Visit Everglades City and the Ten Thousand Islands of Southwest Florida, the Everglades

Florida’s Tourism Rocks a Record-Breaking Year

Everglades City

by Denise Wauters

Florida has once again proven its undeniable appeal, shattering all previous tourism records in 2024 with an astonishing 143 million visitors. This isn’t just a slight bump; it’s a significant 1.7% increase over the previous record set in 2023, showcasing the state’s enduring charm and robust visitor experience.

This remarkable achievement was driven by a diverse influx of travelers, including 130.65 million domestic visitors, 8.94 million overseas guests, and 3.41 million Canadian tourists. The sheer volume of visitors translated into billions in sales tax revenue, directly fueling Florida’s economy.

The momentum shows no signs of slowing down, with the first quarter of 2025 welcoming an impressive 41.2 million visitors. This strong start reinforces Florida’s standing as a premier travel destination, both nationally and globally.

First Quarter 2025 at a Glance

In the first quarter of 2025, Florida saw 41.2 million total visitors, reaffirming its leadership in the national tourism landscape. This included:

  • 37.9 million domestic travelers, making up 91.9% of total visitation.
  • 2.1 million overseas visitors and 1.2 million Canadian visitors, all contributing significantly to the overall numbers.
  • 35.8% of domestic non-resident travelers arriving by air, with 64.2% choosing non-air travel.
  • Florida’s 19 major airports bustling with 29.4 million total enplanements, and some airports really shone with notable growth: Punta Gorda was up 23.6%, St. Petersburg–Clearwater up 7.7%, and Daytona Beach up 7.4%.
  • The hospitality sector thriving, with a 2.4% increase in rooms sold, a 2.2% rise in Average Daily Rate (ADR) to \$227.22, and occupancy reaching 75.7%, up 1.6%.

Florida’s consistent growth in tourism is a testament to its widespread appeal, creating a ripple effect of economic strength across the state. This influx supports local jobs, invigorates businesses, and strengthens communities. With ongoing dedication to enhancing visitor experiences and strategic promotional efforts, Florida is poised for even greater achievements as the most sought-after destination in the United States.

2025-12-11T17:21:55-05:00December 10, 2025|Community, News|

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