Ohio Joins Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee as Travel Records Fall, Leaving US Tourism in the Dust. Now Economic Slowdown Leaves Destinations Facing Massive Decline

Tourism is undoubtedly one of the most significant drivers of economic growth worldwide. In the United States, it supports millions of jobs, generates billions in revenue, and provides vital tax income for local and state governments. From bustling cities like New York to scenic destinations like Oregon’s Coast, the travel industry fuels a vast array of services—from accommodation to entertainment, transport, and food. It shapes local economies, stimulates infrastructure development, and fosters global connectivity, making it an indispensable part of both the national and local economy.

However, the tourism industry was hit hard by the global COVID-19 pandemic, causing widespread disruptions and unparalleled losses in visitor numbers. Many states, including Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee, faced steep declines in tourism spending and overall economic output. This setback left many local economies grappling with the devastating impacts, including job losses, diminished tax revenue, and weakened infrastructure.

Despite these setbacks, the tourism sector is showing strong signs of recovery as we move into 2024. While some states have experienced a robust resurgence in tourism, others are still navigating the lasting effects of the pandemic. For example, Ohio has seen impressive visitor numbers, including 238 million visits in 2023, generating a remarkable $56 billion in visitor spending, but also recorded significant historical losses due to pandemic-related declines. Oregon similarly saw modest growth, with a 0.6% increase in tourism spending in 2023, despite international tourism lagging behind pre-pandemic levels.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania has emerged as a standout performer, with a record-breaking $84 billion in tourism revenue in 2024, reflecting an impressive recovery trajectory. Rhode Island has also witnessed steady growth, with $6 billion in visitor spending in 2024 and a surge in visitor numbers to a record 29.4 million. In South Carolina, although hotel revenues saw a slight dip, tourism spending remained significant, continuing to support thousands of jobs and providing crucial tax revenue. South Dakota and Tennessee also demonstrated growth, with both states seeing increased visitor spending and job creation despite global challenges.

This article provides a detailed, state-by-state analysis of tourism performance in Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee. By examining the latest data on visitor spending, job creation, and tax revenues, we uncover the true impact of tourism losses—and gains—across these diverse regions. Are these states still recovering from the pandemic’s blows, or have they surpassed pre-pandemic tourism levels? Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of how each state is navigating the complexities of tourism recovery in 2024.

Ohio: A Glimpse of Growth Amidst Historic Losses

Ohio, a state known for attractions like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and Cedar Point Amusement Park, saw $56 billion in visitor spending in 2023, according to the Ohio Travel Association and TourismOhio. These figures indicate a thriving tourism economy, supported by 238 million visits across the state, including 190 million day trips.

However, despite these encouraging figures, Ohio’s tourism sector has not fully recovered from its historic losses. The state experienced an $8.8 billion loss in travel spending, primarily due to pandemic-related declines. This figure, while significant, may reflect the lingering impacts of the pandemic and not the most recent 12 months. As Ohio’s visitor numbers rebound, the focus remains on regaining pre-pandemic levels of spending. The state’s tourism sector, while resilient, continues to grapple with these historical setbacks as it works toward a full recovery.

Oregon: Small Gains After a Long Road to Recovery

Oregon’s tourism economy saw a 0.6% increase in visitor spending in 2023, reaching $14 billion. This modest growth marked a positive shift for the state after enduring the global challenges brought by the pandemic. Travel Oregon reported that by 2024, the state’s tourism industry had expanded further, generating an economic impact of $14.3 billion—a sign that recovery was well underway.

However, despite this growth, international tourism in Oregon remained below 2019 levels. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing challenges the state faces in attracting global visitors, particularly as international travel remains unpredictable. Nevertheless, Oregon’s tourism sector is showing positive growth, and the future looks promising as the state’s iconic landscapes continue to draw visitors.

Pennsylvania: Record-Breaking Growth in 2024

While many states are still working to recover, Pennsylvania has emerged as a shining example of tourism recovery. In 2024, the state’s tourism industry generated a staggering $84 billion in economic impact, up from $49.9 billion in direct spending. This growth marked a 4.2% increase from the previous year, underscoring the resilience and vitality of the state’s visitor economy.

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office reported a $7 billion increase in its visitor economy from the previous year, showcasing a remarkable rebound. Additionally, Pennsylvania’s tourism sector supports over 500,000 jobs, contributing $5 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2024. This record-breaking performance suggests that Pennsylvania’s tourism industry has not only recovered but has far surpassed its pre-pandemic figures.

Rhode Island: Steady Recovery with Record Visitor Numbers

Rhode Island, often overlooked in the tourism conversation, has emerged as a success story in 2024. Visitor spending reached an all-time high of $6 billion, representing a 7% increase over the previous year. The state attracted 29.4 million visitors in 2024, marking the highest visitor count ever recorded.

