Announced at Epcot earlier today - Florida sets record in tourism for 2015 visits

Posted: Thursday February 18, 2016 5:40pm EST by WDWMAGIC Staff

In a ceremony at Walt Disney World's Epcot, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida set another record in tourism by welcoming 105 million visitors in 2015.

The 2015 record beats the previous high of 98.5 million in 2014.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida has surpassed our tourism goal and welcomed an historic 105 million visitors to our state in 2015. The number of travel-related jobs also reached a record high, with 1.2 million Floridians employed in the tourism industry. Tourism plays an important role in supporting our economy, and we will continue to make strategic investments in the tourism industry to keep Florida on track to becoming first for jobs. With five consecutive record years for tourism, it is time to set our goal even higher, and I look forward to welcoming 115 million visitors to the Sunshine State this year.”

Bob Chapek, chairman, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, said, “As home of the most popular theme park in the world, we’re thrilled to contribute to the record number of visitors to Florida — and the jobs and economic opportunities that tourism helps to create.”

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Matt_BlackMar 15, 2016

There's the fireworks, and you can meet Chewbacca and Kylo Ren.

FigmentForver96Mar 15, 2016

That's the funny part, I've even had people at work who said they were planning trips to Orlando to see the new Stat Wars rides....

Disneyhead'71Mar 14, 2016

I interviewed Gov. Voldemort in Diagon Alley.

Matt_BlackMar 14, 2016

Misleading? No... http://cdn.meme.am/instances/64687937.jpg

The90skidMar 14, 2016

I wonder how many more will show up in 2016 from the misleading WDW Star Wars ads.

SirenMar 12, 2016

Thank you. I wish I could do a trip report, lol. I just don't have the patience. I really believe you have to be gifted to do it. Anyway, we did a split stay and it was a nice balance. I like EMH and being able to book FP's in advance but I think I'm over it. LOL. LOL. We experienced record breaking weather at Disney. It was unseasonably warm but beautiful and no rain.

Matt_BlackMar 11, 2016

It's easy for Florida to get lots of visitors last year; thanks to the polar vortex, the North Atlantic was colder than a witch's t- ... Er... toe.

wdisney9000Mar 11, 2016

Glad you had a nice experience. FWIW, I would love to read your trip report if you wrote one, hence my OP. Weve debated giving the 4 Seasons a shot but it always comes down to the off-property factor.

SirenMar 11, 2016

Ugh, just stop this. It was not a trip report. I was simply sharing my positive experience in Orlando. I mean it, when I say, Orlando was ready to serve! From the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty everywhere we went. Orlando can compete with the best of them now, so it is no wonder why tourism has increased exponentially.

Zummi GummiFeb 19, 2016

Nauseating given the fact that with all these announced cuts, you'd think they're barely able to keep the lights on.

jt04Feb 19, 2016

Seems more like they are reorganizing for the future. Personally do not know anyone who has not been effected by these sorts of business practices. Not one person. 8 year "recoveries" will do that. Plus the coming technological singularity. There is always that. Seriously, I think tech is a major factor along with weak growth in the overall economy.

wdisney9000Feb 19, 2016

FYI, there is a forum for Trip Reports. This is the News and Rumors forum.

HakunamatataFeb 19, 2016

That's a good point, but don't most labor heavy businesses trim significantly in order to be more marketable. Not saying that is what is happening here, but it causes one to take pause.

jt04Feb 19, 2016

Cuts in some areas and additions to others. While growth continues steadily. This is the hallmark of a successful business. And why we no longer hear of WDW being sold off in chunks. Now do we?