Recent tourism figures underscore the powerful appeal of the Lone Star State:
- Total Annual Visitors: In 2024, Texas welcomed an estimated 129 million visitors. This massive figure includes both residents taking overnight trips within the state and travelers coming from out-of-state and international destinations.
- External Travelers: The number of tourists arriving from across the country and around the world reached a record-breaking 62 million in 2024.
- Economic Powerhouse: The travel and tourism industry is a vital component of the state’s economy, generating an estimated total economic impact of nearly $200 billion and supporting approximately 1.3 million jobs in 2024. Visitor spending alone surpassed $97 billion.
A Tale of Two Tourists: In-State vs. External
The large visitation number is a combination of two major segments:
- In-State Tourists (Texans traveling overnight within Texas): Estimated at 67 million, they drive regional tourism to state parks, small towns, and major events like the Houston Rodeo or the Texas State Fair.
- Out-of-State & International Travelers: Estimated at 62 million, they focus on major cities, unique historic sites, and national parks, driving significant spending in accommodations and air travel.
The largest source of foreign tourists to Texas is consistently Mexico, followed by Canada and several other major countries.
The Destinations Driving the Demand
Texas's sheer size and diversity mean that tourists are distributed across a wide variety of attractions, from bustling urban centers to remote wilderness.
Metropolitan Magnets
The major Texas cities serve as the primary gateways and centers of tourism:
- Houston: As one of the most visited metropolitan areas, Houston attracts millions annually with attractions like the NASA Johnson Space Center, the Museum District, and its vibrant culinary scene. The Houston metropolitan region alone saw over 92 million visitors in 2024.
- San Antonio: Famous for its history and charm, the Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk are perennial favorites, drawing visitors to the city's historic core.
- Dallas & Fort Worth (DFW Metroplex): A hub for business, arts, and culture. Attractions include the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (focused on the JFK assassination) and the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, which keeps the state's cowboy heritage alive.
- Austin: Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," the state capital draws visitors for its energetic music scene, the State Capitol building, and outdoor activities like the Congress Avenue Bridge bats.
Natural and Historic Treasures
Beyond the cities, Texas's unique geography provides incredible draws:
- Big Bend National Park: Located in the remote western region, this massive park showcases the rugged beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert, drawing adventure seekers, hikers, and stargazers.
- The Texas Hill Country: Known for its rolling landscape, vineyards, German heritage (notably in towns like Fredericksburg and New Braunfels), and clear-flowing rivers like the Frio and Guadalupe, making it a popular destination for scenic drives and summer tubing.
- The Gulf Coast: From the historic charm of Galveston Island to the resort atmosphere of South Padre Island, Texas’s 350-mile coastline attracts beachgoers, birdwatchers, and fishing enthusiasts.
The strong performance of the travel sector indicates that the allure of Texas's unique blend of "big city" sophistication, authentic cowboy culture, and expansive natural beauty continues to resonate with millions of travelers year after year.