Florida Tourism

More people are moving into the state, and that means more stress on Florida's tourist destinations, says a USF professor who specializes in Sports Tourism and sustainability.

People in Florida already seem to be planning for their upcoming holiday trips. According to a recent AAA survey, 61% of those polled are securing their travel plans ahead of time.

Visit Florida's president and CEO said it's partly due to increased competition from other states and countries that shut down longer than Florida during the pandemic.

"I like to say this is my church ... you can see the water just emerald green, beautiful, birds everywhere, fish everywhere, stingrays. There's not a day I haven't been out here I haven't seen something different," Chris Powell said describing Three Rooker Island.

Broward County has lost out on about $20 million of conventions and conferences as organizers point to the political climate in Florida. It's the latest example of how politics touches tourism.

Travel to Florida from Canada has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, but visa issues continue to complicate the state's efforts to draw overseas visitors, according to tourism officials.

He led the agency for four years, and no reason was given for the departure.

Visit Florida staff members have crafted a tourism-marketing plan intended to combat increased competition from states that in the past few years imposed tougher COVID-19 restrictions.

The NAACP joined a Latino civil rights organization and a gay rights advocacy group in issuing travel advisories for the Sunshine State, where tourism is one of the state's largest job sectors.

Florida’s tourism agency Visit Florida estimated a record 37.9 million travelers into the state during the first quarter of 2023.

The hotel starts at about $4,800 for two people for two nights. Package includes lodging, meals and passes to Hollywood Studios, one of Disney World's four parks.

In his annual top-10 list of the country's best beaches, "Dr. Beach" Stephen Leatherman puts St. George Island in the Florida Panhandle at the top, while Caladesi Island State Park ranks No. 4.