconsin celebrates record tourism, Kentucky shows resilience, and Tennessee achieves milestones. Each state adds strength with jobs created, visitor records broken, and an economic boost that reflects the power of tourism.

The picture is bright, but challenges remain as 2025 brings new realities for the US travel industry. Domestic travel stays strong, yet risks like international visitor declines and the threat of an American government shutdown can be a concern.

The outlook shows growth mixed with uncertainty. New Jersey joins Wisconsin, Kentucky and Tennessee in shaping the visitor economy while America faces fresh challenges and the possibility of disruption.

America’s Tourism Industry Reaches Historic Highs

The United States achieved record numbers in tourism in 2024. Visitors spent over one trillion dollars, generating billions more in total economic output. This money supported millions of jobs and strengthened communities from coast to coast. States such as Wisconsin, North Carolina, California, Kentucky and Tennessee reported their strongest years ever. Local areas like Greater Birmingham in Alabama and Spokane County in Washington also posted record-breaking results. Tourism created opportunities for businesses, funded public services and offered pride to local people. But while 2024 ended on a high note, forecasts for 2025 are more complex. Experts see risks in international travel and uneven recovery across markets. Still, the resilience of domestic tourism provides hope that the industry can remain strong.

National Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism

Tourism is a pillar of the American economy. In 2024, direct travel spending reached around 1.3 trillion dollars. This spending generated almost 2.9 trillion dollars in total output when indirect and induced effects were counted. Over 15 million American jobs depended on tourism. Domestic travellers accounted for about 90 percent of all spending. Families drove across states, stayed in hotels, ate in restaurants, and attended festivals and sporting events. International travel also rebounded, with over 72 million overseas visitors arriving. They contributed high-value spending to local economies. But experts warn that this recovery could stall in 2025. Forecasts suggest international arrivals may fall by as much as 6 percent. That could remove more than 12 billion dollars from the economy in just one year.

Wisconsin Sets New Standards with Record Tourism

Wisconsin celebrated a tourism hat trick in 2024. For the third year in a row, it set new records. The total economic impact reached 25.8 billion dollars. The state welcomed more than 114 million visitors, a figure higher than before the pandemic. Tourism generated 1.7 billion dollars in state and local tax revenue. This revenue funded schools, healthcare and infrastructure, reducing the tax burden on households. Jobs also benefited. About 182,000 people found work linked to tourism. Rural areas shared in the gains. Adams County, for example, saw almost seven percent growth in one year. Wisconsin’s strategy of marketing, events and regional promotion paid off. Looking ahead, the state hopes to build on this momentum. The challenge will be offsetting any decline in international travel by keeping domestic demand strong.

North Carolina Builds a Balanced Tourism Base

North Carolina recorded 36.7 billion dollars in visitor spending in 2024. That was a three percent increase on the year before. Domestic travellers spent 35.6 billion dollars, while international visitors added 1.2 billion. That international growth, up more than sixteen percent, showed the strength of the recovery. But the real story was in the counties. About seventy percent of North Carolina counties reported higher visitor spending. Mecklenburg County alone saw more than six billion dollars. Jobs supported by tourism reached more than 230,000. Direct payroll stood at 9.5 billion dollars. Visitors also delivered 4.6 billion dollars in federal, state and local taxes. This balance between domestic and international demand makes North Carolina more resilient. But risks remain. Hurricane Helene in late 2024 damaged roads and communities in the west. Recovery is ongoing. The state will need to invest in infrastructure and resilience to protect future growth.

California Remains the Tourism Powerhouse

California led the nation in scale. Tourism spending reached 157 billion dollars in 2024. No other state matched its size. About 1.2 million jobs depended directly on tourism. State and local governments collected more than 12 billion dollars in tax revenue from visitors. Hotels, motels and rentals made up the largest share, with 81 billion dollars of spending. The diversity of California’s attractions explains its strength. Beaches, national parks, cities, film and tech all play a part. International visitors are especially important for California. But forecasts suggest this flow could weaken in 2025. If that happens, California risks losing billions in high-value spending. Still, its strong domestic base offers protection. Millions of Americans continue to visit California every year. The challenge will be keeping international demand alive while building more domestic loyalty.

Kentucky Expands Its Visitor Economy

Kentucky’s tourism economy grew to 14.3 billion dollars in 2024. Visitors spent 10.1 billion directly. Food and beverage attracted 2.6 billion. Lodging generated 2.4 billion. Transport and retail each earned 1.9 billion. Recreation and entertainment made up 1.3 billion. This balanced mix shows the strength of Kentucky’s offer. The state welcomed around 80 million visitors in 2024. In Jefferson County, Louisville’s tourism industry supported more than 28,000 jobs. Festivals, cultural sites, horse racing and bourbon trails all played their part. Kentucky shows that even states outside the top tier can grow steadily with careful investment. For 2025, the outlook is stable. Domestic travellers remain a strong base. But like others, Kentucky must prepare for any decline in international visitors.

