Continuing the city’s streak of record-breaking years, 2018 saw 75 million people visit Orlando, making it the most-visited destination in the U.S.
The 2018 figures represent a 4.2 percent increase over the record-setting 2017, according to tourism marketing agency Visit Orlando. 2018 also set new records for number of U.S. visitors to Orlando (68.55 million, up 4.1 percent), international visitors (6.48 million, up 5.4 million), airline arrivals at Orlando International Airport (47.7 million passengers, up 6.9 percent) and international arrivals (6.6 million passengers, up 11.64 percent).
The overall increase was helped by an 8.1 percent jump in visits from Brazil and 13.4 percent jump in tourists from Mexico.
“It was another record-breaking year for Orlando with both domestic and international visitation,” said Visit Orlando president and CEO George Aguel. “We saw strong gains from all of our core countries, particularly from Latin America. This success is a testament to the special appeal of our destination that continues to grow and evolve, as well as our strong commitment to strategic marketing initiatives.”
2019 appears to be a lock for another record-breaking year for tourism figures. The major theme parks in and around Central Florida are all opening new attractions this year, as well as major expansions like SeaWorld’s Sesame Street, Legoland Florida’s Lego Movie World and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
More visitors also means hotel capacity has to increase. Resort operators are trying to keep up with the demand with new developments like Margaritaville Resort Orlando in Kissimmee and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort along International Drive.
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