Orlando first US destination to top 70 million annual visitors
The theme park capital of the world consolidated its spot as America’s top tourist destination with 72 million visitors in 2017.
In doing so Orlando became the first US destination to surpass 70 million annual visitors.
It represents annual growth of more than 5%, Visit Orlando said.
"Our record-breaking year was achieved despite international headwinds and the statewide effects of Hurricane Irma," said Visit Orlando’s president and CEO George Aguel.
"In 2017, our destination launched new consumer experiences on a significant scale, and our marketing efforts leveraged increasing consumer confidence in the United States. We also continued our focus on communicating the unique emotional connections visitors have with Orlando."
It recorded an all-time high of 65.86 million domestic visitors while maintaining its place as a top destination for international travelers, despite upheaval in some major overseas markets.
A total of 6.15 million international visitors came to Orlando last year.
"Looking ahead, with so many new developments throughout our destination, the region’s No. 1 industry is poised to grow even stronger — this year and well into the future. Tourism supports one in three jobs and generates nearly $70 billion in annual economic impact," Aguel added.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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