Page last updated: 5 November 2025
Houston, the largest city in Texas and the fourth-most populous in the United States, is a global hub for aerospace, energy, healthcare, and cultural diversity, renowned for its Space Centre and thriving arts scene.
How many tourists visit Houston each year?
Over 51.4 million international and domestic tourists visited Houston in 2023.
- In 2022, Houston welcomed approximately 48.7 million tourists, including 1.01 million international visitors and 47.7 million domestic travellers.1
- The number rose in 2023 to 51.4 million, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year.
- Visitor volume further increased to 53.9 million in 2024, indicating a 4.9% increase over 2023
How many people visited Houston in 2024?
- Houston welcomed 53.9 million visitors in 2024, with 1.3 million international tourists and 52.6 million domestic travellers.
How much do tourists spend in Houston every year?
International and domestic tourists spent over $14.6 billion during their trips to Houston in 2024.
- In 2019, tourists in Houston generated $12.9 billion in expenditure. However, it decreased to $7.2 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic.2
- International and domestic tourist spending recovered in 2021 with $10.3 billion spent.
- In 2022 and 2023, visitors spent $12.9 billion and $13.8 billion, respectively.
- Visitor spending reached $14.6 billion in 2024, a 5.8% increase from 2023 and 13.2% more than in 2019.
How much did tourists spend in Houston in 2024?
- Domestic and international tourists spent $14.6 billion while exploring Houston in 2024.
- This represented a 5.8% increase over the previous year and 13.2% more than the 2019 level.
How much does it cost to visit Houston?
- On average, visitors spend about $271 per person per day while traveling to Houston. This amount covers accommodation, food, sightseeing, and local transportation.
Why do tourists visit Houston?
In 2024, the leading sources of foreign tourists to the Houston metro area were from Mexico, holding over 63% of market share.
- Mexico led international tourism to the Houston metro area with 1.86 million visitors..
- Canada followed with 151,820 tourists, and India contributed 115,440 visitors.
- The United Kingdom and China added 107,240 and 52,390 visitors, respectively.
Is Houston or Dallas better to visit?
When deciding between visiting Houston or Dallas, both cities offer unique attractions and experiences, making the choice largely dependent on individual preferences.
Attractions and Activities
- Visit Houston for space exploration at NASA, the diverse culinary scene, cultural institutions like the Museum District, outdoor activities in scenic parks, and the iconic Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
- Choose Dallas for its vibrant arts scene, lush parks like Klyde Warren and the Arboretum, passionate sports culture, premier shopping destinations, and buzzing nightlife.
Learn more about Dallas Tourism Statistics here.
How long do tourists stay in Houston?
- The average stay for guests using short-term rental accommodations in Houston (e.g., Airbnb, hotels other accommodation) is about 5.4 days, reflecting Houston’s strong appeal for both leisure and business travelers.
Why do tourists visit Houston?
- The primary reason for tourists visiting Houston was to visit friends and family, accounting for 45.5% of total visitors.
- This is followed by Leisure at 41.1% and business at 13.4%.
Economic Impact – Houston Tourism Statistics 2024
- Job Support: The tourism and hospitality industry supported more than 362,100 jobs in 2024.
- Tax Revenue: Houston’s tourism sector contributed more than $4.1 billion in total regional taxes and generated about $2.2 billion in city tax revenues.
Houston Travel Resources
- Car rental prices in Houston to Austin
- Car rental prices in Houston to Galveston
- Car rental prices in Houston to San Antonio
- Car rental prices in USA
When is the best time to visit Houston?
The best time to visit Houston is during the spring (March to early June) and fall (October to November).
Spring (March to Early June)
- Weather: Comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.
- Events: Notable events include the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in March and various arts festivals like the Bayou City Arts Festival.
Fall (October to November)
- Weather: Similar to spring, with mild temperatures and reduced humidity.
- Events: Events such as Dia de Los Muertos celebrations and the Texas Championship Native American Pow Wow take place during this time.
How popular is Houston as a tourists destination?
Houston is widely recognized as a leading tourist destination, with a growing number of accolades and rankings reflecting its diverse appeal and hospitality excellence.
- Named among “World’s Best Cities” by Resonance Consultancy, ranking #40 globally and the only Texas city in the Top 50.
- In the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, Houston properties earned prestigious Five-Star and Four-Star ratings, highlighting elevated luxury accommodations.
- Several Houston hotels and resorts were tapped in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards as the best in the world, reinforcing the city’s strength in hospitality
- The Houston area collected 6 awards at the 2024 Texas Travel Awards, underscoring its regional tourism leadership.
- A major dining milestone: Houston’s culinary scene was recognized by the Michelin Guide (Texas edition) in 2024-25, with multiple restaurants earning stars and Bib Gourmand distinctions.
These accomplishments confirm Houston’s position as a top destination for domestic and international travelers, spanning business, leisure, dining, and entertainment.
Is Houston safe for tourists?
Houston’s violent crime rates have decreased, with a 12% drop in 2023 and a 20% decline in murders compared to 2022, though it still ranks as one of the U.S.’s higher-crime cities.
- Most tourist-friendly areas, including Downtown, Rice Village, and the Galleria, are considered safe for visitors, despite some neighbourhoods having higher crime rates.
Houston Tourism Statistics – International & Domestic Tourism
- In 2024, domestic visitors accounted for 52.6 million tourists, making up 97.6% of the total visitors while international tourism amounted to 1.3 million.
- In 2022 and 2023, domestic visitors totalled 47.7 million and 50.2 million, respectively, While the international visitors accounted for 1.01 million and 1.1 million, respectively.
What should tourists do in Houston?
- Explore NASA’s official visitor centre with interactive exhibits, a life-size shuttle replica, and insights into space exploration.
- Houston Zoo: Discover over 6,000 animals, interactive exhibits, and educational programs in one of the nation’s most visited zoos.
- Museum District: Immerse yourself in art, science, and culture with 19 museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, many offering free admission.
- Buffalo Bayou Park: Enjoy outdoor activities like walking, biking, and kayaking in this scenic green space with city views and lush trails.
- Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park: Visit the iconic multi-story fountain with cascading water, perfect for photos and relaxation.
Texas Statistics Resources
USA Travel Statistics Resources
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- California Statistics (incl. Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Universal Studios Hollywood)
- Florida Statistics (incl. Destin, Key West, Miami, Orlando, Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World)
- Hawaii Statistics (incl. Kauai, Maui, Oahu)
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- South Dakota Statistics (incl. Mount Rushmore)
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