Governor Ron DeSantis Announces the Highest Tourism Numbers in the Second Quarter in Florida's History

Aug 27, 2024

On August 15, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida welcomed a record number of 34.2 million visitors in the second quarter of 2024. This figure represents an increase of 1.7% compared to the same period in 2023, setting a historic record for the second quarter in the state's history.

“Florida continues to set the standard as the premier destination for tourists,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These impressive numbers reflect the success of our efforts to prioritize public safety, freedom, and sensible leadership. These priorities make the Free State of Florida a highly appealing place to visit.”

Florida remains a top tourist destination, attracting 31.5 million domestic visitors in the second quarter of 2024, an increase of 1.8% compared to last year. International visitation also grew by 1.8%, with 2 million foreign travelers and an estimated 739,000 Canadians choosing Florida for their vacations.

“Florida continues to be the preferred destination for millions of Americans and international visitors,” said Dana Young, president and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “Our success demonstrates the results of the Governor's freedom policies, VISIT FLORIDA's strategic marketing efforts, and Florida's undeniable beauty. Moving forward, we will continue to leverage our strengths to ensure that Florida remains the top destination for travelers from around the world.”

Highlights of the VISIT FLORIDA Second Quarter Visit Estimates include:

Preliminary estimates indicate that 34.2 million total visitors (in-person trips) traveled to Florida in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024, an increase of +1.7% compared to Q2 2023. Domestic visitors represented 92.1% of the total, while international visitors represented 5.8% and Canadian visitors 2.2%.
The preliminary flight/non-flight ratio for domestic visitors in Q2 2024 is estimated at 38.1% / 61.9%, the highest flight ratio for a second quarter since 2016.
Total departures at 19 Florida airports reached 29.2 million in Q2 2024, an increase of +5.0% compared to Q2 2023. Orlando was the busiest airport in the state with 7.5 million departures (+0.9%), followed by Miami with 7.1 million (+9.3%). Panama City (+20.1%) and Tallahassee (+16.6%) experienced the fastest growth in departures across the state.
The demand for hotel rooms in Florida increased by +0.9% in Q2 2024 compared to Q2 2023.

As tourism in Florida continues to reach new heights, these record figures underscore the unyielding appeal of the state. With unmatched natural beauty, world-class attractions, and a commitment to freedom, Florida remains a beacon for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.

Source: Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Greatest Second-Quarter Tourism Numbers in Florida History (flgov.com )