Florida’s tourism industry is booming, with Governor Ron DeSantis announcing record-breaking visitation numbers and spending for 2023. Tourists flocked to the Sunshine State, injecting a staggering $131 billion into the economy, a 5% increase from the previous year.
“Florida can’t be beat,” declared Governor DeSantis. “I’m proud of this new record set for the state. Everyone loves the free state of Florida.”
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This surge in tourism generated $127.7 billion in economic impact and contributed $36.9 billion in local, state, and federal tax revenue. The industry also supported 2.1 million jobs, representing 9.5% of all jobs in Florida.
Dana Young, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, attributed the success to Governor DeSantis’ leadership and the unwavering appeal of Florida as a top global destination. “These incredible achievements reflect the dedication of our tourism partners and the unwavering appeal of Florida as the top destination in the world,” she said.
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Key highlights from the 2023 tourism data:
- Record Spending: Visitors spent a total of $131 billion, with domestic travelers contributing $116.1 billion and international visitors adding $14.9 billion.
- Economic Impact: The tourism industry generated $127.7 billion in economic impact.
- Job Creation: Tourism supported 2.1 million jobs and provided $76.4 billion in wages and salaries.
- Tax Revenue: Tourism contributed $36.9 billion in tax revenue.
- Return on Investment: For every dollar spent by a visitor, the Florida economy retained 97 cents.
- Tax Savings: Tourism activity resulted in $1,910 in tax savings per Florida household.
These impressive figures solidify Florida’s position as a leading destination for travelers worldwide, showcasing the state’s diverse attractions, vibrant culture, and thriving economy.
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