Tourism

Florida announced record tourism numbers for the first quarter of 2024, as totals for international visitors continue to move closer to pre-pandemic levels.Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office said Thursday an estimated 40.6 million people traveled to Florida during the first three months of the year, a 1.2 percent increase from the same period in 2023. The state also issued revisions that increased totals for all of 2023.

Visit Florida saw its return on investment fall to 58 cents for every $1 spent on marketing as COVID-19 slammed the doors on the state’s tourism industry, according to a new analysis by state economists.But with tourists back at beaches, theme parks and other attractions, the analysis projects that Visit Florida’s economic return will rebound to pre-pandemic levels.

Sunseeker Resorts is a new line of luxury resorts planned to have locations throughout the U.S. Publisher Karen Moore spoke to employees and visitors about the future of the first resort that opened in Port Charlotte this past December.

Southwest Florida Business Today Publisher Karen Moore talked with Lee County Economic Development Director John Talmage, who shared current information regarding post Hurricane Ian tourism impact and overall jobs recovery in Lee County.

The number of passengers traveling through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers increased in September, the first rise in the year-over-year number since April of 2022.

Local community leaders recently shared where things are now and what the future holds for Southwest Florida’s barrier islands.

The number of people traveling to Florida during the second quarter of 2023 decreased compared to a year earlier, according to estimates released Wednesday by the state’s tourism-marketing agency.

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.

Local tourism officials warn the proposed changes would harm efforts that last year helped lead to tourism numbers topping pre-pandemic levels. Rep. Mike Giallombardo, a Cape Coral Republican, is a sponsor of the proposal.

Visitors to Lee County are turning to local businesses and restaurants to support the area after Southwest Florida International Airport released numbers showing a change in tourism.