Thursday, August 7, 2025
Author: Tuhin Sarkar
Colorado joins California, New York, Las Vegas, Florida, and other US states in facing a tourism slump this year. This downturn is now affecting top travel destinations across the United States. From the beaches of Florida to the bright lights of Las Vegas, and from the mountains of Colorado to the cities of California and New York—every corner is feeling the pressure.
International visitors have pulled back. Domestic travellers are spending less. In response, the travel industry is acting quickly. Tourism boards in Colorado, California, New York, Las Vegas, and Florida are launching new campaigns, promoting local travel, and adjusting hotel prices. These US states are not giving up.
Instead, they are trying to recover smartly and steadily. With unity and strategy, Colorado and its fellow states aim to keep their tourism economies alive—despite the slump they all face this year.
In 2025, many US states are facing a serious tourism slowdown. International travellers are skipping America. Hotel bookings and visitor spending are falling. Cities like New York, Las Vegas, and San Francisco are feeling the pain. This report explains why this is happening, who is most affected, and what may happen next.
International Visitors Turn Away from the US
Tourism in America is taking a hit. International travel to the US is down sharply in 2025. Experts say the country may lose about $12.5 billion in international visitor spending this year. That’s a big loss. Overseas tourists are simply not coming in the numbers seen before the pandemic. Some are avoiding the US because of new visa rules. Others are upset by what they hear in the news.
The US used to be a top choice for holidaymakers. But this year, many tourists are choosing other places. Canada, Europe, Japan, and Tunisia are gaining the visitors who once flew to America. Because of this, several US states are now in trouble. Tourism is a major part of their local economy, and now it is slowing down.
California Sees Fewer Tourists and Big Losses
California is one of the worst-hit states. Big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco depend on travellers. But in 2025, the number of international tourists has dropped by around 9.4%. Many hotels are struggling to fill their rooms. Local businesses are selling less. Famous attractions like Hollywood and Yosemite are seeing fewer visitors.
This change is not just about numbers. It affects jobs, income, and local culture. California’s tourism economy relies on people from all over the world. When those people stop coming, the effects spread fast. Cities are cutting back on marketing. Some tourist guides are losing their jobs. Shops are seeing fewer customers.
New York City Faces a 12% Drop in International Travel
New York City is also suffering. The city that never sleeps is now feeling quiet. In 2025, it lost about 12% of its international visitors. That means fewer people visiting Times Square, Broadway, and the Statue of Liberty. Hotels have more empty rooms. Restaurants and shops have less business.
New York State as a whole may lose about 3 million foreign visitors this year. That’s a huge number. These travellers usually spend more money than locals. They stay in top hotels. They buy gifts and go on tours. Without them, many small and large businesses are struggling to survive.
Las Vegas Tourism Dips as Visitors Gamble Elsewhere
Las Vegas, Nevada, is known for casinos and entertainment. But even Vegas is seeing fewer tourists. In June 2025, the city saw an 11.3% drop in visitors. Hotel occupancy fell by 6.5%. Room prices also dropped by about 6.6%. These numbers show how hard the city is being hit.
Many young travellers today are choosing other experiences. They prefer nature, culture, or adventure over gambling. Las Vegas is trying to attract these new tourists, but the transition is slow. With fewer flights and international guests, the city is facing one of its hardest years in tourism.
Florida’s Popular Spots Also See Fewer Guests
Florida is famous for its sunny beaches and theme parks. But this year, even Disney and Miami are struggling. Florida has seen about a 5% drop in international travellers in early 2025. That may not seem like much, but for a state that gets millions of tourists every year, it’s a big deal.
Places like Orlando, Key West, and Tampa rely heavily on tourism. Hotels are offering deals, but some rooms still stay empty. Tour guides are reporting fewer bookings. This drop is also hurting shops, rental car companies, and local attractions. Florida is still open for business, but fewer people are coming.
Hawaii Sees a 6% Dip as Asia Travel Weakens
Hawaii is a dream destination for many, but fewer tourists are arriving in 2025. International arrivals have dropped by 6%. This is mostly because travel from Asia, especially Japan, is still slow. Flights are fewer. Some travellers are unsure about spending money on long-distance trips.
Hawaii’s islands depend on tourism. From hotels to surf schools, many jobs come from the travel industry. A 6% drop may sound small, but for Hawaii’s local economy, it makes a big difference. The islands are now working harder to bring in visitors from the US mainland.
