News Summary
Florida’s tourism sector has achieved a record high with 34.5 million visitors in the second quarter, primarily driven by domestic travelers. While Canadian visitors declined by 20%, U.S. tourists make up over 91% of the total. The state is adapting to changes in tourism dynamics, focusing on attracting travelers from emerging international markets. Florida’s attractions, especially in St. Petersburg and Punta Gorda, continue to entice visitors, underscoring a resilient tourism sector despite challenges.
Florida Experiences Record Domestic Tourism Despite Decline in Canadian Visitors
Florida’s tourism sector has reached an all-time high with 34.5 million visitors recorded in the second quarter of 2025, marking a significant milestone for the state. This figure, covering the months from April to June, represents the highest visitor count for any second quarter in Florida’s history, as stated by Governor Ron DeSantis. Among these visitors, 31.5 million were domestic travelers, showcasing a robust interest from U.S. residents.
In sharp contrast, Florida saw a notable decline in international visitors, with only 3 million foreign entrants during the same period. This decrease has been largely attributed to a drop in the number of Canadian tourists, which has faced various challenges such as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. Specifically, the number of Canadian visitors plummeted to an estimated 640,000, reflecting a 20% decline compared to the previous year.
The St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport has also experienced a positive trend, reporting a 14% increase in passenger numbers, indicating a rising number of air arrivals to the region. St. Petersburg, affectionately known as the ‘Sunshine City,’ remains a popular destination, featuring attractions such as Pete Beach, renowned for its 7 miles of pristine sandy shores and appealing year-round weather.
Attractions Driving Growth
Clearwater Beach, situated just north of St. Petersburg, is celebrated for its fine white sands and iconic Pier 60, drawing crowds throughout the year. Moreover, Punta Gorda has emerged as a rapidly growing destination within Florida, witnessing a remarkable 22.5% increase in airside visitors. Key attractions in Punta Gorda include the Blanchard House, an African-American museum, and the historically rich Old Charlotte County Courthouse, noted for its Classical Revival architecture.
Punta Gorda boasts a charming downtown area filled with vibrant murals, quaint cafes, and waterfront amenities like Fishermen’s Village, enhancing its appeal to tourists. Despite the challenges faced from the decline in Canadian visitors, Florida’s tourism sector has reported a rebound in interest from other international markets, specifically Brazil and other South American countries.
Tourism Trends and Future Outlook
The overall visitor statistics underscore a significant shift in the dynamics of Florida’s tourism industry. With U.S. travelers comprising 91.15% of the total visitation, the state has adapted to changing circumstances effectively. Furthermore, overseas travel from other international markets has shown a growth rate of 11.4%, amounting to approximately 2.3 million visitors. This resilient domestic market coupled with emerging international sources demonstrates Florida’s capacity to pivot and attract visitors from diverse backgrounds.
In light of the sustained decline in Canadian tourism, Florida is proactively seeking to attract travelers from abroad, exploring alternative markets. A pending bill that may extend the stay duration for Canadian snowbirds could potentially influence future tourism dynamics from Canada, although the long-term effects remain to be seen. Current strategies are focusing on tapping into markets beyond Canada, ensuring that Florida’s tourism ecosystem continues to grow despite external challenges.
In conclusion, Florida’s tourism landscape is characterized by an impressive rebound fueled primarily by domestic travelers. The state is poised to remain a prime destination for visitors, leveraging its appeal while navigating fluctuating trends in international tourism effectively.
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Additional Resources
- The Travel: Americans Rejoice as Florida Replaces Canadian Tourism
- CBS News: Florida Tourism Numbers Up Despite Drop in Canadian Visitors
- Islander News: Florida Shatters Another Tourism Record for 2025
- My News 13: Visit Orlando Economic Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tourism
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
