Press release from the Office of Governor Ron DeSantis
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that tourism to Florida has reached unprecedented levels, solidifying Florida’s position as a premier destination for travelers around the world. did. Revised numbers for 2023 show that Florida welcomed more than 140.6 million visitors, breaking the previous record. Additionally, Florida’s visitor numbers for the first quarter of 2024 reached her 40.6 million, the highest ever for a single quarter.
“Florida is once again leading the nation as an unparalleled tourist destination,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These record-breaking numbers demonstrate that our efforts have made the Free State of Florida even more attractive to visitors.”
According to revised statistics for 2023, Florida welcomed 140.6 million visitors, an increase of 2.3% from record-setting 2022 numbers and setting a new standard for visitors to the state. Domestic visitor numbers reach an all-time high, with 129.1 million domestic visitors choosing to visit Florida in 2023, including 8.3 million international visitors and 3.2 million Canadian visitors It is.
The unprecedented growth momentum continued into the first quarter of 2024, with 37.2 million domestic visitors, the highest ever for a single quarter. International visitors reached 2.1 million and Canadian visitors increased to 1.3 million. Total visitor numbers in the first quarter of 2024 broke records, increasing by 1.2% year-on-year to a staggering 40.6 million visitors, marking the highest number of visitors ever in a single quarter.
“Florida continues to welcome visitors with open arms,” said Dana Young, president and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “We saw record visitor numbers in 2023 and continued through the first quarter of 2024, reaffirming Florida as a must-see destination for travelers around the world.”
Key points from VISIT FLORIDA’s revised visitor forecast for 2023 include:
The total number of visitors has been revised from 135 million (-1.7% decrease from the previous year) to 140.6 million (2.3% increase from the previous year), making 2023 the year with the highest number of visitors ever. Ta. The number of domestic visitors in 2023 has been revised from -3.8% to +1.1% compared to the previous year, making the number of domestic visitors in 2023 the highest level ever.
Key points from VISIT FLORIDA’s first quarter visitor estimates include:
Preliminary estimates are that total visitors (individual travelers) to Florida in the first quarter of 2024 (Q1) were 40.6 million, an increase of +1.2% from Q1 2023. This was the highest number of visitors ever for a single quarter. This was driven by the continued recovery in international travel and continued strong domestic travel. Domestic tourists accounted for 91.6% of the total, international tourists accounted for 5.2%, and Canadian tourists accounted for 3.2%. The number of domestic visitors in the first quarter of 2024 is estimated to be a record high of 37.2 million, an increase of +0.2% compared to the first quarter of 2023. The preliminary aviation/non-aeronautical ratio of non-resident domestic visitors for the first quarter of 2024 is estimated at 38.2%/61.8%. The proportion of travelers by air exceeded both the first quarter of 2023 and the pre-pandemic first quarter of 2019. The number of international visitors in the first quarter of 2024 is estimated at 2.1 million, an increase of +18.4% from the first quarter of 2023. Visitor numbers fell -6.4% from the first quarter of 2019, marking the closest international visits have come to a full recovery since the start of the pandemic. Visitor numbers to Canada in the first quarter of 2024 are estimated at 1.3 million, an increase of 6.9% compared to the first quarter of 2023. The total number of in-flight flights at Florida’s 19 airports reached 30.2 million in Q1 2024, an increase of +9.4% from Q1 2023. Orlando International Airport was the busiest airport in the state with 7.6 million passengers (+6.8%), followed by Miami’s airport with 7.5 million passengers (+12.1%). Fort Myers Airport had the largest relative increase in in-flight flights (+25.2%), but Tallahassee Airport also saw a notable increase (+18.7%). The only airports that saw a decline were Sanford (-3.5%) and Daytona (-0.6%). Domestic in-flight flights at Florida’s 19 airports increased +8.9% in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023. Domestic flights accounted for 81.6% of total flights, down from 82.0% in Q1 2023.
VISIT FLORIDA periodically revise visitor estimates to ensure data accuracy as new information is collected and resources are identified.
These record-breaking numbers highlight the state’s enduring appeal as tourism to the state continues to rise to new heights. With unparalleled natural beauty, world-class attractions, and a commitment to freedom, Florida continues to be a beacon for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.
