Miami.- Governor Ron Desantis announced that Florida continues to consolidate as the leading tourist destination worldwide, upon receiving a historical record of 142.9 million visitors in 2024an increase in 1.6 % Regarding 2023, which held the previous brand.
The fourth quarter of 2024 also recorded record figures, with 33.1 million touristsbecoming the quarter with greater influx in history for that period. This growth was driven by 29.9 million national visitors, 2.5 million international tourists and 742,000 Canadians.
“The results are clear: Florida is the best place to visit, live and do business”said Governor Desantis this Wednesday in Tallahassee.
“Another record shows that leadership matters and that Florida’s free state is a model for the nation”.
The Secretary of Commerce, J. Alex Kellyhighlighted the performance of the sector: “Under the leadership of Governor Desantis, Tourism in Florida continues to beat records, overcoming the challenges of the hurricane season, promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life of our communities”.
Rising tourism despite the challenges
Despite hurricanes Helene and Miltonsaid Desantis, Florida’s tourism industry showed resilience. Hotel occupation grew 6.7 % in the fourth quarterwhile the sale of hotel nights increased 1.6 % in the year. In addition, state airports recorded sustained growth, with a 3.1 % increase in passenger traffic compared to 2023.
2024 key figures
- 142.9 million of visitors in the year, a 1.6 % more than in 2023.
- 130.7 million of national tourists, with an increase in 1.3 %.
- 8.9 million of international visitors, with a growth of the 6.6 %the closest figure to total recovery since 2019.
- 3.3 million of Canadian tourists, a 1.2 % more than the previous year.
- 91.5 % of tourism came from national visitors, 6.2 % of international tourists and 23 % of Canadians.
- Traffic in the 19 main airports in Florida grew by 3.1 %with notable increases in Tallahassee, Panama City and Pensacola.
With these data, Florida reaffirms its position as the main US tourist destination, promoting its economy and consolidating its global attraction, said the state president.
Spring vacations
In this context, Desantis highlighted his support for local Miami Beach authorities in his effort to preserve the quality of life of residents during the period of Spring vacations. He emphasized that the streets will not be allowed to be invaded or that the businesses are threatened.
“The effort of the previous year was successful thanks to the collaboration and resources provided” and said it is expected to repeat this success with the support of the state of Florida.
(Email Protected)