Michigan and Washington Face Big Slumps in 2025
Some northern states are also seeing fewer tourists. Detroit, Michigan, expects a 17.3% drop in international visitors. This is hitting museums, auto tours, and city festivals hard. Michigan is not just losing travellers—it is losing tourism dollars and energy.
In Washington State, overnight visits from international tourists are down nearly 27%. That’s a major fall. Seattle and its famous landmarks are not seeing the crowds they used to. This has caused problems for hotels, tour companies, and restaurants.
Southern and Rural States Also See the Impact
Not just big cities are hurting. Smaller states like Vermont, Maine, Georgia, Louisiana, and Oklahoma are also seeing fewer visitors. These states depend on tourists for local festivals, farm stays, and historic sites. But international travellers are missing, and that’s a big problem.
In some places, tourism offices are cutting budgets. Local businesses are scaling down. Job losses are growing in rural communities that used to welcome busloads of travellers. The drop is not always in big numbers, but the impact is deep.
What Is Causing the Tourism Slump?
The reasons for the slump are many. First, visa delays and new US immigration rules have made it harder for people to visit. Travellers from Europe and Canada face extra questions and fees. Some are even turned away at the border. These changes make America feel less welcoming.
Second, political news and border crackdowns are scaring off tourists. Some foreign governments have warned their people to be careful while travelling in the US. This has created fear and confusion. Many tourists are choosing to visit other countries instead.
Third, the global economy is also weak. People are spending less. They are looking for affordable holidays. America is now seen as expensive and risky by many overseas travellers.
Domestic Tourism Helps But Isn’t Enough
More Americans are taking holidays inside the US. That’s good. But it’s not enough to cover the loss of foreign tourists. International travellers spend more. They stay longer. They go to famous places and smaller towns. Their money helps every part of the tourism chain.
Tourism boards in many states are trying to attract locals. They are running campaigns and offering discounts. But replacing a Canadian family that spends $6,000 with a local visitor who spends $800 is not easy. The gap is just too big.
What Could Happen Next?
Experts now say it may take until 2029 for US international tourism to fully recover. That’s four more years of slower business. Many states must now rethink their tourism plans. They may need to focus more on eco-tourism, cultural trips, and long-term stays.
Some cities are investing in digital tools and local experiences. Others are making their visa process smoother. But all of them face the same challenge: how to make visitors feel safe, welcome, and excited to come to America again.
America Must Act Fast
The 2025 tourism slump is real and wide. States like California, New York, Nevada, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan, and Washington are deeply affected. Smaller states like Maine, Georgia, and Vermont are also struggling. The reasons are clear—visa issues, political climate, and changing traveller tastes.
But the path forward is also clear. The US must rebuild trust, simplify travel rules, and promote what makes it unique. With smart planning and global outreach, the country can welcome the world again. But it must act fast—before tourists forget what they loved about the US.
Colorado tourism is seeing a slight drop in 2025. Hotel occupancy has declined, international tourists are still slow to return, and wildfires may be hurting travel. Yet, local communities like Grand Junction are doing better than others. Can domestic travel make up for what’s missing?
Colorado Saw 95.4 Million Visitors in 2024, But That’s Changing
In 2024, Colorado welcomed 95.4 million tourists. They brought in $28.5 billion for the state’s economy. These numbers were a relief after the pandemic years. But 2025 is showing early signs of a slowdown. Travel experts have started to worry. Visitors are still coming, but not in the same numbers as before. The tourism industry feels the pressure, especially in hotel bookings and rental properties.
Even though tourism remains a huge part of Colorado’s economy, this slight decline has become a talking point for state tourism officials. The numbers are not crashing, but they are softening. This makes it harder for local tourism boards to plan future campaigns with confidence. As the state nears its 150th birthday, attention is shifting towards what can be done to keep Colorado on the travel map.
Hotel Occupancy Drops 2%, Rentals Down in Western Slope
Tim Wolfe, the Director of Colorado Tourism, said hotel occupancy across the state has fallen by 2% in 2025. This drop may seem small, but it reflects broader challenges. In tourist-heavy areas like the Western Slope, even short-term rental bookings are down. These rentals had previously grown in popularity during the pandemic as travellers sought out isolated, scenic places.
This year, however, interest has cooled. Some families are spending less on travel. Others are choosing destinations with more deals or bigger attractions. Still, Grand Junction is performing a bit better than other regions. It finished last year with almost 5% lower occupancy, but this year it’s seeing some improvement. This shows how results can vary from one community to another.
