The state of Florida has apparently prevailed over the great recession, hurricanes and even the BP oil spill with a record 86 million visitors traveling to the Sunshine State, reports Visit Florida.
The visitor count was up 4.4 percent from 2010, and topped a previous record set in the rosier economic environment of 2007, according to figures from the state’s promotion agency.
"But if current conditions hold, that top mark could be short-lived, especially as measured by Southwest Florida’s experience so far in 2012," reports the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Local tourism officials say this winter tourism season is off to a solid start, thanks largely to warmer January temperatures compared with the extended cold snaps of the previous two years.
"Bookings are really strong, so we think the season is coming in much greater than anticipated," said Virginia Haley, president of the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Higher 2011 visitor counts were tallied across the board. Domestic tourists increased 3%, Canadian visitors rose 5.7% and overseas travel jumped 16%,
Hoteliers and rental operators throughout the state say they, too, are seeing signs of significant improvement.
The rising price of gas could especially impact summer tourism, when in-state trips account for the largest percentage of travelers. So Visit Florida officials are warily watching that development, which has intensified due to the Iranian nuclear crisis.
By David Wilkening
