Statement From Florida TaxWatch President And CEO Dominic M. Calabro On Latest Tourism Numbers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the latest tourism numbers and Florida continues to be a premier destination for visitors around the globe. The Sunshine State welcomed 27.3 million tourists to our great state in the second quarter of 2016 and 57.4 million over the first six months of 2016, which stands as the highest number of tourists in any six month time frame in Florida history.

Florida TaxWatch research has consistently found that a healthy and vibrant tourism industry is a crucial piece in boosting and diversifying Florida’s economy and that the state must continue to fund and promote programs that encourage Americans and tourists from around the globe to visit the Sunshine State. Tourism is the number one provider of jobs for Floridians and supports one job for every 85 visitors. It is also a major provider of tax revenue for cities, counties and the state.

We applaud the efforts of VISIT FLORIDA to boost the tourism industry and hope that they, along with the Governor and the Legislature, continue to remain committed in ensuring that Florida is the top tourism destination in the world.

Florida TaxWatch’s research on tourism can be found by clicking here.