Virginia Joins California, Texas, Washington, Nevada, Vermont, and Others in Continuing to Hammer the US Tourism with a Decline in Tourist Arrivals After the First Quarter of FY 2026: Everything You Need to Know

In 2026, the U.S. tourism sector has been grappling with a steady decline in international tourist arrivals, and Virginia is no exception. Joining states like California, Texas, Washington, Nevada, and Vermont, Virginia is facing a dip in visitor numbers, particularly after the first quarter of FY 2026. This widespread decline has been influenced by a combination of global uncertainties, shifting travel behaviors, and the lingering impacts of the pandemic, which have made international tourists more hesitant to travel. The ripple effect of this downturn is being felt across many states, where iconic destinations like California’s beaches, Texas’ cultural landmarks, and Washington’s natural beauty once attracted millions of visitors. As these states, including Virginia, continue to face this tourism struggle, it’s clear that the challenges are not isolated but part of a larger trend affecting the entire U.S. tourism landscape. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this decline and provide a deeper understanding of the factors shaping the future of U.S. tourism.

Virginia: Resilient Yet Facing a Dip

Virginia, known for its rich history, stunning coastlines, and vibrant cities, has experienced a moderate decline in tourism during 2025 and 2026. While the state has enjoyed steady growth in the past, recent data reveals a -1.45% year-over-year (YOY) decrease in the total number of visitors. The numbers were mixed across the months, with October seeing a slight drop of -3.70%, but November and December showed positive growth, with increases of +1.47% and +0.78%, respectively.

The decline in October could be attributed to seasonal travel fluctuations, but the following months demonstrated Virginia’s resilience, as tourism numbers bounced back. Iconic attractions like the historic Colonial Williamsburg, the beautiful Shenandoah National Park, and the lively cultural scene in Richmond continue to draw tourists. However, the state’s tourism industry is still grappling with the residual effects of global challenges and travel hesitations. Virginia is actively working to rejuvenate its tourism sector by diversifying its offerings, promoting local culture, and expanding eco-tourism. With these efforts, the state is well-positioned to recover and see growth in the coming years, continuing to captivate travelers with its historical charm and natural beauty.

Month	2025	2026 (FYTD)	YOY Change (%)
OCT	433K	417K	-3.70%
NOV	339K	344K	1.47%
DEC	386K	389K	0.78%
Total	1158K	1150K	-1.45%

California: The Golden State Faces a Dull Year

California, the Golden State, faced a challenging year in terms of tourism. Despite its reputation as a top destination, from the beaches of Malibu to the wine country of Napa Valley, the state saw a -2.60% decline in visitation in 2025. The first three months of FYTD 2026 showed consistent drops, particularly in the months of October and November, as global travel hesitations and safety concerns lingered.

Iconic cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco experienced reduced foot traffic in major tourist spots, such as Disneyland and the Golden Gate Bridge. While California’s natural beauty and cultural diversity still attracted domestic tourists, international visitors remained scarce. The decline in large-scale events, festivals, and conventions further impacted the state’s tourism economy. However, California’s resilience shines through. The state is focused on bringing travelers back with new initiatives, better safety protocols, and exciting new attractions that emphasize its unmatched cultural and natural offerings.

Month	2025	2026 (FYTD)	YOY Change (%)
OCT	7.8M	7.7M	-1.28%
NOV	7.6M	7.5M	-1.32%
DEC	8.1M	8.1M	0.00%
Total	23.5M	23.3M	-2.60%

Texas: A Minor Dip in Tourism but Staying Strong

In 2025, Texas experienced a relatively stable tourism market, with slight fluctuations in visitation across the year. Despite the lack of significant growth, the state remains a major player in the US tourism sector. Texas’ iconic attractions like the Alamo, Space Center Houston, and the natural beauty of its diverse landscapes still draw large numbers of tourists each year. However, in FYTD 2026, the state saw a subtle decline in tourism. The overall year-over-year (YOY) change showed a small drop of -1.04% in December, which may have been influenced by various global challenges and travel hesitations.

Tourism in Texas typically benefits from its vast cultural diversity and booming cities like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. Yet, the dip in December figures hints at a cautious outlook, with fewer international visitors compared to previous years. While the state’s tourism industry has faced its share of hurdles, Texas remains resilient. Its expansive size and wide range of attractions, from rodeos to country music festivals, ensure its place as a key destination in the US. With continued investment and innovation, Texas is on track to recover and even thrive in the coming years.

Month	2025	2026 (FYTD)	YOY Change (Abs)	YOY Change (%)
OCT	8.8M	8.8M	0.0M	0.00%
NOV	8.8M	8.8M	0.0M	0.00%
DEC	9.6M	9.5M	-0.1M	-1.04%
Total	27.2M	27.1M	-0.1M	-1.04%

Washington: A Struggle with Strong Winds

Washington State, home to the iconic Mount Rainier and the vibrant city of Seattle, has witnessed a dramatic decline in tourism over the past year. The state’s tourism industry, which typically thrives on its natural beauty and urban offerings, experienced a significant -54.98% YOY decline in 2025. Although Washington boasts unparalleled natural landscapes and an evolving arts scene, the pandemic’s lingering effects hit its tourism hard, particularly in the fall and winter months.

While the Space Needle and Pike Place Market remain attractions of global significance, the sharp drop in visitors reflects a deeper trend of travel hesitancy and international travel disruptions. The months of November and December were particularly hard-hit, with YOY changes of -22.83% and -13.60%, respectively. The state’s reliance on international visitors, particularly from Asia and Europe, may have left it vulnerable as global travel patterns shifted. Washington is now focusing on domestic tourism and local adventures to bring back visitors. The stunning coastlines and outdoor activities, from kayaking to hiking, provide a bright future for Washington as it aims to restore its status as a major US tourist destination.

