Tourism Decline Hits Florida, Texas, Kentucky, and Illinois in 2025

Several U.S. states — including Florida, Texas, Kentucky, and Illinois — are experiencing a notable decline in tourism during 2025.

According to the US Mirror, the falling numbers in these states have raised concerns about the future of local economies that rely heavily on tourism as a primary source of income and employment. The drop comes amid rising travel costs, fewer flight options, and growing competition from more affordable destinations.

In Florida, one of the nation’s top tourist destinations, the number of visitors from January to August 2025 reached 17.7 million, a decline of 8.7% compared to the same period in 2024. This downturn is attributed to several factors, including higher airfares — especially after the cancellation of many budget flights — and increased entry prices at attractions such as Disney World, which raised ticket prices by at least $10.

The broader economic uncertainty has also led travelers to cut back on spending or opt for more budget-friendly destinations.

Tourism Slowdown Across Key U.S. States

August, typically a peak travel month, saw an unprecedented stagnation in visitor numbers, followed by a further 10% drop in September, signaling a clear shift in travel patterns.

In Texas, tourism fell by 8.6%, despite the state’s strong appeal to visitors. Officials are working to offset the losses through new autumn promotional campaigns.

Kentucky recorded a 4% decrease, even with its world-famous Kentucky Derby event. The state plans to launch new tourism packages to revive visitor interest.

Meanwhile, Illinois saw a 3% drop, with ongoing efforts to attract tourists through marketing Chicago’s cultural and historical landmarks.

Analysts expect this trend to continue through the end of the year, prompting affected states to reassess their tourism strategies and introduce more flexible and diverse options to attract travelers amid current economic challenges.