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Sarasota Joins Honolulu, Ashland, Clark, Grant, Beaver and Other American Rural Counties Leaving in Dust and Falling as US Tourism Faces Crushing Decline, New Research on Domestic Travel Sector
In a shocking twist, Sarasota County has now joined the ranks of Honolulu, Ashland, Clark, Grant, and Beaver counties, leaving behind a trail of disappointment as they all face a devastating tourism decline in 2025. These iconic US destinations, once bustling with tourists, are now grappling with a severe drop in visitor numbers. Sarasota, known for its pristine Gulf Coast beaches, has seen a troubling decline in visitors, following in the footsteps of other counties that have already felt the sting. The domestic travel sector is reeling as statistics show a significant downturn in spending and tourism-related revenues across the US tourism landscape.
The decline has left American rural counties in a state of shock, with places like Honolulu and Beaver County now struggling to recover. As US tourism continues to falter, destinations that were once thriving are now battling for survival. What’s causing this dramatic fall? And how can the domestic travel sector bounce back? Travel And Tour World urges readers to dive into this eye-opening story that uncovers the truth behind the US tourism sector’s biggest setback. Tourism isn’t what it used to be – read on to discover why.
US Tourism in 2025: The Shocking Decline of Iconic Counties, Revealed!
As 2025 dawned, expectations were sky-high for the US tourism sector. But what followed shocked both travel professionals and tourists alike. America’s most cherished destinations are experiencing an unprecedented drop in visitors. Major US counties, once bustling with international tourists, are now struggling to fill hotels and maintain visitor numbers. The decline is severe and, if the statistics are to be believed, many areas are facing deep economic repercussions. What’s happening to US tourism? What’s causing this sudden, stunning downturn in the US tourism industry?
This report dives into the facts behind the decline and reveals how key counties are being hit hardest.
Honolulu County Oʻahu: Paradise Struggles With Fewer Visitors in 2025
Honolulu County, which includes the famous island of Oʻahu, has always been a dream destination for travellers. Yet, in 2025, the island saw a dramatic fall in visitors. In December alone, the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) recorded a 7.7% drop in visitors compared to 2024. The situation worsened throughout the year, with a full-year visitor count of 5.67 million, marking a 2% decrease from the previous year. Despite Oʻahu’s historical popularity, high prices and inflation seem to have deterred visitors. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses are grappling with empty rooms, struggling to make up for lost revenue.
Maui’s Hidden Islands See Unprecedented Drop in 2025 Visitor Spending
It’s not just Oʻahu that’s facing the tourism crisis. Maui County’s Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi islands have been hit particularly hard in 2025. These islands, which rely heavily on eco-tourism and luxury resorts, saw visitor spending drop by over 35%. Molokaʻi experienced a 43.5% drop in December alone. Limited flight availability, rising hotel costs, and tourists opting for more accessible locations contributed to the devastating downturn. The consequences were immediate: local shops cut staff, tour operators faced cancellations, and restaurants saw fewer bookings. For these smaller islands, the sudden drop is catastrophic.
Wake County, North Carolina: Raleigh’s Hotels Struggle with Declining Occupancy in 2025
Raleigh, North Carolina’s vibrant capital, is facing its own tourism woes in 2025. Despite its appeal with research parks, craft breweries, and a dynamic food scene, Wake County reported a 3.5% decline in hotel occupancy during the first nine months of the year. Despite rising room rates, the county is grappling with fewer visitors. Even though hotel taxes slightly increased, the overall tourism experience was lacklustre. This trend is worrying for Wake County’s economy, as it depends heavily on a robust tourism industry for local business growth. Visitors are opting for other destinations, and this has left Raleigh with declining revenues from tourists.
Sarasota County, Florida: A Bright Destination Turns Quiet in 2025
Sarasota County, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a hotspot for sun-seekers and beach lovers. However, 2025 has brought sobering statistics. The county saw a 6.3% drop in visitors compared to 2024. Fewer tourists, especially from overseas, mean less money circulating through the local economy. Despite an impressive $2.3 billion in total visitor spending, the county’s beaches were noticeably quieter. What caused this downturn? Skyrocketing airfares, extreme summer heat, and concerns about algae blooms made Sarasota less attractive to international tourists. Sarasota’s local tourism officials are scrambling to restore the area’s appeal, focusing on a rebranding campaign to lure back tourists.
Rural Wisconsin: Small Counties Face Crushing Declines in 2025
Wisconsin’s rural counties have quietly suffered tourism declines too. Ashland, Clark, Grant, and Iron Counties all reported drops in visitor spending. Iron County saw a 3.9% drop, while Clark County lost 3.8%. Though small in percentage, the overall financial loss was significant. For these counties, tourism is vital to maintaining local jobs and funding community infrastructure. However, inflation and high gas prices kept many potential tourists at home. Rural areas, which rely heavily on weekend getaways, are losing out to more affordable or more famous destinations.
Utah’s High-Desert Counties: Fewer Visitors Choose the Mighty Five
Utah, with its iconic national parks, has always been a prime destination for road-trippers and nature lovers. However, counties like Beaver, Cache, and Carbon experienced drops in visitor spending. Beaver County, home to Bryce Canyon, saw a decline from $135.3 million in 2023 to $131.9 million in 2024. Despite marketing efforts, Utah’s high-desert counties are struggling to compete with other more popular destinations. Visitors are opting for Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon, leaving the high-desert counties with empty hotels and diminished economic activity.
The Ripple Effect: How Declining Tourism Impacts Jobs and Local Communities
The decline in tourism goes beyond empty hotels and beaches. Tourism is a critical source of jobs and tax revenue. In Wisconsin, counties like Iron and Grant saw a significant drop in tourism jobs. Hawaii’s Oʻahu recorded an 8% decrease in visitor spending during the summer of 2025, meaning less income for taxi drivers, surf instructors, and market vendors. The loss of tourism spending also translates into fewer public services and infrastructure funding. In Sarasota, fewer tourists means reduced funds for beach nourishment and local community projects. Tourism’s decline hits hard, not only for the businesses directly involved but also for the communities that rely on the sector’s economic contribution.
The Reason Behind the Downturn: High Prices, Climate Woes, and Global Competition
Why has US tourism experienced such a sharp decline in 2025? Several factors are at play. Inflation and high fuel prices have increased travel costs, which deterred many would-be tourists. For destinations like Oʻahu, with hotel rates above $350 per night, price-sensitive families opted for cheaper alternatives. The effects of extreme weather events, such as red-tide algae blooms in Florida and wildfire risks on the West Coast, have also made tourists think twice. Global competition has intensified as Mexico and the Caribbean offer cheaper, more accessible packages. The US tourism industry is now facing an uphill battle, with destinations needing to re-evaluate their appeal.
The Fightback: US Counties Push for Bold Tourism Strategies in 2026
While the decline is undeniable, county officials aren’t sitting idle. In Hawaii, the state’s tourism board is focusing on diversifying visitor markets and improving sustainability efforts. Wake County is launching a “Return to Raleigh” campaign to attract more visitors with discounts and event packages. Sarasota County is aggressively marketing to international travellers through adverts and partnerships. Other counties, like Wisconsin’s rural areas, are investing in agritourism and outdoor recreation to revive local economies. The US tourism sector may face a long recovery, but these counties are determined to bounce back.
The post Sarasota Joins Honolulu, Ashland, Clark, Grant, Beaver and Other American Rural Counties Leaving in Dust and Falling as US Tourism Faces Crushing Decline, New Research on Domestic Travel Sector appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