Month	2025	2026 (FYTD)	YOY Change (Abs)	YOY Change (%)
OCT	1.1M	896K	-0.204M	-18.55%
NOV	1.0M	864K	-0.136M	-13.60%
DEC	1.2M	926K	-0.274M	-22.83%
Total	3.3M	2.686M	-0.614M	-54.98%

Nevada: The Mirage of Declining Tourism

Nevada, famous for its dazzling Las Vegas Strip and world-renowned entertainment, faced a tough year for tourism in 2025. The state saw a significant decline in visitor numbers, with a YOY change of -11.7% in December. The bright lights of Las Vegas, once a constant draw for travelers, have dimmed slightly, as global travel restrictions and safety concerns took their toll. October and November were particularly difficult months, as the state witnessed noticeable drops in hotel bookings, casino revenue, and foot traffic on the Strip.

Nevada’s heavy reliance on large-scale events, conventions, and international tourism made it particularly vulnerable to travel restrictions. While Las Vegas remains an iconic destination, the tourism landscape in Nevada has been shaken. With the state’s tourism sector struggling to regain its former vibrancy, there are ongoing efforts to reinvigorate the market. New attractions, safety initiatives, and a greater focus on local tourism are part of Nevada’s strategy to rebound and recapture the hearts of travelers. With time, the state hopes to shine as brightly as its famous neon lights once again.

Month	2025	2026 (FYTD)	YOY Change (Abs)	YOY Change (%)
OCT	96.5K	96.8K	0.3K	0.3%
NOV	82.6K	78.6K	-4.0K	-4.8%
DEC	92.6K	85.9K	-6.7K	-7.2%
Total	271.7K	261.3K	-10.4K	-11.7%

Montana: A Steep Decline in Big Sky Country

Montana, renowned for its majestic mountains and expansive wilderness, has witnessed a severe drop in tourism. The state, which has long been a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, faced a drastic -49.70% decline in visitation. October to December saw consistent drops, with November and December suffering some of the largest reductions.

Once a magnet for visitors looking to experience Big Sky Country’s national parks, hiking trails, and pristine wilderness, Montana struggled to maintain its allure. International visitors, who once flocked to Montana for its beauty, largely stayed away due to travel hesitations and the ongoing pandemic effects. The state is focusing on local tourism to bridge the gap, promoting outdoor experiences and cultural heritage to attract regional travelers. While 2025 was a difficult year, Montana is setting its sights on a bright future by reinventing itself as an accessible and remote getaway for those looking to reconnect with nature.

Month	2025	2026 (FYTD)	YOY Change (%)
OCT	107K	88.0K	-17.76%
NOV	74.6K	63.7K	-14.61%
DEC	84.8K	70.1K	-17.33%
Total	266.4K	221.8K	-49.70%

Vermont: A Quiet Decline in Green Mountain State

Vermont, known for its lush forests, picturesque villages, and maple syrup, saw a quiet but significant decline in tourism. With a -63.55% drop in YOY change, the state faced one of the sharpest decreases in visitor numbers in 2025. The months of November and December particularly reflected the lack of visitors, as fewer tourists ventured into Vermont’s scenic corners.

Vermont’s reliance on seasonal tourism, especially during the fall foliage season, left it vulnerable when global travel patterns shifted. The state’s remote location and lack of major urban centers made it less appealing to international travelers, who favored more accessible destinations. Vermont is now looking to revitalize its tourism with a renewed focus on agritourism, local crafts, and outdoor adventure, hoping to appeal to those seeking a quiet retreat from the busy world. Though tourism is down, Vermont’s iconic landscapes and charm remain as strong as ever.

Month	2025	2026 (FYTD)	YOY Change (%)
OCT	247K	185K	-25.10%
NOV	164K	133K	-18.90%
DEC	179K	144K	-19.55%
Total	590K	462K	-63.55%

The Impact of Declining Tourist Arrivals on U.S. Tourism

The U.S. tourism industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, with fluctuations in tourist arrivals that have been closely monitored by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency. According to data published on CBP.gov, the number of international visitors to the U.S. has seen notable declines, particularly after the first quarter of fiscal year 2026. This drop can be attributed to a range of factors, from ongoing global uncertainties to shifting travel habits. As a result, U.S. tourism has struggled to recover to pre-pandemic levels, with many states, including California, Nevada, and Vermont, reporting significant declines in tourist numbers. CBP.gov provides essential insights into these trends, offering a comprehensive look at the impact of travel restrictions, safety concerns, and the evolving preferences of travelers. Despite these challenges, the U.S. continues to be a major global destination, with states actively working to recover their tourism sectors through new initiatives and increased safety protocols. With time and adaptation, the U.S. tourism industry is expected to rebound, with the help of data and resources from sources like CBP.gov guiding the way forward.

In FY 2026, Virginia joins states like California, Texas, Washington, Nevada, and Vermont in facing a decline in tourist arrivals. This drop is due to global uncertainties, changing travel habits, and post-pandemic hesitations.

Conclusion

Virginia, alongside California, Texas, Washington, Nevada, Vermont, and other states, continues to experience a decline in tourist arrivals after the first quarter of FY 2026. This ongoing dip is driven by a mix of global uncertainties, evolving travel habits, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. While these challenges have affected major tourist destinations across the U.S., the tourism industry is actively adapting through new initiatives, safety protocols, and the promotion of local experiences. As the situation evolves, these states, including Virginia, remain committed to revitalizing their tourism sectors and are poised to recover, leveraging innovative strategies to welcome travelers back in the near future.

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