Florida’s tourism industry continues to thrive, with Governor Ron DeSantis announcing that the state welcomed a record-breaking 142.9 million visitors in 2024. This surpasses the previous record set in 2023 and represents a 1.6% increase year over year.
“The results are clear—Florida is the best place to visit, live, and do business,” said Governor DeSantis. “Another record-breaking year is proof that leadership matters, and the Free State of Florida is a model for the nation.”
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The fourth quarter of 2024 also set a new record with 33.1 million visitors, the highest number for any fourth quarter in the state’s history. This impressive performance was driven by strong domestic visitation, as well as increasing numbers of overseas and Canadian travelers.
Despite the challenges posed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Florida’s tourism industry remained resilient. Hotel occupancy rose, and airports across the state saw significant growth in passenger numbers.
Key highlights from the 2024 tourism data:
- Total Visitors: 142.9 million, a 1.6% increase from 2023.
- Domestic Visitors: 130.7 million, a 1.3% increase.
- Overseas Visitors: 8.9 million, a 6.6% increase, nearing full recovery since 2019.
- Canadian Visitors: 3.3 million, a 1.2% increase.
- Airport Enplanements: Total enplanements at Florida’s 19 major airports grew by 3.1%, with notable growth in Tallahassee, Panama City, and Pensacola.
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“Under Governor DeSantis’ bold leadership, Florida’s tourism industry remains world-leading,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Tourism in Florida continued to break records in 2024, recovering from a challenging hurricane season, driving economic growth and improving quality of life for Florida’s communities and families.”
These record-breaking numbers underscore the enduring appeal of Florida as a top travel destination, contributing significantly to the state’s economy and overall quality of life.
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