Tennessee Achieves Milestones in Tourism Spending

Tennessee posted its highest visitor spending on record. In 2024, travellers spent 31.7 billion dollars across the state. The total number of visits was 147 million. That meant 87 million dollars was spent each day by visitors. The state generated 3.3 billion dollars in state and local tax revenue. The Great Smoky Mountains, Nashville and Memphis drove much of the growth. International visitors played a big role. On average they spent six times more than domestic travellers, around 1,200 dollars per visit. Jobs expanded across the state. Restaurants, hotels and cultural venues thrived. Tennessee now faces 2025 with momentum. But the heavy reliance on international spend is a risk. The state must continue to market itself globally while also deepening domestic loyalty.

Local Success Stories Add to the National Picture

Tourism success is not only at the state level. Local counties and cities also saw record impacts. Greater Birmingham in Alabama generated 2.57 billion dollars in impact. The sector supported more than 51,000 jobs and provided 302 million dollars in state and local taxes. Spokane County in Washington also reported strong gains. Visitor spending reached 1.53 billion dollars. The total economic impact was 2.4 billion dollars. About 18,000 jobs were supported by tourism in the county. These local examples show how tourism benefits both large and small areas. They highlight the reach of the visitor economy across America.

Jobs Remain the Heart of the Industry

Tourism is not just about money. It is about jobs. In California, more than 1.2 million workers depended on tourism. In Wisconsin, 182,000 jobs were supported. North Carolina had more than 230,000. Kentucky added tens of thousands more. At the national level, 15 million jobs were linked to tourism. That includes hotel staff, restaurant workers, tour operators, and countless small businesses. Wages and salaries paid to workers give stability to families. Communities thrive when jobs are steady. This is why tourism is described as a powerful economic engine. Without it, millions of Americans would lose their livelihoods.

The 2025 Outlook: Risks and Opportunities

While 2024 was strong, 2025 is less certain. Forecasts differ. The National Travel and Tourism Office predicts international visitors could rise to 77 million. But the U.S. Travel Association warns they may fall to under 68 million. If the decline happens, the U.S. could lose 12.5 billion dollars in international visitor spending. Each one percent fall means nearly two billion dollars in lost export revenue. This matters most for states like California and Tennessee, which rely heavily on international travellers. Domestic travel remains the safety net. Families are still taking trips inside the country. Leisure travel is expected to grow by nearly two percent in 2025. Hospitality jobs continue to rise. In August 2025, the sector added 38,000 positions, pushing total employment close to 17 million. These signs give hope. But states must adapt.

Strategies for Stronger Tourism

The path forward requires strategy. States must invest in marketing to grow domestic and international appeal. Infrastructure, from airports to roads, must be upgraded. Small businesses need support to compete in a digital world. Workforce development is critical to provide stable jobs. States must prepare for natural risks such as storms and fires. Resilience and recovery plans should be built into tourism policy. Value per visitor must also rise. Offering longer stays and premium experiences can increase spending. Technology and data should guide decisions. Real-time information about visitor flows will help states react quickly. Predictive analysis can target marketing more effectively. These strategies can protect growth and sustain tourism through challenges.

Growth with Resilience

The United States tourism industry proved its strength in 2024. States and cities posted record results. Visitors spent billions. Jobs multiplied. Communities thrived. Wisconsin, North Carolina, California, Kentucky and Tennessee all showed what is possible. Local successes like Birmingham and Spokane added proof. The sector created opportunity and pride. But 2025 will be a test. International uncertainty and global risks threaten growth. Domestic demand provides a cushion, but more effort is needed. The future of U.S. tourism lies in adaptation and resilience. With smart policies, investment and innovation, the industry can keep powering ahead. Tourism is not only an economic driver. It is the heartbeat of communities. It connects people, supports families, and strengthens the nation. America must protect and grow this engine, ensuring that tourism remains a story of growth, pride and resilience in the years ahead.

New Jersey Places Tourism at the Centre of Growth

New Jersey is preparing for a vital discussion on the future of its visitor economy. The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee will hold a hearing in Egg Harbor to examine the economic impacts of tourism. This event comes at a critical moment. Tourism supports thousands of jobs and businesses across the state. The sector provides a backbone for the Shore Region and beyond. Senators and invited industry leaders will use the session to share successes, highlight challenges, and build a roadmap for stronger policies. The goal is simple but urgent. Strengthen tourism, protect jobs, and secure growth for New Jersey’s economy.