International Visitors Still Missing in Action
One big reason for the overall decline is the lack of international visitors. Wolfe pointed out that overseas tourism has not fully recovered since the pandemic. International travellers are Colorado’s most valuable guests. They spend five times more than domestic tourists. They also stay longer and are more eco-conscious. Losing this group means losing a big chunk of high-spending, long-staying visitors.
Efforts are ongoing to bring them back. However, airline routes, visa issues, and ongoing global concerns make it harder. As countries like Australia and China slowly open up more, it may take time before their citizens travel as freely as they once did. Until then, Colorado has to find ways to fill this gap.
Domestic Tourism May Be the Lifeline
Wolfe expects domestic tourism to grow as other states face their own issues. Places like New York City, Florida, and Las Vegas are also competing for local travellers. If they start offering discounts and deals, it could pull tourists away from Colorado. That’s why Colorado must act fast. Campaigns like “Do Colorado Right” aim to inspire locals and nearby travellers to explore the state.
The focus now is on making sure people see Colorado as not just a ski destination or a summer road trip spot. Tourism boards want to show off year-round attractions—from autumn foliage to spring festivals. This approach helps stretch the tourism season and keeps businesses alive even during off-peak months.
Wildfires May Have a Lingering Impact
Another problem is wildfires. Recent blazes have damaged parts of the state. This affects visitor confidence. Some tourists may avoid areas even after the fires are out. Safety, air quality, and damaged infrastructure are all real concerns. But Wolfe stressed that the state works with affected communities to help them recover quickly.
The tourism office offers resources and support when places are ready to welcome back visitors. These include marketing tools, funding, and planning help. By rebuilding fast and telling the public when it’s safe, Colorado aims to limit the long-term damage caused by these disasters.
“Do Colorado Right” and Stewardship Program Lead the Way
To fight back against these issues, Colorado continues to promote responsible tourism through its “Do Colorado Right” campaign. It encourages people to enjoy the state’s beauty without harming it. The program teaches visitors how to respect nature, local communities, and rules while travelling.
The Stewardship program is another big part of the plan. It focuses on protecting natural sites, helping small towns manage tourist flow, and making travel more sustainable. These efforts are part of a broader goal to make tourism good for everyone—not just businesses, but also residents and the environment.
Why Colorado Travel Is Slowing Down in 2025
Colorado’s travel industry is facing a slowdown in 2025. Visitor numbers are falling slightly. Hotel stays are down 2%. Short-term rentals have dropped by 10% in the first few months. Fewer people are coming from other countries. Places like Canada and Europe have seen fewer flights and more visa problems. As a result, towns in the mountains are seeing fewer tourists.
These visitors from abroad usually spend more money. When they stop coming, local businesses feel the pain. Shops sell less. Hotels have empty rooms. Guides and restaurants lose customers. Even though local people are still visiting, they don’t spend as much. That is why the tourism industry is now worried.
How Colorado Is Responding to the Slump
Colorado is not sitting still. The state’s tourism office is fighting back with smart ideas. They have launched the “Do Colorado Right” campaign. This teaches people to travel in a respectful and caring way. The tourism board is now targeting American travellers. They are using winter ads and special offers to bring more visitors to towns and ski resorts.
Mountain towns are also joining forces. Places like Aspen, Vail and Durango are working with local businesses to attract tourists. Some are offering cheaper hotel rates. Others are thinking of changing rental rules to make stays more affordable.
Colorado: A Wild and Wonderful Destination Guide for Every Kind of Traveller
From rugged peaks to indulgent spas, Colorado’s natural and cultural tapestry delivers a year-round experience that is immersive, vibrant, and unforgettable. In this 2025 destination guide, we reveal the top attractions, luxury stays, travel routes, and serene escapes that make Colorado an all-season wonderland.
Where Nature Whispers and Adventure Roars: Colorado’s Timeless Appeal
Few places in the United States balance grandeur with grace like Colorado. A state that climbs skyward with snow-capped peaks and descends into charming valleys rich with hot springs, historic towns, and alpine meadows. Whether you crave world-class skiing in Aspen, healing waters in Pagosa Springs, or thrilling theme park rides perched atop a mountain, Colorado unfolds as a soulful, natural escape with first-class comforts.
At the heart of the state’s draw is its ability to surprise. It seduces urbanites with hip towns like Boulder and Fort Collins, delivers for luxury lovers in Telluride and Vail, and warmly welcomes families, hikers, and wellness seekers to its hot springs, caverns, and hiking trails. In 2025, this versatility is bolstered by expanded airline routes, plush hotel offerings, and an enduring commitment to eco-conscious tourism.
