Brand USA presents the United States' major tourism developments for 2025 and a preview of 2026
The North American destination is renewed with unprecedented experiences, emerging destinations, global-scale sporting events and developments that promise to surprise travelers during the second half of the year and the beginning of next year
Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA, highlighted:
"There are many reasons to visit the United States and even more reasons to return. The joy of traveling in this country comes from the constant sense of discovery—whether it's a new attraction, a reinvented destination, or a once-in-a-lifetime event. There's always something new to experience."
Renewed mobility for exploring the country
. Connectivity will be a key focus in the coming months. The new LAX/Metro Transit Center will open in Los Angeles in June 2025, connecting with the K and C lines and later integrating with the automated airport train (planned for early 2026).
For its part, Amtrak will launch the Mardi Gras Service, with two daily flights between New Orleans and Mobile, stopping in several Gulf Coast cities. This route will also allow same-day connections to Chicago, via Memphis.
River tourism joins the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of American independence. In 2026, American Cruise Lines will launch itineraries of more than 50 days, covering large regions of the country. Holland America will also operate a 28-day voyage from Seattle to Hawaii, combining landscapes of glaciers and volcanoes.
A country to savor
. The United States' culinary scene is undergoing a transformation. The prestigious MICHELIN Guide will expand to rural areas of the South, including states such as Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
New food markets will also be added, such as Madison Public Market (Wisconsin) and the James Beard Public Market in Portland, Oregon, the latter with more than 40 businesses including fish markets, culinary bookstores, and demonstration kitchens. Food & Wine magazine also named Cure in New Orleans the best bar in the United States at the 2025 Global Tastemakers Awards.
Major sporting events on the horizon.
The U.S. sports calendar will be packed with world-class events. The 2025 Club World Cup will be played from June 14 to July 13 in 12 cities, kicking off in Miami and concluding at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
In July, Cobb County, Georgia, will host the MLB All-Star Game, while the Ryder Cup will be played in September at Bethpage Black Field in New York. In 2026, Super Bowl 60 will be held in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the World Baseball Classic will be played in Houston, San Juan, and Miami.
Attractions and experiences that inspire
. Theme parks and nature parks are not far behind. In May 2025, the highly anticipated Universal Epic Universe will open in Orlando, featuring five themed worlds, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and a new Harry Potter section.
In Anaheim, California, Disneyland Resort will celebrate its 70th anniversary, while film lovers can explore the new Utah Film Trail, which highlights iconic film sets.
Nature can also be enjoyed in motion: in New York, the Adirondack Rail Trail, a 34-mile scenic trail in Lake Placid, has opened. In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, MegaZip, the longest zip line in the country, has opened. In Oklahoma, the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum will offer an interactive experience with the historic Model T. Virginia Beach will debut Atlantic Park, an entertainment complex created with Pharrell Williams.
Luxury hospitality and design are on the rise
. The hotel scene is also being renewed. The legendary Waldorf Astoria New York reopened its doors in spring after a comprehensive restoration, while Populus Seattle, the country's second "carbon-positive" hotel, joins the ranks as a sustainable icon with a rooftop terrace and exclusive restaurant.
In Nashville, The Printing House will open, a tribute to the local publishing heritage. In Denver, the Curtis Hotel will unveil themed rooms with a nostalgic aesthetic. Other highlights include the renovated Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, the new Ava Hotel in Paso Robles, and the upcoming launches of One&Only Moonlight Basin in Montana and The Compton in Bentonville, Arkansas.
The United States is preparing to welcome travelers with a vibrant mix of innovation, culture, cuisine, and entertainment. There's something new to discover in every corner of the country, and Brand USA is dedicated to showcasing it to the world.