Florida’s economy is seeing a boost from tourism for the 30th consecutive month, putting the state on track toward a record year. The state saw a significant increase in visitors from the U.S. and abroad during the third quarter of 2012.
Those figures are according to preliminary estimates released by VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing company. VISIT FLORIDA president Will Seccombe said, compared with the same time period in 2011, 3.5 percent more visitors came to Florida. And that means the state was able to add 15,000 jobs since this time last year.
"On any given day, there are more people visiting the sunshine state than live in 15 U.S. states. So the economic impact is massive, and the employment is incredibly significant," he said.
Seccombe also said, from January to August, tourism and recreation sales increased 7.5 percent, to $49 billion, over the same time period last year.
Part of that increase can be attributed to a 4 percent increase in visitors from Canada.