Despite last year’s hurricanes, the state of Florida reported record numbers of visitors.
Visit Florida said 76.8 million people came to the Sunshine state in 2004, or about 3% more than the previous year.
Said spokeswoman Vanessa Welter:
“That was a record.” The state has been steadily increasing in visitors since a brief dip in 2001, she added.
To keep visitors coming this summer, the state’s tourist arm, Visit Florida, is spending $4.75 to market the area.
The marketing is necessary to “reassure travelers that Florida is a safe, sunny and welcoming destination,” said Gov. Jeb Bush. That’s particularly the case from June through November, which is the hurricane season.
Report by David Wilkening
