Highlights
- According to the Texas Tourism website, in 2016, there were over 258 million domestic visitors and 11.8 million international visitors to Texas, totaling over 270 million tourists.
- Most of these tourists visit major cities such as Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth.
- The tourism industry employs about 1.5 million people in Texas and has an economic impact of $116 billion.
- There are many tourist attractions in Texas, including amusement parks, zoos, museums, and state parks.
- Texans are proud of their state’s history and culture and love showing off their great state to visitors from all over the world!
- In Texas, the tourism industry employs more than 1.3 million people and has a total revenue of over $169 billion.
- The California Business Travel Alliance promotes professional educational programs and community outreach while advocating for travel in Texas.
For more information about Texas, you can also read our highly researched article How Big Is Texas Compared to Europe – Facts You Never Knew.
How many people visit Texas each year?
Texas is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. According to the Texas Tourism website, the state welcomed more than 254 million visitors in 2018. That’s an increase of 4.6% from the previous year.
The most popular attractions in Texas include theme parks, museums, and outdoor activities. Visitors come from all over the United States and from countries around the world.
In 2018, the top five countries of origin for visitors to Texas were Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, India, and Germany. No matter where they’re from, visitors to Texas can be sure of a warm welcome and a great time.
If you want to know the best vacation destination in Texas, read our other highly-rated posts. Which part of Texas is best for vacation?
Why do people visit Texas?
Texas is a massive state with a diverse array of attractions, from the bright lights of Dallas to the beaches of Corpus Christi. As a result, it’s no surprise that Texas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.
Whether you’re looking for big-city excitement or small-town charm, you’ll find it in Texas. The Lone Star State is also home to a variety of natural wonders, including the Palo Duro Canyon and Big Bend National Park.
With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that people keep coming back to Texas again and again.
Road trips to Texas are amazing and lifetime-memorable experiences. If you are planning to visit Texas, do not miss our post about The Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Texas Road Trip.
How does tourism benefit the state of Texas?
Texas is home to many major cities, including Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Each year, millions of people visit Texas, spending billions of dollars in the process. This money helps to support local businesses and create jobs.
It also helps to fund important infrastructure projects, such as road maintenance and upgrades. In addition, tourism helps to promote the state’s image and attract new residents. As a result, tourism is a vital part of the Texas economy.
Texas department of tourism
The Texas Department of Tourism is the state agency responsible for promoting and developing tourism in Texas.
Through its various programs, the department works to increase travel and tourism expenditures, create jobs, and improve the quality of life statewide.
In recent years, the department has placed a particular emphasis on promoting Texas as a travel destination for international travelers.
To this end, the department has launched several successful marketing campaigns that have helped to make Texas one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.
The department’s efforts have also been instrumental in attracting major events and conventions to the state.
Texas Tourism Statistics for 2022
- The number of domestic and international visitors is projected to increase by 4.6% from 2019 to 2022.
- The number of domestic visitors is projected to increase by 4.4% from 2019 to 2022.
- The number of international visitors is projected to increase by 5.0% from 2019 to 2022.
- The total number of tourist visits is projected to reach 279 million by 2022.
- The total spending by tourists is projected to reach $103 billion by 2022.
- The average daily spending by tourists is projected to reach $365 by 2022.
- The total tax revenue generated by tourism is projected to reach $13 billion by 2022.
- The total employment in the tourism industry is projected to reach 2 million by 2022.
- The average salary in the tourism industry is projected to reach $47,000 by 2022.
- The tourism industry is projected to contribute 3.6% to the state’s GDP by 2022.
What are the most popular tourist destinations in Texas?
1. The Alamo
The Alamo is a historic fort located in San Antonio, Texas. The fort was the site of the Battle of the Alamo, a pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution. Today, the Alamo is a famous tourist attraction in Texas, with over 4 million visitors each year.
2. Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is a national park located in southwestern Texas. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, canyons, and deserts.
Big Bend is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bighorn sheep, and javelinas. Over 400,000 people visit the park each year.
3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a national park located in western Texas. The park is home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet.
The park also contains Carlsbad Caverns, a large cave system that features numerous stalactites and stalagmites. Over 220,000 people visit the park each year.
4. Houston
Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest city in the United States. The city is home to a variety of attractions, including the Space Center Houston, the Houston Zoo, and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
Additionally, Houston is home to numerous professional sports teams, including the Houston Astros (MLB), the Houston Rockets (NBA), and the Houston Texans (NFL). Over 7 million people visit Houston each year.
5. San Antonio
San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas and is home to many popular tourist attractions. These include the Alamo (see above), SeaWorld San Antonio, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
San Antonio also has a vibrant nightlife scene and is home to numerous restaurants and bars. Over 32 million people visit San Antonio each year.
6. Dallas
Dallas is the third largest city in Texas and is known for its cowboy culture and cuisine.
The city is home to several popular tourist attractions, including Dealey Plaza (the site of JFK’s assassination), the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (a museum dedicated to JFK’s life and legacy), and Cowboys Stadium (the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys).
Dallas is also home to numerous professional sports teams, including the Dallas Mavericks (NBA) and the Dallas Stars (NHL). Over 23 million people visit Dallas each year.
How many tourists does Texas get each year?
According to the Texas Tourism website, nearly 80 million people visited the state in 2018. The vast majority of tourists came from within the United States, with nearly 60 million visitors coming from other states.
However, Texas also receives a significant number of international visitors, with nearly 4 million people coming from Mexico and over 1 million people coming from Canada.
In addition, the state welcomes visitors from all over the world, with significant numbers of tourists coming from Europe, Asia, and South America.
How has tourism affected Texas?
In recent years, tourism has grown rapidly in Texas, bringing both benefits and challenges to the state. On the positive side, tourism provides jobs for Texans and boosts the economy.
However, it can also put a strain on resources, such as water and energy. In addition, large numbers of visitors can negatively impact delicate ecosystems, such as in Big Bend National Park.
As tourism continues to grow in Texas, it is important to strike a balance between preserving the state’s natural beauty and welcoming visitors.
How is the travel industry in 2022?
The future of the travel industry looks promising. By 2022, the industry is expected to continue to grow at a healthy rate.
This growth will be driven by many factors, including an increase in business travel, the continued rise of the middle class in developing countries, and a growing preference for experiential travel.
As a result, we can expect to see more hotels, resorts, and tour operators offering unique experiences that cater to these trends.
Does Texas rely on tourism?
Texas is also home to a variety of iconic landmarks, such as the Alamo in San Antonio and the Space Center in Houston.
In addition, Texas boasts a thriving food and music scene, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.
While oil and agriculture are still important industries in Texas, tourism has become increasingly important to the state’s economy in recent years.
In fact, according to the Texas Tourism website, tourism is responsible for generating over $100 billion in economic activity each year. As such, it is clear that Texas relies heavily on tourism.
Resources:
https://gov.texas.gov/travel-texas/page/travel-research
https://www.ustravel.org/research/monthly-travel-data-report
