Florida welcomed 36 million total visitors between January and March 2022, according to VISIT FLORIDA estimates. It represented a 14% increase from the fourth quarter of 2021, and the third consecutive quarter overall visitation has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Approximately 34.1 million domestic visitors traveled to the state in the first quarter. Overseas travelers accounted for 1.3 million travelers during the quarter, an increase of 169% from the first quarter of 2021. Quarterly hotel demand exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time in the quarter. Compared to the same period in 2021, the number of hotel rooms sold grew by 31.4% during the first three months of the year. Florida’s average daily rate was up over 38%, and its occupancy rate increased by nearly 24%.
Hurricane Helene's storm surge spared Santini Marina Plaza on Fort Myers Beach, where The Islander Gift Gallery & Boutique reopened...
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