How Many Tourists Visit Boston Each Year? [Boston Tourism Statistics]

Boston, one of America’s oldest cities and a hub for history, education and innovation, continues to attract millions of visitors each year.

In 2024, the state of Massachusetts welcomed more than 52.6 million visitors who spent $24.2 billion in direct travel expenditures.

While specific city-only numbers for Boston vary, the broader region’s momentum strongly influences the city’s tourism footprint.

Key stats: Boston Tourism

• Around 40.8 million air passengers in 2023 — a strong proxy for visitor volume in Boston’s region, combining 32.4 m domestic and 8.4 m international.
• Visitor spending hit ~$16.1 billion in the Boston region in 2023, anchoring hotels, restaurants, attractions and the broader economy.
• Hotel performance is hot — RevPAR (revenue per available room) grew 8.4% by mid-2024, putting Boston among the top U.S. lodging markets.
• ~2.9 million park visitors in 2023 spent ~$298.8 million — the historic and natural assets of Boston actively drive tourism.
• ~56,000 jobs in the city alone are tied to tourism/hospitality — about 6.4% of Boston’s workforce.
• Massachusetts statewide: 52.6 million visitors and $24.2 billion spent in 2024, with ~$2.3 billion in tax revenue — Boston’s role as the tourism hub is critical.
• International spending ~$2.9 billion in 2023 — rising but still a smaller slice of the market, showing room for growth.
• Risk alert: ~10% drop in international visitors forecast by 2025 — Boston may face headwinds from global sentiment and travel patterns.

How Many Tourists Visit Boston Each Year?

In 2024, Massachusetts hosted 52.6 million visitors, spending $24.2 billion in total.

• International visitors: ~2.5 million in 2024 (statewide)
• Domestic visitors: ~50.1 million in 2024 (statewide)
  While city-level totals for Boston proper are lower, Boston is the anchor for much of that volume.

How Many Tourists Visit Boston Each Day?

If one divides the 52.6 million statewide visitor number by 365, the daily average is about 144,000 visitors per day (statewide). Boston’s share of that number will fluctuate depending on region, season, and convention activity.

How Much Do Visitors Spend in Boston/Massachusetts Every Year?

In 2024, visitors spent $24.2 billion in Massachusetts.

• International visitor spending in Massachusetts reached $2.9 billion in 2023.
• For Greater Boston in 2023, visitor spending was estimated at ~$12.2 billion.
  Thus, Boston contributes a major portion of that state tourism economy.

Which Countries/Markets Visit Boston the Most?

Among international visitors to Boston and Massachusetts:

• Canada is a large source market (historically ~800 000 visitors)
• Other international markets are rebuilding after the pandemic, but overall Boston and Massachusetts still see many domestic (U.S.) visitors.

What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Boston?

Boston’s appeal spans history, education, business travel, and leisure. While precise annual numbers for each attraction may not always be published, some of the major draws include:

• The Freedom Trail & Historic Boston (colonial era landmarks)
• North End, Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market
• Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
• Boston Common & Public Garden
• Fenway Park, TD Garden & major sports venues
• Higher-education institutions (Harvard, MIT, etc.) which drive educational tourism
  Therefore, Boston is a well-rounded destination for both leisure and business travel.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Boston?

Best times: Late spring to early fall (May–October) when weather is pleasant and many outdoor events occur.

What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Boston?

Boston hosts numerous conventions, sporting events, academic gatherings, and historic celebrations, which drive hotel occupancy and international visitor interest. For example, large conferences and university-linked travel continue to contribute strongly to the visitor economy.

How Much Does Boston / Massachusetts Rely on Tourism?

Tourism is a crucial economic driver:

• In 2024, tourism supported ~155,808 jobs in Massachusetts.
• At the city level, Greater Boston’s hospitality and accommodations sector supports tens of thousands of jobs (hotel, F&B, attractions)
  Thus, tourism is not a minor sector but a key contributor to the regional economy.

Which Neighborhoods / Areas in Boston Are Most Popular With Tourists?

Popular visitor neighbourhoods/areas include:

• Downtown Boston & the Waterfront (Faneuil Hall, Seaport)
• Back Bay & Newbury Street (shopping, architecture)
• Fenway/Kenmore (sports: Red Sox, concerts)
• North End & Beacon Hill (historic neighbourhoods)
• Cambridge (universities, tech, visitors to Harvard/MIT)
• South Boston & Seaport district (modern development, business travel)

FAQ – Boston Tourism Insights

Sources

1. Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (Mass.gov) — “Tourism Drives Continued Economic Growth in Massachusetts” (Aug 2025)
2. VisitMA Industry Portal — “The Economic Impact of Visitors in Massachusetts 2024” (direct spending & jobs)
3. RoadGenius — “Boston Tourism Statistics – How Many Tourists Visit Boston Each Year?” (2023-2024 data)
4. Meet Boston – Statistics & Reports — Hotel occupancy & flight statistics for Boston (2024)
5. WBUR News — “Foreign tourism decline Boston, Canada” (Aug 2025 – international visitor trends)