You may have seen Juan González delivering sober news about the world on the television program Democracy Now!
But years before González was co-hosting the show with Amy Goodman, he was marching down Broad Street in Philadelphia with John Street and Milton Street — during their housing activism days — trying to secure deeds for families who squatted in vacant and abandoned homes.
The problem for González was that he was also a reporter and, later, a columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News. His bosses yelled at him and told him he couldn’t participate in protests and then write about them, Gonzalez told an audience at the Pennsylvania Historical Society on Thursday.
“Then I asked them why was the rewrite editor, who is Catholic and the leader of a Catholic organization, in charge of covering the Pope’s visit,” González said, referring to Pope John Paul II’s 1979 visit to Philadelphia.
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Protesting was not new to González, now in his 70s. He helped found the Young Lords in East Harlem and was a veteran of the 1968 Columbia University student protests.
After leaving the Daily News, González went on to become a columnist for the New York Daily News before joining Democracy Now!
The award-winning investigative journalist, who is a two-time George Polk Award winner, now lives in Chicago, where he is a senior research fellow at the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois.
González returned to Philadelphia to give a lecture on the economic and military forces that led to the migration of Puerto Ricans from the U.S. territory island to Pennsylvania over the years.
The lecture, From Puerto Rico to Pennsylvania: History, Challenges, and Amor Boricua, was part of the Historical Society’s current exhibition, HSP 200 + Taller 50: Uncovering and Preserving Puerto Rican Stories, on display now through Oct. 11.
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The exhibit is being presented in partnership with Taller Puertorriqueño to celebrate the society’s 200th anniversary this year and Taller’s 50th anniversary.
Uncovering and Preserving Puerto Rican Stories investigates themes of migration and community, culture and identity, and how memory is preserved. The exhibit also re-examines Batiendo La Olla, an oral history project that Taller Puertorriqueño produced in the 1970s to document the Puerto Rican experience in Philadelphia.
Waves of migration from Puerto Rico to Pennsylvania
González said that migration from the island to Pennsylvania began increasing dramatically about 2015 because of economic forces when companies began pulling their manufacturing operations from the island and taking them to other countries where the labor was cheaper. After the Cold War ended, the United States began shutting down military bases, which also contributed to job losses.
González also talked about organizing with the Puerto Rican Alliance, which helped 150 families get deeds to homes they had once squatted. Among the protests to accomplish that, the Alliance first occupied the federal Housing and Urban Development offices near Independence Hall. Then, when authorities threatened to call the police, they moved to Independence Hall to hold a sit-in there.
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At another protest, on the night before the 1980 Democratic Primary in Pennsylvania, when the late Sen. Ted Kennedy was challenging President Jimmy Carter for the nomination, Puerto Rican activists held a sit-in at Carter’s campaign headquarters on Chestnut Street near Broad.
González said the Carter staff sent for the top Puerto Rican official in the White House and for the late U.S. Rep. Bill Gray III to negotiate. He said Gray persuaded the protesters — who included the late Juan Ramos, later elected to City Council, and Ben Ramos, later elected as a state representative — to leave. The 150 families did later get the deeds to their homes.
Another organization that González once led was the National Congress of Puerto Rican Rights, where he worked with fellow activist Juan R. Sánchez, who was organizing mushroom workers in Chester County. Sánchez is now a federal judge in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Erikka Goslin, the interim executive director at Taller, said that Taller was excited to partner with the Historical Society, because the current exhibit “centers the stories, voices ,and history of Puerto Ricans and Latinos in Philadelphia.”
She said that González “added an invaluable perspective” on that history, “with incredible personal anecdotes told first-hand. He reminds us that we at Taller are an arts and culture organization rooted in social justice, place-making, and community work.”
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HSP 200 + Taller 50: Uncovering and Preserving Puerto Rican Stories is on display at HSP during library hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, at 1300 Locust St., Philadelphia.
New Jersey Overtakes Texas, California, Missouri, Florida, Pennsylvania, And Several Others, Cementing Itself As The Fastest-Growing U.S. State For Hotel Tourism And Revenue Growth In 2026 With Record Tourist Arrivals And Tech Investments – Travel And Tour World
Home » America Travel News » New Jersey Overtakes Texas, California, Missouri, Florida, Pennsylvania, And Several Others, Cementing Itself As The Fastest-Growing U.S. State For Hotel Tourism And Revenue Growth In 2026 With Record Tourist Arrivals And Tech Investments
Published on
March 8, 2026
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New Jersey Overtakes Texas, California, Missouri, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Many More, Cementing Itself as the Leading U.S. Destination for Hotel Tourism and Revenue Growth in 2026 with Record-Breaking Arrivals and Advanced Technologies. This remarkable achievement comes as New Jersey strategically invests in cutting-edge technology, expands its tourism infrastructure, and provides a seamless visitor experience that is unmatched in the U.S. From the surge in hotel bookings to the influx of tourists flocking to Atlantic City and Hoboken, New Jersey has rapidly evolved into a top destination, outpacing the traditionally dominant tourism states like Texas and California, setting the stage for a transformative year in 2026.
