Florida Homes & Travel

Preliminary numbers and profiles of visitors to the Sunshine State during 2004 have been released by Visit Florida – the states’ official tourism arm. The numbers give cause for satisfaction as they show an overall increase in visitors of three percent over 2003. Approximately 76.8 million visitors made the trip by car, plane or boat – a record-breaking number.

The incredible showing of the first half of the year is likely to offset any downturn as a result of the catastrophic hurricane season. It remains to be seen when the numbers are broken down what impact the influx of out of state helpers had during the latter half of the year. Overseas visitors showed the largest comparative advance in arrivals with an 11.2% increase over 2003. Canadians also had their best exodus for a few years with a 9.2% increase over 2003. The money contributed from tourism into state coffers was substantial. Taxable sales from tourism and recreation amounted to $51,773,000 according to the Department of Revenue. “Bed Tax”, the tourist development tax levied by many counties (amount varies by county) on hotels, motels and short-term rental properties provided over $200,000 for the State. As well as contributing in taxes, tourism supports a large part of the employment industry. In 2003 870,700 jobs were directly attributable to travel. During 2004 that peaked at 904,100, although the average was 890,700 over the year. There is no doubt however that many employees in lodging and restaurants were laid off temporarily and in some cases permanently as a result of the storms.

Posted on 3 March 2005