Florida is a well-known tourist destination for people from all over the world. The state is famous for its beautiful beaches, amusement parks, and warm weather.
Every year, millions of tourists flock to Florida to enjoy its natural beauty and vibrant culture. In this article, we will take a closer look at how much revenue Florida generates from tourism.
Florida’s Tourism Industry
Tourism is one of Florida’s largest industries, generating billions of dollars in revenue every year. According to Visit Florida, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, more than 131 million visitors came to Florida in 2019 alone. This number includes domestic and international visitors who spent an estimated $91.3 billion during their stay.
The Economic Impact of Tourism in Florida
The tourism industry has a significant impact on Florida’s economy. It supports thousands of jobs and generates tax revenue for the state. In 2018, the tourism industry employed over 1.5 million people in Florida, according to Visit Florida.
Furthermore, the taxes generated by tourism help fund various state programs such as education and healthcare. In 2019, visitors to Florida paid over $13 billion in state and local taxes.
Tourism by Region
Florida is a large state with many popular tourist destinations spread throughout its various regions. According to Visit Florida, the Orlando area was the most visited region in 2019 with over 75 million visitors spending an estimated $35 billion.
Miami-Dade County ranked second with over 16 million visitors spending approximately $26 billion during their stay. Other popular regions include Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg/Clearwater on the west coast and Fort Lauderdale on the east coast.
Tourism During COVID-19
Like many other industries, tourism has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions and safety concerns have significantly reduced the number of visitors to Florida.
According to Visit Florida, the state’s tourism industry saw a 34% decrease in visitors in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. However, the industry is slowly recovering as travel restrictions are lifted and safety measures are put in place.
Conclusion
Florida’s tourism industry plays a vital role in supporting the state’s economy. It generates billions of dollars in revenue and supports thousands of jobs. While COVID-19 has impacted tourism, Florida remains a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.