Rocky Mountain Majesty: A Drive Through the National Park
No journey to Colorado is complete without stepping into the towering embrace of Rocky Mountain National Park. Just a 90-minute drive from Denver, this crown jewel of nature sweeps visitors off their feet with alpine lakes, thunderous elk bugles, and vistas that spill across the horizon. Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., slices through the park, leading to wind-swept tundras and pull-offs with camera-ready scenes. In autumn, golden aspens shimmer like fireworks.
Old Fall River Road, more rustic and adventurous, reopens to drivers in summer and adds a backroad thrill to any itinerary. It’s not just about scenic drives here; hiking Longs Peak, catching sunrise at Bear Lake, or picnicking along Moraine Park remain timeless must-dos.
Telluride: Where Wild West Charm Meets High-End Indulgence
Hidden in a remote box canyon and surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks, Telluride is the state’s most cinematic town. The ghosts of miners linger in the clapboard buildings and Victorian facades, but today’s Telluride is a curated blend of art, alpine sports, and elegance. It’s where festivals dazzle, ski slopes thrill, and wine lists compete with panoramic views.
Hotels like Lumière with Inspirato and Madeline Hotel by Auberge offer ski-in/ski-out access, with fire-lit lounges and expansive terraces. Dining is sublime. Allred’s, perched above town at 10,551 feet, pairs elk tenderloin with the best views in the state. Alpino Vino, North America’s highest elevation restaurant, turns dinner into an event.
What makes Telluride special isn’t just the luxury or the slopes. It’s the sense of scale and story—where ruggedness and refinement meet under crisp mountain skies.
Aspen’s Four Peaks of Perfection
Aspen needs no introduction. Yet each return reveals something new. Known globally for its four ski areas—Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Highlands—the town excels beyond the slopes. Art collectors mingle at the Aspen Art Museum. Fashionistas stroll past boutiques, and chefs turn out seasonal menus that delight.
Hotel Jerome captures Aspen’s historic essence, blending Old West architecture with polished luxury. The Little Nell, the only five-star, ski-in/ski-out resort in town, caters to those who expect champagne powder and actual champagne. Meanwhile, the Limelight Hotel keeps things playful and family-friendly, making Aspen more inclusive than its glossy image suggests.
In summer, the scene shifts to hiking, mountain biking, and open-air concerts. Aspen stays alive in every season, its pulse strong, its identity ever chic.
Healing Waters and Soulful Loops: The Hot Springs Experience
One of Colorado’s most overlooked luxuries bubbles from beneath the ground. The Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop connects 19 rejuvenating stops across five regions. Each offers a different mood—from playful water parks to silent, steaming mineral soaks.
Glenwood Springs is home to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, the country’s only mountaintop amusement park. After riding the Giant Canyon Swing or descending into the ancient Fairy Caves, visitors dip into Glenwood Hot Springs Pool—the world’s largest. It’s an exhilarating balance of adrenaline and relaxation.
Further south, Pagosa Springs is as tranquil as they come. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, its terraced hot springs and riverside tubs provide deep, soothing warmth year-round. In Ouray, sometimes called the “Switzerland of America,” travellers unwind in naturally heated pools framed by cliffs and waterfalls.
Hot springs tourism is booming in Colorado, especially as more travellers seek wellness over crowds. These spots are peaceful yet powerful, rustic yet refined.
Eagle County, Vail and Breckenridge: Elevated Escapes for All Seasons
Eagle County may not sound as flashy as Aspen or Denver, but its impact on Colorado tourism is massive. It is home to Vail—North America’s largest ski resort—and Breckenridge, where history meets elevation. These towns offer alpine sophistication with approachable charm.
Vail’s European-style village delivers cobbled streets, high-end chalets, and a thriving arts scene. Breckenridge keeps things playful, with a colourful Main Street, lively breweries, and deep gold-rush roots.
Eagle County Regional Airport provides direct flights from cities like Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. It’s one of the easiest mountain getaways in America, with new airline options added for the 2025 season.
Denver and the Gateway Cities
Most Colorado journeys begin in Denver, and rightly so. The city pulses with energy, from its booming art districts to baseball games at Coors Field. In 2025, Denver International Airport (DIA) serves more than 230 nonstop destinations, including newly added direct flights to Rome, Istanbul, and Mexico City. It’s not just a transit hub—it’s a springboard into the mountains.
