FLORIDA EXPECTS RECORD TOURIST ARRIVAL NUMBERS IN Q2

Governor Rick Scott announced that according to Visit Florida's preliminary estimates 24 million visitors came to Florida in the second quarter of 2014 (April-June), an increase of 3 per cent over the same period in 2013. This represents the largest second quarter for visitation Florida has ever experienced, exceeding the previous high of 23.3 million in Q2 2013. Visitor spending is up 7.4 per cent in January through May 2014, at US$35.7 billion, which is more than the same time period in 2013.
 
“A thriving tourism industry is vital to growing jobs, and today’s report that Florida has experienced another record quarter for visitation is great news for Florida families. This year we invested US$74 million into Visit Florida, and set a goal to have 100 million visitors visit the Sunshine State, which we are well on our way to reaching. Together we are creating an opportunity economy, and continuing to grow more jobs for Floridians with more than 1.1 million individuals employed in the growing tourism industry,” said Scott.

Tourism and recreation taxable sales for Florida grew year-over-year for January-May 2014 (last reported month), representing a 7.4 per cent increase over the same period in 2013.  Bed Tax also increased year-over-year for January-April 2014 (last reported month), representing a 10.1 per cent jump over the same period last year. Other indicators were up for Q2 2014 as well, with the average daily room rate (ADR) rising 7 per cent, the occupancy rate for Florida hotels increasing 4.8 per cent and the demand in rooms sold growing 5.5 per cent compared to quarter two 2013.
 
“Florida tourism is maintaining strong momentum with all indicators up across the board for the quarter. With occupancy, rooms sold, average daily room rate and tourism and recreation taxable sales all continuing to climb, we are well on our way to making Florida the No. 1 travel destination in the world,” said Will Seccombe, President and CEO, Visit Florida.