In 2021, Ron DeSantis’s gubernatorial campaign sold “Don’t Fauci My Florida” merchandise. Not only did his pro-freedom agenda result in a stunning landslide victory in 2022, it also gave Florida its best-ever year for tourism.
According to DeSantis’s office, TOUR FLORIDA estimates that 137.6 million tourists visited the state in 2022, an increase of 12.9% from 2020 and a rise of 5.0% from 2019 before the COVID pandemic.
“People continue to make Florida their vacation destination because they know that in the Free State of Florida, they can enjoy all that we have to offer without mandates or restrictions,” DeSantis said. “Despite the federal government’s attempts to keep our economy stagnant, Florida’s freedom first approach has created an environment that attracts new visitors, fosters new businesses and drives our economy forward.”
Related: Should DeSantis Wait to Run for President?
Florida had 30.1 million domestic tourists in the fourth quarter of 2022, marking 21 months of growth. The Sunshine State also had 7 million international visitors in 2022, up 73% from 2021.
“We could not be more excited with the incredibly impressive record-breaking visitation seen in 2022,” Dana Young, VISIT FLORIDA president and CEO said. “Quarter after quarter, Florida continues to dominate the travel market and our competition, which could not be achieved without the hard work of our local tourism partners.”
Join the conversation as a VIP Member