Why Economic Developers Should Prioritize Domestic Tourism in 2025

Domestic tourism is emerging as one of the most important opportunities for communities looking to grow their local economy in 2025. According to the Tourism Economics Report, international travel to the United States is expected to drop by over 5% this year, with a projected $64 billion decline in total travel spending. Visits from Canada—the largest inbound tourism market—could fall by as much as 15%.

Combined with reduced consumer spending power due to inflation, this shift creates an urgent need for tourism organizations, economic development professionals, Main Street programs, and chambers of commerce to refocus their strategies on attracting U.S.-based travelers. In some situations, travelers looking to save money could be an advantage for communities as people elect to drive, instead of fly, and may opt to visit locations nearby as a result.

The Case for Domestic Tourism Marketing in 2025

The Tourism Economics Report identifies key threats to international travel:

• Concerns over travel restrictions and challenges crossing the border
• Slowing global economies
• A stronger U.S. dollar
• Ongoing trade tensions with countries like Canada, China, Mexico, and the EU

Meanwhile, domestic travel opportunities are high for communities who can market themselves as a desirable and affordable destination for weekend getaways, road trips, and regional exploration.

Domestic Tourism Is Economic Development

When U.S. travelers visit your community, they spend money at local restaurants, hotels, shops, and attractions. That revenue supports small businesses, creates jobs, generates tax income, and helps revitalize Main Streets.

Examples of success:

• Roswell-Chaves County, NM is boosting their tourism sector by landing the National Championship Air Races.
• Selma, AL earned recognition as one of the top places to visit in Alabama due to focused tourism marketing.
• Montgomery County, KS ran a successful talent attraction and relocation campaign that also brought in visitors.

How Economic Developers Can Attract Domestic Tourists

Your community has a story. Golden Shovel helps you tell it in ways that inspire people to visit, invest, and share it with others.

Here are key services to support your 2025 domestic tourism marketing strategy:

• Tourism-focused websites using our exclusive Economic Gateway CMS (Explore Troutdale is an excellent example of a tourism website built by Golden Shovel)
• Video marketing and virtual reality tours that bring your destination to life. This can include video banners for your website, virtual 360 tours, high-impact tourism videos, and itinerary videos that can be shared on social media
• Digital advertising campaigns targeting your ideal U.S. visitors by location and interest
• Social media management and influencer strategies
• Content creation and storytelling that highlight local attractions, events, and experiences

What Makes Golden Shovel Unique?

Golden Shovel Agency is the only marketing agency built exclusively for economic development and tourism organizations. With more than 300 projects completed across 42 states and 5 countries—and a 95% client retention rate—we understand your needs and bring deep industry knowledge, award-winning digital tools, and creative strategies to the table.

Our work delivers real results in tourism, talent attraction, investment, and community engagement.

Take Action: Make 2025 Your Community’s Breakout Year

By focusing on domestic tourism in 2025, your community can:

• Attract regional visitors and weekend travelers
• Fill local hotels, restaurants, and downtown storefronts
• Secure funding and partnerships through demonstrated tourism impact
• Inspire new residents and investors to take a closer look

Get started today with a partner who knows your industry and can guide you every step of the way.
📅 Schedule a strategy session: www.goldenshovelagency.com/contact 
📄 Download our whitepaper: How to Incorporate Tourism Into Your Economic Development Strategy: Best Practices You Can Implement Today
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