Florida Tourism Industry on Eight-Year Roll
The 2018 visitor total marked the eighth consecutive record year for tourism visitation in Florida, according to VISIT FLORIDA. Last year’s visitation level surpassed the previous record of 118.8 million posted in 2017 by 6.2%.
TALLAHASSEE, FL—The tourism industry was never better in 2018, with a total of 126.1 million out-of-state visitors coming to the Sunshine State.
The 2018 visitor total marked the eighth consecutive record year for tourism visitation in Florida, according to VISIT FLORIDA. Last year’s visitation level surpassed the previous record of 118.8 million posted in 2017 by 6.2%.
Dana Young, president and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “With today’s announcement of an eighth consecutive record-breaking year, it’s clear that by focusing on value and data-driven campaigns, VISIT FLORIDA and the tourism industry have achieved unprecedented success.”
She continued, “We appreciate Governor DeSantis for his support of our organization and Florida’s entire tourism industry. Working together, we will continue to deliver results to Florida taxpayers who rely on VISIT FLORIDA to protect and enhance our iconic tourism industry.”
A record total of 111.8 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in 2018, which calculated out to a 7.1% increase over the 104,377 visitors in 2017.
VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official marketing agency, estimates in its report released on Wednesday that a total of 10.8 million overseas visitors and 3.5 million Canadians traveled to Florida in 2018.
Total enplanements at 18 Florida airports during 2018 rose 7.6% over the previous year, with a record 93.9 million airline passengers. Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) rose 3% last year.
The Florida tourism sector ended the year with a very strong fourth quarter with a record 30.3 million visitors, an increase of 4.6% over the same period last year. The fourth quarter total breaks down to 26.8 million domestic visitors, 2.9 million overseas visitors and 688,000 Canadian visitors.
Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in the fourth quarter of last year increased 6.6% over the same period in 2017, with 23.3 million passengers. Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) during the fourth quarter increased by 2.7%.
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