Saturday, February 17, 2024
VISIT FLORIDA reported that the state welcomed 135 million guests in 2023, marking a 3.0% increase over 2019’s tourism figures. The fourth quarter of 2023 saw overseas visitor numbers reach 2.3 million, a 15.9% rise from the same period in 2022, highlighting Florida’s appeal to international tourists. Canadian tourists also showed a significant uptick, with 1.1 million visits in the last quarter of 2023, representing a 22.0% increase from the previous year. The growth in visitation from overseas and Canada was remarkable, with an 18.3% increase in overseas tourists and a 45.5% surge in Canadian visitors year over year, underscoring the strong recovery of international tourism to the state. This achievement is particularly significant against the backdrop of inflation and escalating travel expenses.
The year 2023 experienced a 9.0% boost in airplane boardings, with the final quarter witnessing a notable 32.4% jump in Fort Myers alone. According to the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau, 76% of hotel accommodations are now available again, reflecting the region’s rebound from Hurricane Ian. Moreover, the fourth quarter of 2023 saw a 65.8% rise in visitation and a 26.2% increase in visitor direct spending compared to the same quarter in 2022, indicating a strong recovery and economic impact.
“Even as we faced the challenges of rising travel costs and widespread inflation, Florida’s tourism sector not only persevered but flourished,” said Dana Young, President & CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “From record air travel numbers to the significant return of international visitors, Florida continues to shine.”
Key findings from VISIT FLORIDA’s recent visitation figures highlight:
For the year 2023
The year 2023 welcomed approximately 135.0 million visitors, comprising 122.9 million domestic visitors (accounting for 91.0%), 8.3 million from overseas (6.2%), and 3.8 million from Canada (2.8%).
The count of 122.9 million domestic visitors marked a growth of +4.9% compared to 2019.
Visitation from overseas saw a rise of +18.3% from 2022, reaching the closest point to a full rebound since the pandemic began.
Canadian visitor numbers are believed to have surged by +45.5% over 2022, a notable recovery from the -6.5% shortfall relative to 2019, markedly better than the -35.7% reduction observed in 2022.
Initial calculations suggest a division of 37.3% air to 62.7% non-air travel among domestic visitors in 2022, breaking the record with 45.9 million flying into Florida, the highest proportion of air travelers observed since 2016.
For the fourth quarter of 2023
The fourth quarter of 2023 estimates indicate 26.4 million domestic, 2.3 million overseas, and 1.1 million Canadian visitors.
During this period, domestic visitors made up 88.5% of the total, with overseas visitors at 7.9% and Canadian visitors at 3.6%.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
