Vermont Joins Virginia, Washington, New Mexico, South Carolina, Minnesota and Others in Facing Successive Decline in US Tourism Last Month: Everything You Need to Know – Travel And Tour World
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Vermont Joins Virginia, Washington, New Mexico, South Carolina, Minnesota and Others in Facing Successive Decline in US Tourism Last Month: Everything You Need to Know
Published on
November 26, 2025
Vermont, Virginia, Washington, New Mexico, South Carolina, Minnesota, and others saw a decline in US tourism last month due to lingering pandemic effects and changing travel trends. This successive downturn in tourism across multiple states highlights a broader shift in the nation’s travel landscape. While Vermont’s scenic autumn landscapes and winter sports once attracted droves of visitors, it too faced a significant drop in tourism. Similarly, Virginia’s rich historical offerings, Washington’s urban and outdoor attractions, and New Mexico’s unique cultural experiences all saw fewer travelers. States like South Carolina and Minnesota, known for their coastal resorts and outdoor adventures, are also feeling the impact. As traveler preferences evolve and the effects of the pandemic continue to reverberate, the U.S. tourism industry faces significant challenges, with states across the country working hard to adapt and recover.
Vermont’s Tourism in Trouble: A 25.10% Decline
Vermont, a state renowned for its breathtaking fall foliage and outdoor adventures, has suffered a staggering 25.10% decline in tourism. Visitors, who typically flock to Vermont for its charming autumn landscapes and winter sports, have been deterred by the lasting effects of the pandemic and changing travel habits. The state’s tourism industry, heavily reliant on seasonal visitors, has taken a major hit. Local businesses, from quaint inns to ski resorts, are facing significant challenges as Vermont works to find ways to attract tourists back.
Virginia’s Slight Dip: A 1.39% Decline in Visitor Arrivals
Virginia, home to a rich historical heritage and scenic landscapes, has experienced a relatively modest decline in tourism, down by 1.39%. Despite its cultural treasures, like Monticello and Williamsburg, and natural beauty such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, the state has seen fewer travelers in recent years. The pandemic and the evolving travel landscape have influenced this slight dip, though Virginia’s tourism sector remains resilient. Efforts to promote outdoor experiences and historical sites are aimed at restoring the state’s appeal to history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Washington: A Major Drop of 18.55% in Tourism
Washington state, a hub for both urban excitement and natural wonders, has seen a dramatic 18.55% decline in tourism. Known for its iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and Mount Rainier, as well as its outdoor offerings, Washington’s tourism sector has been impacted by travel restrictions and shifts in traveler preferences. International and corporate travel has dropped, and many potential visitors are seeking alternative destinations. Washington is working hard to revive its tourism industry by focusing on its vast outdoor activities and urban attractions to draw back eager travelers.
New Mexico: A Small But Steady Decline of 1.27%
New Mexico, famous for its unique blend of Native American culture, art, and stunning landscapes, has experienced a 1.27% drop in tourism. The state’s appeal lies in its desert vistas, historic pueblos, and vibrant arts scene, but changing travel trends and lingering effects of the pandemic have led to fewer visitors. While the decline is small, it signals the need for New Mexico to continue to adapt and highlight its cultural experiences and outdoor adventures in order to attract more travelers to its one-of-a-kind destinations.
South Carolina’s Struggles: A Sharp 27.90% Drop
South Carolina has faced a devastating 27.90% decline in tourism, with its renowned coastal attractions, including Myrtle Beach and Charleston, feeling the brunt of the downturn. The state’s tourism sector, which thrives on beach resorts, golf courses, and rich history, has been hit hard by reduced demand. The COVID-19 pandemic and changing traveler preferences for closer, more accessible destinations have further deepened the impact. South Carolina is working to bounce back by focusing on its charm as a vacation spot for relaxation, history, and culture.
Minnesota’s Setback: A 7.33% Decline in Visitor Numbers
Minnesota, known for its picturesque lakes and outdoor adventures, has experienced a 7.33% decline in tourism. The state’s natural beauty, including the Boundary Waters and its many parks, typically draws nature enthusiasts, but the pandemic and evolving travel trends have slowed this influx. With fewer travelers seeking distant adventures, Minnesota’s tourism industry has faced setbacks. Nevertheless, the state continues to push its outdoor offerings and festivals, hoping to revive interest and bring visitors back to enjoy its scenic landscapes and unique attractions.
