Home » Latest Travel News » Orlando Joins Los Angeles, San Diego, New York City, Miami, San Francisco, and Others in Skyrocketing US Travel with a Record Surge in Tourist Arrivals in 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Published on
October 24, 2025
Orlando joins Los Angeles, San Diego, New York City, Miami, and San Francisco, is experiencing a record surge in tourist arrivals in 2024. This rise reflects the growing appeal of US destinations worldwide. Orlando, with 75.33 million visitors, saw a 1.8% increase from the previous year, highlighting its status as a leading tourism hub. While theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are major draws, the city’s diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment options contribute to its popularity. This trend mirrors a broader increase in US tourism, with key cities seeing substantial growth, strengthening the nation’s global travel presence.
Orlando: The Ultimate Theme Park Adventure Awaits
Orlando remains an undisputed leader in global tourism, consistently drawing millions of visitors with its iconic theme parks. In 2024, the city welcomed a record 75.33 million visitors, a 1.8% increase from the previous year. With attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, Orlando’s theme parks dominate the tourism landscape. But the city’s appeal doesn’t stop there. Orlando offers a wealth of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it a well-rounded destination for families, thrill-seekers, and vacationers of all kinds. The city’s ongoing investments in new attractions ensure that there’s always something new to discover, reinforcing Orlando’s reputation as a must-visit destination for years to come.
Orlando City Guide
Top Attractions: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorldBest For: Families, thrill-seekersVisitor Spending: $75.33 billionTourism Jobs: 100,000+Seasonal Events: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, Universal Studios Mardi GrasLos Angeles: The Entertainment Capital Continues to Shine
Los Angeles stands as a vibrant testament to the power of entertainment, with millions flocking to the city to experience its glitzy charm. In 2024, LA hosted over 50 million visitors, contributing $40 billion to the local economy. This sprawling city is home to Hollywood’s glittering allure, but it also boasts world-class luxury hotels, iconic attractions, and entertainment landmarks such as the Getty Museum and Griffith Park. Disneyland remains one of the top draws for families, while its entertainment industry continues to capture the imagination of tourists worldwide. As the city embraces new developments in infrastructure and hospitality, LA is gearing up to welcome even more visitors in 2025, solidifying its place as a global tourism juggernaut.
Los Angeles City Guide
Top Attractions: Hollywood Walk of Fame, Getty Museum, Griffith ParkBest For: Entertainment lovers, luxury seekersVisitor Spending: $40 billionTourism Jobs: 500,000+Seasonal Events: Academy Awards, LA Film FestivalSan Diego: A Perfect Mix of Eco-Friendly Fun and Adventure
San Diego’s laid-back charm and year-round appeal make it one of California’s most enduring destinations. In 2024, 32 million visitors experienced the city’s unique mix of stunning beaches, world-renowned attractions, and vibrant cultural experiences. From the famous San Diego Zoo to Balboa Park and La Jolla Cove, the city offers something for everyone. San Diego is also making strides in eco-tourism, with a strong commitment to green initiatives and sustainability. The city’s focus on maintaining its natural beauty while offering unforgettable experiences makes it a top choice for those looking to enjoy California’s coastal splendor while supporting eco-conscious travel.
San Diego City Guide
Top Attractions: San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, La Jolla CoveBest For: Families, beach lovers, eco-tourism enthusiastsVisitor Spending: $14.6 billionTourism Jobs: 66,500Sustainability: Focus on green travel and sustainability initiativesNew York City: The Cultural Epicenter That Never Sleeps
New York City is the ultimate embodiment of modern culture and vibrancy, a city that never stops evolving. In 2024, it welcomed over 62 million visitors, generating a staggering $75 billion in tourism revenue. From iconic attractions like the Empire State Building and Times Square to the world-famous Broadway shows, New York offers an unmatched cultural experience. The city’s tourism industry continues to boom, driven by both leisure travelers and business tourists. With ongoing improvements to public transportation and tourism infrastructure, NYC is poised to maintain its status as the world’s most visited urban destination, offering something for every type of traveler.
New York City Guide
Top Attractions: Empire State Building, Times Square, Central ParkBest For: Culture lovers, city explorersVisitor Spending: $75 billionTourism Jobs: 350,000+Seasonal Events: Broadway Week, New York Fashion WeekMiami: The Ultimate Blend of Beach, Culture, and Nightlife
Miami continues to captivate visitors with its sun-soaked beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. In 2024, the city attracted over 28 million visitors, marking a 3.9% increase from the previous year. Miami’s allure lies in its combination of stunning beach views, luxurious shopping, and the infectious energy of South Beach. With its diverse cultural offerings, from Little Havana to Art Deco architecture, the city provides an eclectic mix of experiences. Miami is also a major player in the cruise industry, making it a top choice for travelers looking for both land and sea adventures. With annual events like Art Basel and the Miami International Boat Show, Miami continues to thrive as a global tourism hub.
Miami City Guide
Top Attractions: South Beach, Little Havana, Art Deco DistrictBest For: Beach lovers, culture seekers, nightlife enthusiastsVisitor Spending: $28 billionTourism Jobs: 100,000+Seasonal Events: Art Basel, Miami International Boat ShowSan Francisco: A City of Iconic Landmarks and Eco-Conscious Travel
San Francisco’s mix of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural history, and modern innovations makes it a top destination for travelers. With 23.06 million visitors in 2024, the city continues to charm tourists with its iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Known for its strong commitment to sustainability, San Francisco is actively promoting green travel initiatives, positioning itself as a leader in eco-tourism. Visitors are drawn not just to its picturesque views but also to its diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, and thriving tech industry. As the city embraces sustainability and innovation, it remains a must-visit destination for eco-conscious travelers.
San Francisco City Guide
Top Attractions: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s WharfBest For: Culture lovers, eco-tourism enthusiasts, tech aficionadosVisitor Spending: $9.26 billionTourism Jobs: 62,000+Sustainability: Emphasis on eco-conscious travel and sustainability
Orlando saw a 1.8% increase due to a surge in arrivals, joining Los Angeles, San Diego, New York City, Miami, San Francisco, and other major US cities in experiencing a record rise in tourism in 2024.
Conclusion
Orlando joins Los Angeles, San Diego, New York City, Miami, and San Francisco, is experiencing a record surge in tourist arrivals in 2024. This rise reflects the growing appeal of US destinations worldwide, as more travelers flock to these iconic cities for their unique attractions and vibrant cultural experiences. The significant increase in visitors to Orlando and other major cities highlights the ongoing strength of the U.S. travel industry, fueled by continued investment in tourism infrastructure and a diverse array of experiences that cater to all types of travelers. This tourism boom solidifies the US as a top global destination.
