The American dollar is a powerful force in these global hotspots.
American travelers have returned to the world stage with a vengeance, armed with passports, a strong dollar, and a pent-up demand for new experiences. This collective wanderlust is more than just a social trend; it’s a powerful economic engine that is fueling the economies of countries around the globe. For a select group of nations, the steady stream of American tourists is a vital source of revenue.
These are the destinations that have mastered the art of attracting and capitalizing on the lucrative American travel market in 2025.
1. Mexico remains the undisputed champion of American tourism.
It should come as no surprise that our southern neighbor is the number one destination for American travelers. The sheer convenience of a short flight to world-class beach resorts in places like Cancún, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta makes it an easy choice. From here in California, a weekend trip to Mexico is a common and beloved escape. The country receives more American visitors than any other by a massive margin.
This isn’t just a casual affair; it’s a cornerstone of the Mexican economy. The tourism industry is a massive employer, and the billions of dollars spent by Americans on all-inclusive resorts, restaurants, excursions, and souvenirs provide a vital and irreplaceable stream of income, as stated by Frommers. The country’s entire tourism infrastructure is largely built to cater to the American market.
2. The Dominican Republic has perfected the all-inclusive resort model.
When Americans dream of a stress-free Caribbean getaway, they are very often dreaming of the Dominican Republic. The country has become a powerhouse of tourism by mastering the all-inclusive resort model, particularly in the mega-resort hub of Punta Cana. U.S. travelers flock here for the simple promise of beautiful beaches, turquoise water, and a single, upfront price for their entire vacation.
The Dominican economy is deeply reliant on this model, with tourism being one of its largest sources of foreign income and employment. The vast majority of visitors to these resorts are from the United States, meaning American tourism dollars are directly responsible for funding the country’s largest industry, according to Business Insider. They have successfully made themselves the go-to destination for easy Caribbean fun.
3. Italy’s timeless appeal is a cash cow.
For American travelers, Italy represents a bucket-list trip of a lifetime. The allure of ancient Roman ruins, Renaissance art in Florence, the canals of Venice, and the country’s world-famous cuisine makes it an irresistible destination. Americans consistently rank among the top international visitors to Italy, and they are known for being high-spending tourists, splurging on hotels, tours, and food.
This influx of American cash is a critical component of the Italian economy. The tourism sector supports millions of jobs, from tour guides and gondoliers to chefs and hotel staff, as shared at Statista. In a country that has faced economic challenges, the reliable and ever-growing stream of money from American visitors is an essential pillar of its financial stability, especially in its most historic cities.
4. Canada is the easy and reliable northern neighbor.
Just behind Mexico, Canada is a perennial favorite for American tourists. The ease of travel—most Americans can just drive across the border—and the shared language make it an incredibly accessible destination. The country offers a huge variety of experiences, from the European feel of cities like Montreal and Quebec City to the stunning natural beauty of national parks like Banff and Jasper.
This steady flow of American visitors, who come for everything from weekend shopping trips to epic cross-country adventures, represents the largest single source of tourism revenue for Canada. The economic ties are deep, and the Canadian tourism industry depends heavily on their neighbors from the south coming up to visit.
5. The United Kingdom’s history and culture are a huge draw.
For many Americans, London is the perfect gateway to Europe. The lack of a language barrier makes it an easy and comfortable first stop, and the city’s rich history, world-class museums, and vibrant theatre scene are a massive draw. Americans flock to the U.K. to connect with a shared history and to explore the settings of their favorite books and movies.
This trans-Atlantic traffic is a huge boon for the British economy. American tourists are typically high spenders, filling up hotels in London, taking tours to Stonehenge, and exploring the Scottish Highlands. Their spending provides a crucial boost to the U.K.’s service and hospitality sectors, making them one of the most valued visitor groups.
6. France’s romantic image continues to attract big spenders.
Paris has long held a mythical status in the American imagination as the ultimate city of romance, art, and food. This powerful allure ensures that France remains one of the top European destinations for U.S. travelers year after year. Americans come to see the Eiffel Tower, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the country’s legendary culinary scene.
The economic impact is enormous. American tourists are a key market for France’s luxury goods industry, its world-famous wineries, and its high-end hotels and restaurants. The money spent by U.S. visitors is a vital component of the French tourism economy, which is one of the most important sectors in the entire country.
7. Costa Rica has cornered the ecotourism market.
Costa Rica has brilliantly positioned itself as the premier destination for ecotourism and adventure travel, a niche that is incredibly popular with American tourists. U.S. travelers are the country’s largest market by a wide margin, drawn by the promise of pristine rainforests, incredible biodiversity, and activities like zip-lining, surfing, and yoga retreats. The country’s slogan, “Pura Vida,” perfectly captures the vibe they are seeking.
Tourism is one of the main pillars of the Costa Rican economy, and the country’s entire model of sustainable, nature-based travel is heavily supported by American dollars. They have successfully turned their natural assets into their greatest economic strength, thanks in large part to their popularity with U.S. visitors.
8. Portugal is the trendy and affordable European hotspot.
Over the past decade, Portugal has exploded in popularity with American travelers, who see it as a more affordable, less crowded, and equally beautiful alternative to its more famous neighbors, Spain and Italy. Cities like Lisbon and Porto have become incredibly trendy, praised for their historic charm, vibrant food scenes, and laid-back atmosphere. The Algarve coast offers a stunning and budget-friendly beach destination.
This recent surge in American tourism has provided a massive boost to the Portuguese economy. The influx of U.S. dollars has revitalized historic city centers and created a boom in the hospitality industry. For a country that was hit hard by the European debt crisis, the American tourist has been a welcome and powerful economic force.
9. The Greek islands are a dream destination for summer travel.
The stunning beauty of the Greek islands, with their whitewashed villages and crystal-clear turquoise waters, makes them a dream summer vacation spot for many Americans. Islands like Santorini and Mykonos have become iconic, “bucket list” destinations, and U.S. travelers are willing to spend big for the perfect Mediterranean getaway. The country has actively courted this market, especially for long-haul, high-spending visitors.
The Greek economy is heavily dependent on its summer tourism season, and American visitors are a crucial part of this. They fill the boutique hotels, eat at the seaside tavernas, and charter boats, providing a vital injection of cash that supports the local island economies throughout the year.