As the summer travel season heats up, small business owners in U.S. tourist destinations are seeing more Americans sticking closer to home. Higher airfares and gasoline prices have made vacations more expensive, leading many to opt for road trips and local getaways instead of international travel.

Local Economies Benefit

The shift in travel patterns is a welcome boost to local economies, with many small businesses reporting an increase in customers. In Lake Tahoe, which straddles California and Nevada, several businesses have seen an uptick in visitors driving in from nearby cities.

Ron Williams, owner of Tahoe Sports, said he was pleasantly surprised by the number of customers renting boats and Jet Skis. "I think people are probably sticking close to home, and being in Lake Tahoe, we have such a huge drive-up market," he said.

Regional Tourism on the Rise

In Asheville, North Carolina, small business owners have hoped tourism would rebound after Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction in 2024. Aubrey Anderson, owner of a river tubing outfitter, reduced her summer staff but has since hired more workers due to an increase in reservations.

"We’re definitely seeing a lot of locals, so to speak," Anderson said. "People are maybe skipping the long drive to the beach this year, and they’re kind of doing just something close by so that they can save a little money and still enjoy a family outing."

In Kansas City, Missouri, the World Cup has drawn soccer enthusiasts from across the Midwest, with many visiting local businesses and attractions. Made in KC, a chain of cafes and shops, has seen a noticeable increase in traffic during the tournament.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.