Miami – Florida consolidated his strength as a tourist destination by registering 41.2 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025, a figure that shows stability compared to the same period of the previous year.
Of that total, according to official statistics, 91.9% corresponds to national tourists, while the international presence, although significant, continues to be limited.
Of the total number of travelers, 37.9 million came from different states of the country. However, international tourism was represented by 2.1 million foreign visitors, not including Canadians, and 1.2 million tourists from the neighboring northern country.
These figures reflect a slight growth of 0.2% in the influx of Americans, but also show a sustained dependence on internal tourism, according to experts.
Factors against international tourism
Experts say that some policies dictated by Washington, as well as the slowness in migratory procedures and the appreciation of the dollar against other currencies, among other factors, could be impact on international tourism.
The appreciation of the dollar against other currencies reduces the purchasing power of international tourists. This makes trips to the United States more expensive and Florida in particular, making many potential visitors opt for more economically accessible destinations.
Additionally, many countries, especially in Latin America, face significant delays in the issuance of visas to enter the United States, which deter possible tourists or delays their trips. In addition, the strictest immigration policies in recent years have created a perception of difficulty entering the country.
Also, Caribbean, Europe and South America have reinforced their tourism promotion campaigns and offer more competitive packages. As a complement, many of these destinations do not require visa for tourists from certain regions, which gives them an advantage against Florida.
Although domestic tourism in the United States recovered rapidly, international tourism still drags sequelae, such as health restrictions in some issuing countries, uncertainty about regrowths and changes in travel habits.
Meanwhile, Florida has registered increases in hotel rates and other tourist services. For an international visitor, especially countries with less purchasing power, accommodation costs, internal transport and attractions to attractions can be prohibitive.
In the opinion of some analysts, a good part of the state tourism promotion strategy has been focused on the domestic market. This has left a lower investment in campaigns aimed at emerging international markets, which limits the visibility of Florida outside the US and Canada
Projections
The forecasts for the rest of 2025 are optimistic. Orlando, in the center of Florida, aims to overcome its record of international visitors before the end of the year.
In the city of large parks, anticipated hotel reserves for the January-April period exceeded 6.6%of the previous year, with increases both in the group segment (5%) and in leisure (7.6%).
In addition, the travel intentions of Americans remain strong. Eight out of ten adults plan to take vacations in the next twelve months, and 84% expect to travel as much or more than in 2024.
Orlando continues to stand out as the favorite destination for families with children in the next two years.
Reflection
Florida is consolidated as well as the country’s main tourist destination. Despite the imbalance between national and international tourism, the industry maintains its growth rate, generates jobs and energizes the economy.
However, the authorities and leaders of the sector recognize that diversifying the origin of visitors, including more international tourism, will be key to sustaining this long -term leadership.
