Florida is known for its sunny beaches, amusement parks, and vibrant nightlife. It’s no surprise that tourism plays a significant role in the state’s economy.
In fact, it is one of the most vital industries in Florida. Let’s take a closer look at how much of Florida’s economy is from tourism.
Tourism in Florida
Florida is one of the most visited states in the United States, with over 131 million visitors in 2019 alone. The tourism industry in Florida provides jobs, generates revenue for businesses, and contributes to the state’s overall economic growth.
The Economic Impact of Tourism in Florida
According to Visit Florida, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, tourism generated a whopping $91.3 billion in economic impact in 2018. This number includes direct spending by visitors on lodging, food and beverage, transportation, and other activities.
Additionally, tourism supports over 1.5 million jobs in Florida across various sectors including accommodation, food services, retail trade, and transportation.
Beyond Theme Parks: Other Popular Tourist Attractions
While theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are major tourist attractions for families visiting Florida, there are several other popular destinations as well.
- The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
- The Everglades National Park
- The Salvador Dali Museum
- The Ringling Museum of Art
Tourism During COVID-19 Pandemic
The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the tourism industry worldwide. Similarly to other parts of the world, we have seen a significant decrease in travel to Florida since March of 2020.
According to Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing corporation, there was a 34% decline in visitors from January to June 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.
Conclusion
Tourism is a vital industry for Florida’s economy. It not only generates significant revenue but also supports millions of jobs across various sectors. While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for the tourism industry, Florida remains a top destination for visitors from around the world.