The city of New York, has ranked as America’s most popular city for tourists with 9.5 million overseas visitors in 2024.
According to visualcapitalist.com, the U.S. welcomed 35.2 million overseas visitors in 2024, but their travel patterns were highly concentrated. More than one in four international travelers visited New York City, reinforcing its position as America’s top gateway for overseas tourism.
This map shows the U.S. cities that attracted the most overseas visitors in 2024, based on data from the International Trade Administration’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO). The figures come from the Survey of International Air Travelers (SIAT), conducted by CIC Research and weighted to Department of Homeland Security I-94 arrival counts.
Because the survey tracks travelers’ complete itineraries, visitors can be counted in multiple destinations during a single trip. As a result, 35.2 million overseas travelers generated 52.8 million city visits across the country.
New York is the Most-Visited American City by Tourists
New York City attracted 9.5 million overseas visitors in 2024, more than any other U.S. city. That equals 27.1% of all overseas visitors to the country, making it the clear gateway city for international tourism.
The data table below shows the top U.S. city destinations for overseas travelers in 2024:
New York’s appeal extends beyond tourism. As one of the world’s leading centers for finance, media, culture, and entertainment, it attracts a mix of leisure travelers, business visitors, students, and people visiting friends and family.
Miami ranked second with 5.2 million visitors, followed by Los Angeles at 4.4 million and Orlando at 3.9 million. Together, these cities highlight a familiar pattern: international tourists gravitate toward major air hubs on the coasts with globally recognizable attractions.
Why Overseas Visitors Come to Coastal U.S. Cities
The most popular destinations tend to combine several advantages: direct international flights, iconic landmarks, warm weather, shopping, and entertainment. New York offers culture and business travel, Los Angeles adds Hollywood and beaches, and Orlando is anchored by theme parks.
Florida’s strong showing also reflects its role as a leisure-heavy destination. Meanwhile, cities like Las Vegas, Honolulu, and San Francisco benefit from globally recognizable brands that are easy for travelers to plan around.
