Today, during a gathering of the Florida Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott announced that in accordance with preliminary estimates released by VISIT FLORIDA, visitors to the light State spent a record $71.8 billion, a rise of 6.8 percent over 2011. This represents a record year of spending in 2012 by tourists in Florida, exceeding the former highs of $67.2 billion in 2011 and $65.5 billion in 2007.
Governor Scott said, “Today’s news from VISIT FLORIDA demonstrates ‘It’s Working.’ Travelers to Florida spent a different $4.6 billion in 2012, marking the second one consecutive record year for visitor spending within the Sunshine State. Florida’s tourism industry is significant to Florida families because it serves as a necessary income to the state and a key driver of employment – and that’s why ourFlorida Families First Budget commits $75 million to go to FLORIDA, as a way to better grow jobs and opportunities for Florida families.”
As the state’s official destination marketing organisation, VISIT FLORIDA is chargeable for serving the citizens of Florida throughout the growth and development of the tourism industry. VISIT FLORIDA creates innovative cooperative marketing programs that enhance the industry’s ability to successfully promote the Florida tourism product around the U.S. and worldwide.
“Last year, visitors spent over 500 million vacation nights and nearly $72 billion within the Sunshine State,” said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “While it’s still very early in 2013, all indications are that VISIT FLORIDA is definitely positioned to construct at the previous two years’ momentum as we try to make Florida the No. 1 travel destination on the earth.”
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