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In 2026, the United States stands on the brink of a significant shift in its tourism landscape. While cities and states across the nation traditionally contend for the lion’s share of hotel bookings and tourism revenue, a new leader has emerged. New Jersey is outpacing established tourism powerhouses like Texas, California, Missouri, Florida, and Pennsylvania, cementing itself as the go-to destination for visitors in 2026. This transformation is driven by record-breaking visitor arrivals, the state’s technological innovations, and its strategic focus on boosting hotel tourism and economic growth.
Let’s take a deep dive into the states that have historically been major players in U.S. tourism and see how New Jersey is reshaping the industry in 2026. From cutting-edge technologies to unprecedented arrivals, this article explores the factors driving New Jersey’s rise to the top, along with a detailed look at how other states are evolving in the tourism sector.
New Jersey: The Rising Star in Hotel Tourism
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New Jersey has been quietly growing its tourism appeal for years. But in 2026, the state’s hotel tourism and revenue growth have exploded, surpassing even the big players in the hospitality and tourism market. Several factors have played a role in this remarkable shift:
Record-Breaking Arrivals
New Jersey has witnessed unprecedented growth in visitor numbers in recent years, with 2026 expected to be a banner year. According to industry reports, international and domestic tourism to New Jersey is set to increase by nearly 25% compared to previous years. This surge is primarily driven by the state’s close proximity to New York City, which continues to be one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
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Advanced Technology Integration
New Jersey’s adoption of innovative technologies in its tourism infrastructure has set it apart. The state has heavily invested in smart tourism solutions, including AI-driven hotel booking systems, personalized visitor experiences, and digital concierge services. These technological advancements have created a seamless travel experience for visitors, making New Jersey a preferred destination for both business and leisure tourists.
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Strategic Investments in Hospitality
The state has also invested heavily in its hospitality sector, including luxury hotel developments, high-end restaurants, and state-of-the-art convention centers. This commitment to enhancing the visitor experience has made New Jersey one of the most sought-after destinations for corporate meetings, events, and large-scale conferences.
Key Tourism Hotspots
Tourism destinations such as Atlantic City, Hoboken, and Princeton are seeing significant growth in hotel bookings. These cities are benefiting from the surge in tourists looking for high-quality accommodations and entertainment options while enjoying New Jersey’s scenic views and rich cultural history.
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Texas: A Hospitality Powerhouse with Room for Growth
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While New Jersey may be leading the charge, Texas remains a powerhouse in U.S. tourism. The state’s reputation for vibrant culture, southern hospitality, and dynamic cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston keeps it at the forefront of tourism in America.
Dynamic Hotel Demand in Major Cities
Texas’ major cities are witnessing a strong demand for hotel rooms across various market segments. From luxury hotels to boutique accommodations, travelers are flocking to the state, driven by events like the Texas State Fair and major conventions. Hotel bookings in Austin and Dallas are at historically high levels, making them top contenders in the tourism industry.
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Room for Growth in Regional Tourism
Despite Texas’ robust tourism infrastructure, it faces challenges when it comes to regional tourism growth. Some parts of Texas, especially in rural areas, are still working to attract visitors and increase hotel bookings outside of the urban core. While these regions benefit from oil industry tourism and business travelers, more effort is needed to enhance the overall tourism experience to match states like New Jersey that have innovated more quickly.
California: The Golden State’s Hospitality and Tourism Boom
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California has long been a frontrunner in U.S. tourism, thanks to its iconic landmarks, beaches, and cultural centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, in 2026, it is facing stiff competition from New Jersey and other rising stars in the industry.
Tourism-Fueled Revenue Growth
California remains a tourism magnet, attracting millions of visitors every year. Hotel revenue in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles continues to grow, but the state’s heavy reliance on international tourists—especially from Asia and Europe—has made it vulnerable to global political and economic fluctuations.
The Struggle with Overcrowding
California is grappling with overcrowded tourist spots such as Venice Beach and Yosemite National Park, which has affected the quality of visitor experience. In contrast, New Jersey has managed to spread tourism across its cities and regions, offering a more accessible and less congested experience.
