The Sunshine State has once again proven its magnetic appeal, announcing a monumental year for tourism in 2024, setting an all-time record with an astounding 143 million visitors.
This achievement represents a 1.7% increase over the previous record set in 2023, cementing Florida’s position as the nation’s premier travel destination and a global tourism powerhouse. The influx of visitors translated into billions of dollars in sales tax revenue for the state.
The 2024 figures break down to 130.65 million domestic travelers, 8.94 million overseas visitors, and 3.41 million Canadian tourists, highlighting the diverse appeal of Florida’s attractions, from its pristine beaches to its world-renowned theme parks and vibrant cultural offerings.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis today heralded the remarkable success, also revealing a robust start to 2025, with Florida welcoming 41.2 million visitors in the first quarter alone.
“Florida’s tourism industry leads the nation,” declared Governor DeSantis. “These results are proof that our freedom-first policies work—and that Florida remains the best place to visit, work, and raise a family.”
Highlights from Q1 2025 include:
Key highlights from Q1 2025 include:
Total Visitors: 41.2 million, maintaining Florida’s national tourism leadership.
Domestic Visitation: 37.9 million domestic travelers, comprising 91.9% of total visitation and representing a 0.2% increase from Q1 2024.
International Visitors: 2.1 million overseas visitors and 1.2 million Canadian visitors, making up 5.1% and 3.0% of total visitation, respectively.
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Travel Methods: Of domestic non-resident travelers, 35.8% arrived by air, while 64.2% opted for non-air travel.
Airport Activity: Florida’s 19 major airports reported 29.4 million total enplanements. Airports experiencing significant growth included Punta Gorda (+23.6%), St. Petersburg–Clearwater (+7.7%), and Daytona Beach (+7.4%).
Hotel Performance: The hospitality sector saw a 2.4% increase in rooms sold, with the Average Daily Rate (ADR) rising to $227.22 (+2.2%), and occupancy reaching a healthy 75.7% (+1.6%).
Florida’s tourism growth reflects the state’s broad appeal and serves as a powerful engine for economic strength, supporting countless jobs, businesses, and communities across the state.
With ongoing investment and strategic promotional efforts, Florida is well-positioned for even greater success, solidifying its status as the most visited destination in the United States for years to come.
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