Houston Joins Major US Cities in Shattering Tourism Records, Driving Billions Into the Local Economy

Houston has surged to new heights in tourism, aligning with major destinations like Las Vegas, New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, and San Diego in setting all-time records for visitor spending in 2024. The city welcomed a staggering 53.9 million visitors last year—up nearly 5% from 2023—who spent a record $11 billion, an 8.6% increase over the previous year. When including the wider economic impact from related spending, Houston’s visitor economy generated more than $16.6 billion for the city and supported over 121,800 jobs—highlighting the sector’s vital role in local employment and commerce.

This tourism boom saw Houston’s hotels, convention centers, and airports break new records. More than 25 million hotel room nights were booked, up 8.2% against 2023 figures, while air travel soared past 63 million passengers across the city’s two major airports. Convention business also hit fresh peaks, with meetings and events accounting for nearly 740,000 room nights. Importantly, the metropolitan region at large benefited too: nearly 92 million visitors, $16.6 billion in direct spending, and a $27 billion total economic impact across Houston and its suburbs.

City officials and hospitality leaders credit focused marketing strategies, robust event programming, and world-class amenities—such as arts venues, sports teams, and attractions like NASA and the Houston Zoo—for drawing tourists from across the US and abroad. As Houston continues to invest in its vibrant culture and grow its profile as a national destination, expectations remain high for sustained growth in the coming years.

Key Points:

• Houston’s visitors spent $11 billion in 2024, with $16.6 billion in overall economic impact.
• 53.9 million visitors marked a new high, with hotel bookings, air travel, and conventions at record levels.
• Over 121,800 jobs in Houston are directly supported by the visitor economy.
• Houston’s tourism growth stands alongside other leading US cities, powering broad-based gains in jobs and revenue.