Governor Ron DeSantis credits Florida’s record-breaking tourism success to resilient policies and people
Destin, Florida – With the Sunshine State seeing unheard-of visitor counts in the third quarter of 2024, Florida’s tourism business has once again proved its resilience and appeal. Preliminary data shows that a staggering 34.6 million people visited Florida during this period, a 1.8% increase over the same quarter in 2023 and a new all-time high for third-quarter travel.
This increase in tourists is not an isolated occurrence; instead, it is a reflection of a larger pattern of steady expansion in the travel industry of Florida. Comparatively to the same period in 2023, the first three quarters of 2024 had 2 million visitors increase overall. Attracting both domestic and foreign visitors in great numbers, these record-breaking figures highlight Florida’s ranking as the top travel destination in the country.
The foundation of Florida’s record-setting success is still its own domestic travel. Just in the third quarter, 31.8 million domestic visitors explored the state, making up 91.8% of all visits. This represents a 1.8% rise from the year before, highlighting Florida’s ongoing appeal with its varied attractions—from gorgeous beaches to internationally known theme parks.
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Governor Ron DeSantis attributed these successes to the way Florida’s government operates and the commitment of its people.
“The Free State of Florida continues to break records for tourism,” said Governor Ron DeSantis in a news release.
Although the results were dominated by domestic travel, international travel also showed promising indicators of recovery. Reflecting a 1.9% rise over the same time previous year, overseas tourists in Q3 2024 came at 2.3 million. Meanwhile, 582,000 Canadian visitors made their way to Florida, representing a 2.5% uptick year-over-year. These numbers taken together show a consistent comeback of global travel even as the world still deals with post-pandemic challenges.
“The hard work and resilience of Floridians have been instrumental in keeping our tourism industry strong, showcasing the best of what our state has to offer,” said Dana Young, President & CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “Governor DeSantis’ leadership has positioned Florida as a top choice for travelers, and the continued record-breaking tourism numbers reflect that.”
Florida’s aviation sector has also played a key role in facilitating this growth. Rising 1.3% over the same quarter previous year, the state’s 19 main airports reported a combined total of 25.6 million enplanements in Q3 2024. Smaller yet strategically significant airports like those in Pensacola and Palm Beach saw major expansion, mirroring the easier access to Florida’s several locations.
Strategic leadership and a great range of attractions form the cornerstone of Florida’s success as a tourism powerhouse. The state provides something for everyone—family-friendly adventures, luxury resorts, cultural events, and outdoor excursions. Its dedication to upholding open, business-friendly policies has strengthened its appeal to millions of people even more.
The numbers from Q3 2024 are more than just statistics; they reflect the trust and enthusiasm of travelers worldwide. As Florida keeps breaking travel records, the Sunshine State is a brilliant example of how a great vision and teamwork can propel ongoing success.
For businesses, leaders, and residents of Florida, the record-breaking numbers inspire pride and provide a clear indication of what lies ahead. Having three straight quarters of unheard-of expansion, the momentum seems not to be fading. As Governor DeSantis remarked, “It is a testament to our model, and we will continue to operate our state with common sense, fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and a penchant for freedom.”
