Florida's International Tourist Industry

Abstract

Florida's tourist industry has experienced its greatest expansion during the post World War II period. Whereas Canadians comprised from three to five per cent of all tourists visiting Florida early as 1950, it was not until after the opening of Disney World in 1971 that Latin Americans, Europeans and Asians began coming to Florida in relatively large numbers. Between 1975 and 1986 the number of international tourists increased from 1.6 to 3.4 million. The main reason for the increase in the 1980s has been the devaluation of the American dollar.In 1986, international tourists visiting Florida made up approximately 14 per cent of all international tourists entering the United States. Within the state, international tourists comprised about 10 per cent of the total number of tourists and spent about $2.4 billion—slightly more than 10 per cent of the total tourism receipts.Canadians still comprise the largest number of international tourists and spend more nights in Florida than in any other state and more th...