NewsCreative Loafing Tampa BayAugust 24, 2026Hillsborough County
Florida reports decline in tourism numbers for second consecutive quarter
Photo: Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
Florida tourism numbers fell for the second quarter in a row, with 34.01 million visitors recorded during the period. Total tourism for the first half of the year reached 73.5 million, amid reports of economic inflation and shifting travel patterns among Canadian visitors.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa BayWhy It Matters
The decline in tourism impacts state tax revenue and local business operations that rely on visitor spending, affecting the broader Florida economy.
Key Facts
- Florida tourism numbers declined for the second consecutive quarter.
- The estimated number of visitors for the second quarter was 34.01 million.
- The total number of visitors for the first half of the year was 73.5 million.
- Inflationary conditions are cited as a contributing factor to the decline.
- Canadian visitor behavior is linked to concerns over President Donald Trump's rhetoric and trade policies.
Who's Mentioned
locationFlorida“The state experiencing the decline in tourism.”PersonDonald Trump“U.S. President whose trade policies and rhetoric are cited as a factor in Canadi”other73.5 million“Total number of visitors for the first half of the year.”OrganizationCreative Loafing Tampa“The news outlet that published the report.”OrganizationRevenue Estimating Conference“Panel of Florida economists updating state revenue forecasts.”other34.01 million“Estimated number of visitors in the second quarter.”OrganizationStatistics Canada“Canadian government agency reporting on border crossing trends.”PersonMark Carney“Prime Minister of Canada commenting on U.S. trade negotiations.”PersonBryan Griffin“President & CEO of Visit Florida.”OrganizationVisit Florida“State tourism marketing arm reporting the data.”