Downtown hotels like the Hilton City Center, the Oxford Hotel, and the Crawford Hotel at Union Station offer urban comfort with quick access to day trips. From Denver, you can be sipping coffee in Boulder or exploring the red rocks of Garden of the Gods in just an hour.
The city continues to grow its tourism offerings. Food halls, rooftop bars, and street art tours provide modern ways to explore the Mile High City beyond its elevation.
Small-Town Magic: Fort Collins, Estes Park and Beyond
Beyond the big-name resorts and cities, Colorado hides pockets of personality that are equally rewarding. Fort Collins, the inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street USA, brims with breweries, bike lanes, and bookshops. It’s a college town that has grown into a lifestyle haven.
Estes Park, perched at the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park, is as charming as ever. The Stanley Hotel remains its crown jewel—a beautifully eerie place that inspired Stephen King’s The Shining. It offers ghost tours and high tea with mountain views.
Down south, Durango links history and hospitality. Its narrow-gauge railroad and cowboy culture are matched with boutique hotels and craft distilleries. And thanks to United Airlines, 2025 brings daily direct flights from Houston, making it more connected than ever.
Where to Stay: A Curated Map of Colorado’s Best Beds
From five-star mountain hideaways to historic inns, Colorado’s accommodations cater to all travel styles. The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs stands as a symbol of elegance. With a lake, spa, championship golf, and over 100 years of legacy, it’s a destination on its own.
In ski towns, brands like Four Seasons, Fairmont, and Auberge Collection bring global luxury standards, while independent properties like the Dunton Hot Springs cabins offer wild luxury with deep intimacy. Travelers looking for boutique stays find gems in Boulder and Grand Junction, while hoteliers are embracing sustainability and stewardship across the board.
Getting Around: Airports, Access and New Routes
Flying into Colorado in 2025 is more efficient than ever. Denver International Airport remains the main gateway, with new direct flights to Europe and Latin America. Eagle County Regional Airport serves Vail and the mountain corridor, while Durango–La Plata connects the Four Corners region.
Domestic carriers like United, Frontier, Southwest, and Delta offer routes to Denver from every major city in the US. Smaller routes, such as Denver to Taos or Moab, expand the possibilities for cross-state road trips and regional exploration.
Car rentals remain popular, but many travellers now opt for hybrid itineraries—flying into Denver, using shuttle services to resorts, and relying on hotel-provided transportation.
Responsible Travel and Colorado’s Commitment to Sustainability
Tourism in Colorado is not just about fun. It’s also about care. The “Do Colorado Right” campaign promotes responsible tourism—encouraging visitors to protect the land, respect locals, and travel mindfully. Whether it’s trail etiquette, wildlife safety, or supporting local economies, Colorado reminds travellers that beauty must be preserved.
In 2025, stewardship programs are active across national parks, ski resorts, and small towns. Colorado Tourism Office partners with communities to make sure growth doesn’t come at nature’s cost. The future of travel here is sustainable—and still spectacular.
Final Thoughts: The Colorado Calling
Colorado remains the American West’s most powerful travel story. It is where snow meets sun, where art meets adventure, and where calm meets challenge. In 2025, expanded airline access, iconic hotels, and evolving attractions make it more accessible and enjoyable than ever.
Whether you seek the thrill of ski slopes, the stillness of hot springs, or the creativity of mountain towns, Colorado delivers with elegance and ease. This is not just a place to visit—it is a place to feel alive.
Colorado’s 150th Birthday in 2026 Brings New Opportunities
Colorado turns 150 in 2026. Wolfe sees this as a chance to push local tourism. He wants residents to travel within the state and rediscover hidden gems. While the milestone may not bring a flood of tourists, it offers a theme for campaigns. Celebrations, historical tours, and cultural events can give families new reasons to travel.
Instead of big marketing budgets, the goal is to create personal connections. Travellers might visit places they’ve never seen—like small mountain towns, forgotten trails, or local museums. The birthday can act as a reminder of what makes Colorado special.
What Lies Ahead for Colorado Tourism?
The road ahead has both bumps and chances. The small 2% drop is not a disaster, but it is a warning. International tourists may still be missing in 2025, and wildfires could scare others away. Still, Colorado has tools to fight back. Local tourism efforts are stronger than ever. Domestic visitors are stepping up. And campaigns like “Do Colorado Right” continue to teach sustainable travel.
With the 150th celebration coming soon, now is a key moment. Tourism leaders must adapt, communities must work together, and travellers must feel safe and inspired. If these pieces come together, Colorado’s tourism future can still shine.