The Importance of Tourism for New Jersey

Tourism is one of New Jersey’s largest industries. The visitor economy contributes billions each year. It creates jobs, fuels small businesses, and strengthens communities. At the Shore Region, the economic importance is undeniable. Families rely on visitors to support restaurants, shops, hotels and attractions. Local tax revenues rise when visitors spend. Public services like schools, healthcare and infrastructure benefit. This hearing aims to remind lawmakers that the tourism sector is not seasonal or secondary. It is a primary driver of the state’s success. Without steady tourism, thousands of livelihoods would weaken.

Who Will Testify and Why It Matters

The hearing will include testimony from respected organisations. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and Chamber of Commerce South Jersey will explain how tourism supports business stability. The New Jersey Farm Bureau will highlight the link between agriculture and tourism, especially in rural areas. Visit Atlantic City will share insights from one of the most iconic destinations. Experts from Tourism Economics will provide hard data on visitor spending and economic multipliers. Leaders from county tourism bodies such as Cape May and Somerset will show how local economies depend on visitors. Each speaker adds weight. Together, they paint a complete picture of why this industry matters.

A Platform for Real Issues

This hearing is not just about celebrating success. It is also about facing challenges. Shore communities face rising costs, weather risks, and changing travel habits. Small businesses want support to keep pace with digital marketing and modern demand. Event organisers need policies that encourage year-round tourism, not just seasonal peaks. Infrastructure, from roads to public transport, must be modernised to support growing visitor traffic. The committee will hear these concerns directly. By bringing facts to the table, leaders hope to shape policy that is practical, effective, and responsive to industry needs.

Regional Impact on the Shore Economy

The Shore Region of New Jersey remains the heart of the state’s tourism economy. Beaches, boardwalks, and festivals attract millions of visitors every year. Hotels fill, restaurants thrive, and retail businesses see steady footfall. The direct spending supports entire communities. But the Shore also faces the greatest challenges. Rising sea levels, coastal storms, and infrastructure pressures threaten long-term sustainability. Testimony from Cape May, Wildwoods and South Jersey will be crucial. They will highlight the need for investment in resilience, safety, and modern visitor services. Protecting the Shore economy means protecting the entire state’s tourism future.

The Role of Data and Economic Analysis

Tourism Economics will provide essential insights. Numbers tell the story behind the headlines. Visitor spending, tax contributions, and job creation all depend on accurate analysis. Policymakers rely on this data to make informed decisions. Knowing how much tourism contributes to GDP, and where spending flows, helps craft smarter strategies. Data also shows the cost of inaction. If tourism weakens, state revenues fall. Jobs vanish. Communities lose stability. By placing evidence at the heart of the hearing, leaders ensure decisions are rooted in facts. This approach strengthens credibility and builds consensus.

Building Stronger Tourism Policies

The committee’s purpose is to craft policies that will support and grow the visitor economy. This includes investing in infrastructure, strengthening marketing, and supporting small businesses. Policies may focus on improving transport links, expanding promotion of New Jersey destinations, and diversifying beyond seasonal tourism. Workforce development is another key priority. Tourism jobs must offer stability and growth opportunities. By listening to industry leaders, lawmakers can design policy that addresses real concerns. The focus is on action, not theory. Stronger tourism policies mean stronger communities and a stronger state economy.

Why the Timing is Crucial

The timing of this hearing is significant. Across the United States, states are reporting record-breaking tourism years. New Jersey must ensure it stays competitive. While states like Wisconsin, North Carolina, Tennessee and California post historic numbers, New Jersey must position itself as a leader. With its Shore attractions, cultural sites, and business hubs, the state has advantages. But without targeted support, it risks losing momentum. The October hearing ensures lawmakers and stakeholders respond before challenges deepen. The state cannot wait. Tourism needs attention now.

Opportunities Ahead for the Visitor Economy

The hearing is not just about problems. It is about seizing opportunities. New Jersey can build new campaigns to attract visitors year-round. It can expand cultural tourism, promote historic preservation, and develop rural experiences tied to farming and wine. Atlantic City can grow as a convention and entertainment hub. Small towns can strengthen their appeal with festivals, local food, and unique attractions. With digital marketing, the state can reach new audiences faster than ever. Tourism is ready to deliver more growth, if supported with vision and investment.

Conclusion: A Vital Step for New Jersey

The Senate committee hearing in Egg Harbor is more than a meeting. It is a chance to protect jobs, support small businesses, and plan for the future. By hearing from leaders across the industry, lawmakers gain a clear view of what tourism delivers and what it needs. New Jersey’s visitor economy is strong but faces real challenges. With smart policies, investment, and vision, it can grow even stronger. The time is now for action. Tourism remains the beating heart of New Jersey’s economy. The hearing marks a decisive step in keeping it that way.

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