Conclusion
Vermont, Virginia, Washington, New Mexico, South Carolina, Minnesota, and others have all experienced a decline in U.S. tourism last month, marking a troubling trend that reflects broader shifts in the travel industry. The lingering effects of the pandemic continue to disrupt tourism, with many travelers altering their habits and seeking more accessible, closer destinations. These states, known for their unique attractions—from Vermont’s fall foliage and Virginia’s historical landmarks to South Carolina’s beaches and New Mexico’s cultural heritage—are feeling the impact of changing travel preferences.
Vermont, Virginia, Washington, New Mexico, South Carolina, Minnesota, and others saw a decline in US tourism last month due to lingering pandemic effects and changing travel trends.
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As the industry navigates these challenges, states are focusing on adapting to new trends in order to revitalize their tourism sectors and attract visitors once again.
This letter is from Suzanne Kenyon, a resident of St. Albans City.
I am writing today to announce my intention to run for State Representative, Franklin 3 and to graciously ask for the support of our community.
I am a mother, local photographer and have been recently re-elected to a second term on the Maple Run School District’s Board Of Directors.
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With a nest that has grown almost empty, I have have chosen to spend my time continuing to serve my community. Service where you live is the backbone of making a place somewhere that you want to stay.
We still live in a place where neighbors look out for one another. Where an honest day of work matters. I admire that. This City is hometown to many of us, myself included. I would be proud to represent us.
If elected, I will work for the best interests of my constituents, when it comes to matters of Taxes, Education Reform, Housing, Crime and Equality, to name a few. I intend to be a listening ear to every voice and make common sense decisions, the Vermont way.
We deserve practical leadership that puts the needs of the community and its members over party affiliations.
I humbly ask for your support and vote in November.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Vermont Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.
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Those who want to play can enter the MegaBucks and Lucky for Life games as well as the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. Vermont also partners with New Hampshire and Maine for the Tri-State Lottery, which includes the Mega Bucks, Gimme 5 as well as the Pick 3 and Pick 4.
Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule.
Here’s a look at April 21, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Vermont Mega Millions numbers from April 21 drawing
01-36-43-56-58, Mega Ball: 07
Check Vermont Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
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Winning Gimme 5 numbers from April 21 drawing
02-05-06-18-22
Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 21 drawing
Day: 1-9-8
Evening: 6-4-9
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
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Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 21 drawing
Day: 2-7-2-6
Evening: 8-4-4-2
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
For Vermont Lottery prizes up to $499, winners can claim their prize at any authorized Vermont Lottery retailer or at the Vermont Lottery Headquarters by presenting the signed winning ticket for validation. Prizes between $500 and $5,000 can be claimed at any M&T Bank location in Vermont during the Vermont Lottery Office’s business hours, which are 8a.m.-4p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
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For prizes over $5,000, claims must be made in person at the Vermont Lottery headquarters. In addition to signing your ticket, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, and a completed claim form.
All prize claims must be submitted within one year of the drawing date. For more information on prize claims or to download a Vermont Lottery Claim Form, visit the Vermont Lottery’s FAQ page or contact their customer service line at (802) 479-5686.
Vermont Lottery Headquarters
1311 US Route 302, Suite 100
Barre, VT
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When are the Vermont Lottery drawings held?
Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
Pick 3 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
Pick 4 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
Pick 3 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
Pick 4 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
Megabucks: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily
What is Vermont Lottery Second Chance?
Vermont’s 2nd Chance lottery lets players enter eligible non-winning instant scratch tickets into a drawing to win cash and/or other prizes. Players must register through the state’s official Lottery website or app. The drawings are held quarterly or are part of an additional promotion, and are done at Pollard Banknote Limited in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Vermont editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Vermont’s small towns deliver postcard scenery in every season, and you don’t have to travel far to find one. Stowe has gondola rides at Stowe Mountain Resort and paddleboarding at the Waterbury Reservoir. Montpelier, the state capital, fits a statehouse, a walkable downtown, and a hilltop park into a population of just over 8,000. Richmond anchors the Winooski River valley around an unusual 16-sided church. Seven towns stand out as Vermont’s prettiest.
