Florida Tourism Taking Hit

The downturn of our economy has had a huge impact on all industries across the nation and has put many such as the insurance industry in need of help. However tourism in central Florida seemed to be unaffected due to the fact that it was steadily rising over the past decade. This was all prior to 2008 though because since then Tourism has been declining in the past year due to abnormal weather patterns. The Associated Press reports that about 82.5 million visitors traveled to Florida in 2008 and this was up 2.3 percent from 2007. Canadian travelers alone increased by 14 percent in that year as well and many residents of Florida chose in-state vacations increasing by 23 percent.



Central Florida is regarded as the top area of the state when it comes to tourism due to the fact that it has the largest amusement park on earth with Disney World. and many others surround the area such as Universal Studios, Sea World and Busch Gardens. However, many reports are that these parks are taking a hit in the last year. Busch Entertainment Corp. who owns SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay estimates it will end the year down 7 percent in attendance.

The tourism industry is something this region of the state thrives on and in the past two years there has been a decline. Many analysts believe it’s been due to the threat of hurricanes and bad weather but one analyst, Abe Pizam Dean of the University of Central Florida's Rosen college, believes that foreigners have become bored with the region and that Florida now needs "new reasons for people to come".(1)

This definitely a clear sign of why our area is looking at one of the worst unemployment rates in the state. At 13.1 percent too many are finding it difficult to find work and support themselves. The tourism industry taking this type of hit only makes that situation worse and if the slump continues. The highest unemployment rate in the state may only get higher.













(1) http://www.sambaladevelopments.com/cape_verde_news.cfm?nid=183