Sun still shining in Florida
Despite the four hurricanes that roared through Florida last year, the state had a record number of visitors last year.
Tourist spending reached a record $57 billion, up 10.8% from $51.5 billion in 2003.
A survey in March showed that only one in every ten potential visitors was less likely to visit the state because of hurricanes. That number was down from one in five earlier in the year.
Part of the reason for the state’s continuing popularity is the marketing done by Visit Florida, which has increased its advertising to raise the state profile as a destination.
The agency is paying for “Cover your event” insurance to allay fears of convention organizers. The coverage will pay up to $200,000 for major events if a hurricane disrupts plans from August through October.
In the state’s biggest tourism market, Orlando, only five of 988 meetings scheduled this year have changed plans, according to Danielle Courtenay, a spokeswoman for the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
She said new rides and attractions are also helping draw more visitors.
Florida is also the capital of the cruise industry with about two-thirds of US passengers leaving from that state. A record 11 million passengers are expected this year, according to the Cruise Lines International Association.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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