Fort Worth's Tourism Boom: $3.5 Billion Impact 11.5 Million Visitors Propel City to Global Hotspot Status

Fort Worth, Texas, is rapidly becoming a must-visit destination, experiencing a remarkable surge in tourism over the past decade. The city welcomed an impressive 11.5 million visitors in 2024, generating a staggering $3.5 billion in economic impact and supporting 30,000 jobs.This growth, celebrated at Visit Fort Worth's annual meeting, underscores the city's successful transformation into a vibrant hub for travelers, businesses, and culture enthusiasts. According to Bob Jameson, CEO of Visit Fort Worth, visitor numbers, economic impact, and job support have all doubled since 2014.Fort Worth's unique appeal lies in its blend of modern innovation and authentic Western heritage. The city's cultural institutions, including world-class museums and performing arts venues, are major draws. The upcoming 2025 Cliburn International Piano Competition, scheduled for May 21 to June 7, is expected to attract a global audience, including an estimated 25 million live-stream viewers.Mayor Mattie Parker highlighted the city's strategic use of tourism for economic growth and community enrichment. Fort Worth's commitment to preserving its cowboy culture, exemplified by the Friends of the Fort Worth Herd, adds to its distinctive charm.The city is also attracting attention from the film and television industry, with productions like 1883 and Landman choosing Fort Worth as a filming location. This growing creative presence further diversifies the city's economy.To accommodate its growing popularity, Fort Worth is investing in infrastructure, including a major renovation of the Fort Worth Convention Center. The project, funded by a hotel tax increase approved in May 2024, will modernize the city's convention facilities and prepare it for future growth.Fort Worth's journey showcases how a city can leverage its unique identity and invest in its future to become a thriving tourism destination. From its cowboy roots to its modern attractions, Fort Worth offers a compelling experience for every traveler.