Atlanta scores spot on shortlist of ‘most visited cities’

Josh Green

Mon, 01/27/2025 – 08:12

We might not be Las Vegas (thank goodness), but Atlanta’s prowess as an overseas travel destination recently garnered a stamp of approval.

As Condé Nast Traveler magazine relays, the Big Peach has been ranked as the No. 12 tourist destination in America for vacationers and other guests from around the world.

That’s according to the United States International Trade Administration, which tracks data for annual rankings of more than 100 U.S. cities that overseas visitors are drawn to.

In the 12th slot, Atlanta chalked up 765,000 international visitors in 2023 (the most recent year with data available) and ranks between Houston (No. 11) and Fort Lauderdale, according to the ITA.

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With its nearly 9 million international visitors each year, New York City was No. 1 by a long shot—more than doubling the tally of the second-place city.

Condé Nast cited Atlanta’s “metamorphosis” regarding historic landmarks—specifically, the ongoing expansion of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and renovation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birth Home in Old Fourth Ward—as a reason for the largest city in the Southeast’s popularity with global guests.

Also getting a mention in the international travel magazine are the Atlanta Beltline, Ponce City Market, Piedmont Park, and Historic Fourth Ward Park. Two new hotels also received nods: Midtown’s recently unveiled, Spanish colonial-inspired Hotel Granada and new O4W destination Forth, which was described as a “16-floor boutique masterpiece.”

Rounding out the top five cities for international visitors were Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Francisco, respectively, with Las Vegas at sixth, according to ITA’s tabulations.

Back in 2021, Condé Nast Traveler also shortlisted Atlanta as part of a Hot List advising readers on “Where to Travel Next,” as COVID-19 travel restrictions relaxed. “If you haven’t visited [Atlanta] in a while, it’s time,” the magazine recommended at the time. “It’s a different place, with a palpable energy coursing through its neighborhoods.”

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