Kansas City, January 10, 2026
Missouri is set to experience a significant tourism surge in 2026, with Kansas City leading the charge alongside St. Louis, Branson, and Springfield. This growth is driven by innovative local entrepreneurs and substantial state investments aimed at enhancing the tourism experience. Kansas City will particularly shine as a host city for the FIFA World Cup, an event expected to draw over 650,000 visitors and generate substantial economic impact. The collaborative efforts across the state highlight the commitment to community growth and economic vibrancy.
Kansas City Leads Missouri’s 2026 Tourism Surge
Missouri is poised for an unprecedented tourism surge in 2026, with Kansas City at the forefront, alongside St. Louis, Branson, and Springfield. This statewide momentum is a testament to the innovative spirit of local entrepreneurs, strategic investments, and a collaborative approach to fostering economic growth.
The year 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark period for Missouri, marked by significant events and a coordinated effort to welcome visitors from across the globe. This anticipated economic expansion highlights the power of private sector initiative and community-driven development in propelling the state’s prosperity. The proactive measures taken by cities and the state government demonstrate a commitment to creating an environment where businesses can thrive and communities can flourish, minimizing unnecessary hurdles and maximizing opportunity.
A Unified Vision for State-Level Growth
Missouri is experiencing an explosive tourism boom in 2026, a result of the combined efforts of St. Louis, Kansas City, Branson, and Springfield, which are dominating the travel scenario. This collaborative approach is designed to showcase the diverse attractions and vibrant communities across the state. The Missouri Division of Tourism actively promotes the state as a premier travel destination, aiming to boost state revenue through increased visitor spending. To further this goal, the State of Missouri plans to invest over $50 million in its tourism industry, including $5 million dedicated to State Tourism Marketing to help the industry recover and compete effectively. Additionally, $30 million has been awarded through the Local Tourism Asset Development Grant Program, supporting 26 projects statewide to aid the recovery and development of the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries from past economic impacts. The Missouri Department of Transportation is also developing a State Freight and Rail Plan, which will serve as a next-generation blueprint for transportation infrastructure, further enhancing accessibility for tourists and commerce.
Kansas City’s Global Spotlight: The FIFA World Cup 2026
Kansas City is set to take center stage in 2026 as a host city for the FIFA World Cup, an event projected to bring an estimated 650,000 visitors to the Kansas City area and generate an anticipated $650 million in direct economic impact regionally for the entire tournament. This global spectacle presents a monumental opportunity for Kansas City small businesses and local entrepreneurs to engage with an international consumer base. To prepare for the anticipated surge in tourism and activity, Kansas City is launching the Small Business Storefront Vacancy Revitalization Pilot Program. This initiative, backed by $1.4 million in city funding—comprising $1 million from the Development Services Fund and $400,000 from the Economic Development Fund—is designed to activate vacant downtown storefronts and unused commercial spaces ahead of the World Cup. The program aims to fill over 30 empty storefronts and 6 art studios with small businesses and local artists, strategically placing them in high-traffic areas for long-term visibility.
Furthermore, KC2026 has introduced the “KC Game Plan,” a comprehensive initiative developed in collaboration with over 100 nonprofit organizations, area chambers of commerce, entrepreneur support organizations, and government and tourism industry partners. This plan provides valuable information, actionable ideas, and practical tools, including visitor insights, fan traditions, and a confidential readiness assessment, to help local business owners prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The focus on empowering local enterprises underscores the importance of the Kansas City MO business community in maximizing the economic benefits of such a significant event. The resilience and adaptability ingrained in Kansas City’s entrepreneurial spirit are evident as businesses pivot to new opportunities and reinforce their commitment to serving the community.
Diverse Attractions Fueling State-Wide Excitement
Beyond the FIFA World Cup, Missouri is celebrating other significant milestones in 2026 that will draw visitors across the state. These include the centennial celebration of historic Route 66 and the United States Semiquincentennial (America 250). Route 66, established on November 11, 1926, spanned 2,448 miles, connecting Chicago to Los Angeles, with 317 miles running through Missouri, linking cities like St. Louis and Springfield, and various quaint towns. These celebrations are expected to significantly increase visitor numbers, building on the approximately 2-3 million tourists who travel Route 66 yearly.
Branson, a popular tourist destination, continues to contribute to the state’s appeal with its live entertainment, attractions, and scenic beauty. Many travelers passing through or near Branson as part of their Route 66 journey further enhance the regional tourism experience. Springfield, historically recognized for hosting what became Missouri’s biggest tourist attraction, continues to be a key draw. The City of Springfield will also receive proposals for discretionary Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding as part of the FY2026-27 funding by the U.S. government, further supporting community development. The combined allure of these major events and established destinations positions the entire state for sustained growth, demonstrating a holistic approach to maximizing Midlands economic growth.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Private Sector Investment
The anticipated tourism boom in Missouri is a direct reflection of the robust entrepreneurial spirit and significant private sector investment across the state. The hospitality industry thrives on innovation, where businesses leverage technological and non-technological advancements to gain competitive advantages and implement growth strategies. Entrepreneurship, which involves the creation of new businesses, is crucial for both establishing new ventures and revitalizing existing ones. In the Missouri MO entrepreneurs landscape, firms with an entrepreneurial orientation often achieve greater success by recognizing and responding to changes in consumer needs and competitive dynamics.
