Florida had more tourists than ever in 2013, according to new numbers by Visit Florida, the state’s tourism agency.
An estimated 94.7 million tourists visited Florida in 2013, nearly 3.5 percent increase over 2012, making it the third consecutive year of record numbers. Visit Florida officials estimate 91.4 million visitors in 2012, and only 85.9 million in 2011.
Most Florida visitors were domestic – from other states and U.S. territories— making up a 2.5 percent increase, based on year-to-year numbers.
In addition, Visit Florida says there was a 4.1 percent increase in Canadian visitors, for 3.7 million total, as well as 11.5 million overseas visitors a strong 11.1 percent increase.
What wasn’t included in the 2013 tourism numbers was an estimated 20.1 million in-state trips taken by Florida residents.
Gov. Rick Scott, who is pushing a $35 million increase next year in state funding for Visit Florida, bringing the agency’s budget to a record $100 million, announced the figures during a press conference at Universal Orlando Resorts.
Because of increased tourism, Universal plans to add nearly 3,500 new jobs this year for a major expansion in Central Florida.
Among the new additions are a luxury hotel based on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley attraction, and expanding the on-site CityWalk Entertainment complex.
