Florida broke a record last year by attracting 86 million visitors, or a 7.6% increase over a year earlier.
The Sunshine State achieved the feat despite hurricanes and rising gas prices, according to tourism officials. They are expecting to see tourism slow to a 3.2% increase, according to VISIT FLORIDA estimates.
Hotel room rates were also up.
In the South Florida area of Miami, for example, the average hotel room went for almost $159 a night last month. That figure is 8% more than the previous year, according to Smith Travel Research.
At the same time, hotel occupancy in Miami only dipped one percent to 79%.
Report by David Wilkening