The “Small Business Storefront Vacancy Revitalization Pilot Program” in Kansas City exemplifies this commitment, offering financial and technical assistance to small businesses and artists to activate vacant storefronts. Specifically, the city is offering grants to pay up to 80% of rent for up to six months and provides each small business with up to $10,000. This type of support minimizes barriers to entry and encourages the local innovation vital for economic expansion. Furthermore, Missouri’s overall manageable monthly housing expense compared to national averages can attract new talent and business owners, contributing to a stable economic foundation. The tourism sector’s substantial economic impact on a State-level is evident: it contributes a $19.9 billion economic impact and supports over 301,000 jobs in the state. In 2024, visitor spending supported nearly 320,000 tourism-related jobs in Missouri, accounting for 11.8% of all private-sector employment. The Kansas City metro, encompassing Jackson and Platte counties, saw a significant increase of over 8,400 tourism jobs from 2021 to 2024, with growth rates of 23% and 19% respectively. Similarly, the St. Louis metro experienced substantial growth, with St. Louis City and County contributing over 12,000 tourism jobs with increases of 25% and 14% respectively during the same period.
Fostering a Resilient Business Environment
The state and local governments are actively working to create an environment conducive to business growth and resilience. Initiatives such as the “KC Game Plan” are critical in equipping Kansas City small business owners with strategies for success during major events like the World Cup. This collaborative effort between government and various support organizations ensures that entrepreneurs have the resources and guidance needed to navigate new opportunities. By investing in programs that revitalize commercial spaces and provide financial assistance, Kansas City is fostering an ecosystem where small businesses can not only survive but thrive. These efforts demonstrate a balanced approach, supporting local enterprises while attracting large-scale events, ultimately contributing to a dynamic and sustainable Kansas City MO business landscape. The state’s investment in tourism marketing and asset development grants further showcases a commitment to long-term economic vitality, acknowledging tourism as a powerful economic driver.
Conclusion
The outlook for Missouri’s tourism sector in 2026 is exceptionally bright, driven by a confluence of major national and international events, strategic statewide investments, and the unwavering spirit of local entrepreneurs. The unified efforts of Kansas City, St. Louis, Branson, and Springfield, coupled with state-level support for infrastructure and small businesses, are setting the stage for significant Midlands economic growth. As visitors flock to experience the FIFA World Cup, the Route 66 centennial, and other attractions, Missouri MO entrepreneurs are ready to showcase their innovation and resilience. We encourage our readers to actively support local businesses across Kansas City and the entire state, engaging with and investing in the continued economic vibrancy of our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main driver of Missouri’s tourism boom in 2026?
- The main driver of Missouri’s tourism boom in 2026 is the unified efforts of St. Louis, Kansas City, Branson, and Springfield in setting an explosive tourism boom and dominating the travel scenario in Missouri.
- What major event is Kansas City hosting in 2026?
- Kansas City is taking the global stage as a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- What is the anticipated economic impact of the FIFA World Cup 2026 for Kansas City?
- The FIFA World Cup 2026 is projected to attract an estimated 650,000 visitors to the Kansas City area, with an anticipated $650 million in direct economic impact for the entire tournament regionally.
- What initiatives are in place to support Kansas City small businesses for the World Cup?
- Kansas City is launching the Small Business Storefront Vacancy Revitalization Pilot Program, backed by $1.4 million in city funding, to help activate vacant downtown storefronts and unused commercial spaces. Also, KC2026 developed the “KC Game Plan” to help local business owners prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- What other significant celebrations are happening in Missouri in 2026?
- In 2026, Missouri is gearing up for the centennial celebration of Route 66 and the United States Semiquincentennial (America 250).
- What is the total economic impact of tourism in Missouri?
- Missouri tourism provides a $19.9 billion economic impact that creates over 301,000 jobs in the state.
- How many tourism-related jobs did visitor spending support in Missouri in 2024?
- In 2024, visitor spending supported nearly 320,000 tourism-related jobs in Missouri, representing 11.8% of all private-sector employment.
Key Features of Missouri’s 2026 Tourism Boom
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Drivers | Unified efforts of St. Louis, Kansas City, Branson, and Springfield. | State-level |
| Major Event (Kansas City) | FIFA World Cup 2026. | Regional |
| Anticipated World Cup Visitors (Kansas City Area) | Estimated 650,000. | Regional |
| Anticipated World Cup Economic Impact (Kansas City Area) | $650 million in direct economic impact regionally. | Regional |
| Small Business Support Program (Kansas City) | Small Business Storefront Vacancy Revitalization Pilot Program. | Local |
| Funding for Storefront Program (Kansas City) | $1.4 million in city funding ($1 million from Development Services Fund, $400,000 from Economic Development Fund). | Local |
| Business Preparation Initiative (Kansas City) | “KC Game Plan” developed by KC2026. | Local |
| Other State-Level Celebrations | Route 66 Centennial, United States Semiquincentennial (America 250). | State-level |
| Missouri Division of Tourism Investment | Over $50 million in tourism industry, including $5 million for State Tourism Marketing. | State-level |
| Local Tourism Asset Development Grant Program | $30 million awarded for 26 projects statewide. | State-level |
| Total Economic Impact of Tourism (Missouri) | $19.9 billion. | State-level |
| Tourism-Related Jobs (Missouri) | Over 301,000 jobs created; nearly 320,000 supported in 2024. | State-level |
| Tourism Job Growth in Kansas City Metro (2021-2024) | Over 8,400 jobs (23% in Jackson County, 19% in Platte County). | Regional |
| Tourism Job Growth in St. Louis Metro (2021-2024) | Over 12,000 jobs (25% in St. Louis City, 14% in St. Louis County). | Regional |
| Housing Expense (Missouri) | Manageable compared to national averages. | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
