Houston is on track to welcome a record 54 million visitors in 2024, surpassing last year’s 51 million. This surge is driven by the city’s growing popularity as a convention destination and the expansion of key infrastructure, including the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Houston is about to set a new record for guests. About 54 million people are planning to come in 2024, which is a big jump from last year's 51 million. A report from Houston First Corp, the city's destination marketing group, says that this growth will likely continue because of big events and new developments that are coming up.
Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First, talked about the city's big plans to keep the progress going at the State of the Visitor Economy event. He said that Houston is on track to get more visitors than ever before because it is putting more effort into drawing conventions and conferences.
The city's hotel business is doing better because of all the visitors; hotel revenue is up 15%. More than 830,000 rooms will be booked just for conventions, which is more than the city's planned "stretch goal."
The rise is due mainly to the expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center, which will give the economy a significant boost in the coming years. By making these changes, Houston is becoming a better place for both work and pleasure travelers.
A Houston man drowned Sunday evening while swimming off Galveston, becoming the island’s sixth drowning victim of 2025. Officials said flash rip currents may have contributed to the tragedy.
Galveston businesses are feeling the pinch of rising costs. Still, Chamber of Commerce CEO Gina Spagnola remains hopeful as the island prepares for a big tourism boost and its annual Women’s Conference.
Sachs on the Seawall, a $540 million development project in Galveston, aims to revitalize the city with world-class hotels, dining, green spaces, and luxury housing. The initiative is expected to boost the local economy, generate jobs, and restore historic assets, all while preserving the island’s iconic charm.