Bennington
Springtime Scene in Bennington, Vermont.
Often cited as the first town chartered in what became Vermont (1749), Bennington pairs a red-brick downtown with the hills of the Green Mountain region in southern Vermont. Streets fan out from the Bennington Battle Monument, a 306-foot stone obelisk that marks a pivotal Revolutionary War engagement. Covered bridges and Victorian architecture like the Park-McCullough House give the town visual range across the year. Bennington is best known for its autumn colors, but winter brings snow-dusted pines and a quieter version of the same scenery.
Montpelier
Winooski River at Montpelier, Vermont.
Montpelier is Vermont’s capital but also the least populous state capital in the country, with just over 8,000 residents. That scale is the point. The Greek Revival State House sits at the edge of a compact downtown of locally owned businesses, and Hubbard Park climbs the hill behind the capitol with trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. Montpelier is also the only U.S. state capital without a McDonald’s. The Winooski River runs through town, and you can walk from a statehouse tour to a riverbank bench in about ten minutes.
Richmond
The Old Round Church in Richmond, Vermont, in the fall.
Vermont gets most of its attention in autumn, and Richmond is no exception, but the town is arguably better in winter. Cochran’s Ski Area, a small family-run hill just outside downtown, has been a community fixture since 1961 and still runs on affordable lift tickets. The Winooski River bisects Richmond, and the surrounding trail network turns quiet and cinematic under snow. The town’s signature building is the Old Round Church, which despite the name is a 16-sided meetinghouse from 1812.
Stowe
Aerial view of Stowe, Vermont, in fall.
If any Vermont town has a reputation for winter, it’s Stowe. Stowe Mountain Resort is the state’s most famous ski destination, and the gondola runs year-round for aerial views of Mount Mansfield and the Green Mountains. In warmer months, the Stowe Pinnacle trail climbs to one of the most photographed viewpoints in the state, with the summit sitting at roughly 2,660 feet above sea level. The village has a small but active art scene, with galleries along Main Street showing regional painters and craftspeople alongside traveling exhibitions.
Waitsfield
Aerial view of Waitsfield, Vermont, and the Mad River on Scenic Route 100.
Waitsfield sits along Scenic Route 100 in the Mad River Valley and bills itself as a year-round outdoor destination. Sugarbush Resort, just down the road, is the draw in winter, with skiing and snowboarding on Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen. The trail network is just as active in summer for hiking and mountain biking. The town itself keeps things low-key: a covered bridge on Bridge Street, a few restaurants along Route 100, and the Mad River running through the middle of it all.
Wilmington
Street view in Wilmington, Vermont. Photo Credit: danf0505 via Shutterstock
Route 9 through southern Vermont, also known as the Molly Stark Scenic Byway, runs straight through Wilmington in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest. The Hogback Mountain Conservation Area nearby covers roughly 600 acres of protected land with wide views across southern Vermont. Mount Snow handles most of the local skiing and has an active summer mountain-biking program. The best-known spot in town is Dot’s Restaurant, a diner that was washed out by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 and rebuilt with community funding. It reopened in 2014 and still serves the same blueberry pancakes.
Woodstock
Taftsville Covered Bridge in Woodstock, Vermont.
Woodstock plays the same showpiece role for central Vermont that Bennington plays for the south. The Federal-era downtown wraps around a town green, and the Middle Covered Bridge carries foot and vehicle traffic over the Ottauquechee River right at the edge of it. Billings Farm & Museum operates as a working Jersey dairy and runs seasonal demonstrations of traditional farm work, including sheep shearing and plowing with draft horses. Just up the road, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is the only national park dedicated to conservation history.
Vermont’s Prettiest Small Towns Reward A Slow Visit
For scenic small towns, Vermont covers a lot of ground. The seven above offer historic architecture, mountain access, and enough variation in season and setting to make repeat visits worthwhile. Drive between them on Route 100 or Route 9 and you’ll pass a dozen more that could just as easily have made the list.
