Orlando reaches 72 million annual visitors

Orlando has consolidated its spot as America’s top tourist destination with 72 million visitors in 2017.

In doing so, the theme park capital of the world has become the first US destination to surpass the 70-million annual visitor mark.

The figure represents annual growth of more than 5%, Visit Orlando said.

Visit Orland president and CEO George Aguel said: "Our record-breaking year was achieved despite international headwinds and the statewide effects of Hurricane Irma.

"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."

Orlando 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 number-one 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.