Florida is the top state for domestic tourism in 2023, DeSantis celebrates

TALLAHSSSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis celebrated Florida’s continued ranking as the number one state for domestic tourism in the country.

“Florida’s world-class attractions, hospitality and unwavering commitment to freedom have solidified our position as a top vacation destination,” said DeSantis.

The governor’s office said Florida is number two in international tourism.

“These numbers show that Florida is still on the right track as we have insisted on prioritizing public safety and common sense leadership,” he added.

DeSantis’ comments come shortly after one of Florida’s rival states – California – highlighted their own spending on tourism.

According to data from Visit Florida, Florida’s market share among domestic tourists increased to 14.8% in 2023, up from 13.8% in 2022. The state welcomed a total of 135 million visitors last year.

“Florida’s continued ability to attract visitors speaks volumes about the state’s appeal, both nationally and internationally,” said Dana Young, president and CEO of Visit Florida.

“From our pristine beaches and serene state parks to the excitement of our world-famous theme parks and vibrant cities, Florida continues to captivate visitors with its unparalleled experiences,” she said.

“We look forward to continuing to exceed expectations and welcome visitors to our beautiful state,” she added.

The governor’s office added that California experienced a “notable decline,” with a loss of 1.2 percentage points, while New York experienced a decline of 0.8 percentage points.