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Missouri: St. Louis and Kansas City Driving Hotel Growth
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Missouri has traditionally been a mid-tier destination for U.S. travelers, but in 2026, Kansas City and St. Louis are seeing hotel tourism growth fueled by both leisure and business travelers.
Kansas City’s Rapid Growth
Kansas City has emerged as a rising star in the Midwest, with its growing convention scene, vibrant music culture, and increasing interest in its sports teams. The city has seen hotel bookings spike during major events such as the World Series and NCAA tournaments, helping to raise the state’s tourism profile.
St. Louis’ Continued Reinvention
St. Louis, with its iconic Gateway Arch and upcoming development projects, is also benefiting from a renewed focus on tourism. However, the state as a whole still lags behind more established tourist destinations like New Jersey, which has been quicker to embrace new technologies and large-scale investments in tourism infrastructure.
Florida: The Sunshine State Faces New Challenges
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As one of the most well-known tourism hubs in the United States, Florida faces both tremendous opportunities and significant challenges in 2026.
Orlando’s Undying Popularity
Orlando continues to dominate as Florida’s top tourist destination thanks to its theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. The hotel tourism sector in Orlando is thriving, with new hotels and resorts opening regularly to accommodate the millions of visitors flocking to the theme parks.
Miami’s Competitive Edge
Miami remains a leading destination for luxury tourism and beach vacations, with hotel bookings reaching new heights in 2026. However, Florida’s hotel industry is facing increasing competition from states like New Jersey that offer less crowded environments, lower hotel rates, and a growing array of luxury options.
Pennsylvania: Historic Cities and Tourism Investment
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Pennsylvania is home to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Hershey, which have long been central to the state’s tourism revenue. While Pennsylvania is still a popular destination, it’s falling behind as other states, like New Jersey, are aggressively boosting tourism infrastructure.
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Philadelphia’s Hotel Tourism
Philadelphia remains a key destination for history lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Hotel demand is strong around historical landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, but competition from New Jersey’s Atlantic City and Hoboken is driving down hotel prices in the area.
Pittsburgh’s Emerging Appeal
Pittsburgh is gaining ground as a cultural destination, thanks to new arts initiatives and a thriving sports scene. However, like many states in the Northeast, Pennsylvania is struggling to keep up with the technology-driven tourism experiences that places like New Jersey offer, making it a secondary player in the hotel industry.
Looking Ahead: New Jersey’s Future in Hotel Tourism
The shift toward New Jersey’s hotel tourism dominance is clear, but the road ahead remains full of potential for other U.S. states as well. While Texas, California, Missouri, Florida, and Pennsylvania remain significant players, New Jersey’s strategic investments in smart technologies, its expanded tourism offerings, and its ability to attract record-breaking arrivals in 2026 will set a new standard in the industry.
States and cities across the country will need to embrace cutting-edge innovations, increase their tourism infrastructure investments, and enhance the overall visitor experience to stay competitive in a rapidly changing tourism landscape.
As New Jersey continues to rise as the go-to U.S. destination for hotel tourism, its journey provides a model for other states looking to boost revenue growth and solidify their place on the global tourism map.
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New Jersey Overtakes Texas, California, Missouri, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Many More, Cementing Itself as the Leading U.S. Destination for Hotel Tourism and Revenue Growth in 2026 with Record-Breaking Arrivals and Advanced Technologies. This growth is driven by the state’s innovative use of advanced technology, strategic investments in tourism infrastructure, and a surge in both domestic and international visitors, making it the new hotspot for travelers in 2026.
With its technological innovations, unprecedented visitor arrivals, and strategic focus on hotel tourism growth, New Jersey is poised to outshine even the most established tourism markets in the United States. As we look ahead to 2026, New Jersey’s story serves as a reminder that success in the tourism industry isn’t just about historical landmarks or cultural significance—it’s about adapting, innovating, and providing an unmatched experience for visitors.
A pair of hikers discovered human remains on Friday in Ridley Creek State Park in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, state police say.
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Authorities said two hikers called 911 at 12:30 p.m. after finding what they believed were human remains near 71 Chapel Hill Road inside the park.
Upper Providence Township police and state police responded to the scene and requested assistance from the Delaware County Medical Examiner’s Office. The examiner’s office recovered the remains and confirmed they were human.
Officials said the investigation is being conducted by Upper Providence Township police and Pennsylvania State Police.
It is unclear who the remains belong to or how long they may have been in the area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Investigation Unit at 484-840-1000.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/pmn/EYMVNBUYWRF6XONFLUZM2XRL2A.jpg?ssl=1 "Juan González, co-host of Democracy Now, spoke about the migration of Puerto Ricans to Pennsylvania")