Tourism’s contribution to Rhode Island’s economy has been vital, sustaining over 88,500 jobs and generating $992 million in tax revenues. This consistent growth builds upon the 4.6% increase seen in 2023, reaffirming the state’s position as a rising star in the post-pandemic tourism landscape.

South Carolina: A Mixed Performance with Moderation in Certain Areas

South Carolina’s tourism sector has been somewhat more volatile compared to other states. While tourism spending remained strong, there was a 2.8% decrease in hotel revenue in FY 2023-2024. However, the rise in short-term rental revenue helped to balance the scales, indicating a shift in how travellers are choosing to stay.

Despite this moderation in hotel revenue, South Carolina’s tourism economy remains a major contributor to the state’s financial wellbeing. In 2022, tourists spent $27.9 billion in South Carolina, contributing $2.6 billion in taxes to state and local governments. While the hotel revenue dip reflects a changing landscape in accommodation preferences, overall tourism remains a key economic pillar for the state.

South Dakota: Solid Growth Despite Tourism Challenges

South Dakota, home to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park, saw solid growth in 2024. Visitors to the state spent $5.09 billion, marking a 2.8% increase from the previous year. With 14.9 million visitors flocking to South Dakota in 2024, the state’s tourism economy remains robust.

Tourism’s economic impact extends beyond just visitor spending. South Dakota generated $384 million in state and local tax revenue in 2024, underscoring the importance of the tourism industry to its economy. This consistent growth signals a bright future for South Dakota, as it continues to attract visitors to its unique cultural and natural sites.

Oklahoma: Robust Tourism Performance Amidst a Challenging Landscape

Oklahoma’s tourism economy, particularly in Oklahoma City, has shown remarkable resilience. In 2023, the city alone generated $2.7 billion in visitor spending, contributing a total economic impact of $4.5 billion. Oklahoma City’s tourism sector is thriving, with $358 million in tax receipts in 2023, highlighting the growing significance of tourism to the state’s fiscal health.

While state-level data for 2024 remains limited, Oklahoma City’s success suggests that the state’s tourism economy is in a period of stable growth. For every dollar invested in VisitOKC, the city saw an impressive return of $68.55, reflecting the high return on investment that the city is experiencing. Oklahoma’s tourism industry, though smaller compared to other states, is proving to be a valuable economic asset.

Tennessee: Record-Breaking Performance with Strong Visitor Growth

Tennessee’s tourism economy has gone from strength to strength, reaching $31.7 billion in direct visitor spending in 2024. The state saw a 3.3% year-over-year increase in visitor spending, which supported a staggering 147 million visitors. This growth continues to have a significant impact on Tennessee’s overall economy.

In addition to direct spending, Tennessee’s tourism generated $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue, which helped reduce the tax burden for residents. The strong growth in visitor spending in Montgomery County, which saw an 8.8% increase, showcases how local economies are benefiting from Tennessee’s tourism boom.

Tourism Economy Breakdown: Key Statistics for Each State

In conclusion, tourism continues to play an essential role in driving economic growth across the United States. As we have seen in the case of Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee, the tourism sector’s recovery has varied significantly from state to state. While some states have experienced record-breaking growth, others are still working hard to overcome the pandemic’s devastating effects.

In Ohio, despite generating $56 billion in tourism spending, the state is still striving to recover from an $8.8 billion loss due to the pandemic. Oregon has seen modest gains, with visitor spending rising slightly, yet international tourism remains below pre-pandemic levels. On the other hand, Pennsylvania has emerged as a beacon of tourism recovery, reaching $84 billion in economic impact, which highlights the impressive growth of its tourism sector.

In Rhode Island, the tourism sector has also demonstrated impressive resilience, with a 7% increase in visitor spending and a record-breaking number of 29.4 million visitors in 2024. South Carolina, despite facing a slight dip in hotel revenue, still sees strong tourism spending, with $27.9 billion generated in 2022 alone. South Dakota continues to benefit from its iconic landmarks, as it saw a 2.8% increase in tourism spending in 2024.

In Oklahoma, Oklahoma City’s tourism economy remains strong, with $2.7 billion in visitor spending, contributing $4.5 billion in total economic impact. Tennessee, too, has shown remarkable growth, generating $31.7 billion in direct visitor spending in 2024, underlining the state’s robust tourism recovery.

As these states continue their efforts to recover and grow, one thing is clear: tourism remains an integral part of the US economy. Its economic impact, which includes job creation, tax revenue, and local development, cannot be underestimated. While some states face more challenges than others, the overall tourism performance in 2024 signals a bright future for the visitor economy across the United States. As the sector continues to evolve, it is crucial for policymakers and businesses to leverage tourism’s power to fuel further growth and economic prosperity in the years to come.