Florida has posted a record third-quarter for tourist visits this year.
Despite highly-publicized hurricanes in August and September, Visit Florida this week said 34.61 million people traveled to the Sunshine State in the third quarter of 2024, up from 33.995 million during the same period in 2023 and 34.551 million in 2022.
“The hard work and resilience of Floridians have been instrumental in keeping our tourism industry strong, showcasing the best of what our state has to offer,” Visit Florida President and CEO Dana Young said in a statement.
The Juno Beach Pier in Florida. JIM BYERS PHOTO
CBS News said Visit Florida estimates that 2.27 million overseas travelers and 582,000 Canadians visited the state from July to September of this year. That was up from 2.227 million overseas travelers and 568,000 Canadians in 2023. Overseas traveler visits totaled 1.931 million in the third quarter of 2022, while the state received 598,000 Canadians in that period.
Comparing 2022 and 2024, overseas travelers rose from 1.931 million in the third quarter two years ago to 2.27 million this year. Canadian visits were down slightly, falling from 598,000 in the third quarter of 2022 to 582,000 in this year’s third quarter, a drop of just 2.7%.
It’s important to note that Hurricanes Helene and Milton were very localized storms. There was virtually no impact on the Florida Keys or on Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Palm Beach, and very little little on Naples or Orlando or the historic coast near Saint Augustine, Jacksonville and Amelia Island. Likewise, Florida panhandle cities such as Panama City Beach and Pensacola were barely touched.
Even in areas affected by the storm, such as Tampa/St. Pete and Fort Myers, most hotels, restaurants and attractions suffered only minimal damage and were up and running within days. Things have been slower to improve in Sarasota and Anna Maria Island, but the picture is getting brighter every day. Lovely Anna Maris Island beach reopened to the public two weeks ago.
AIR CANADA VACATIONS ADDS NEW ZEALAND
Air Canada Vacations has announced the launch of its latest travel collection offering New Zealand tour packages, making the land of stunning landscapes, Māori culture, and natural wonders more accessible than ever to Canadian travellers.
With a variety of curated seasonal tours, travellers can now experience the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty and vibrant cities, with seamless connections and unforgettable experiences.
“The addition of New Zealand to our travel portfolio supports Air Canada Vacations’ global expansion goals,” said Nino Montagnese, Vice President, Air Canada Vacations. “New Zealand is a dream destination for many Canadians, and we’re thrilled to offer carefully crafted tour packages that take the guesswork out of planning and organizing the perfect itinerary, leaving more time to explore this incredible country.
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Now travellers can experience the best of New Zealand and beyond, whether it’s a tour focused solely on New Zealand or a combined Australia-New Zealand adventure, Air Canada Vacations gives you options.”
I’ve had two trips to New Zealand in the past 10 years or so. It’s a magical place, with warm, welcoming locals, world-beating wineries, amazing beaches, fabulous golf courses, top-notch restaurants, towering mountains and much more. The rich Maori culture adds yet another level of depth to a New Zealand vacation, and visitors can find everything from beach rentals to luxury city hotels and villas surrounded by deep green forests.
Each Air Canada Vacations tour includes 4-star accommodations, daily breakfast, roundtrip private airport-hotel transfers, guided day tours with transportation where applicable, and the option to earn and redeem Aeroplan points. Getting there is also made easy with flights from Vancouver to Auckland four times per week from November 2024 – January 2025, and five times per week from January – March 2025, with
connecting flights from over 60 Canadian airports. Tours are also available in both English and French upon request.
Key highlights of the New Zealand program include:
• Kiwi Wonders: 8 days/7 nights, offering an in-depth exploration of Auckland and Rotorua, including a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set and geothermal wonders in Rotorua.
Visitors to the Hobbiton movie set in New Zealand will be able to stay overnight next year. That’s me on a visit a few years ago.
• Complete Australia and New Zealand Highlights: 19 days/17 nights, combining the best of both countries, from Sydney’s iconic attractions to Māori cultural experiences in New Zealand. Nature lovers will delight in exploring caves, bathing in geothermal mud pools and discovering jaw-dropping geysers. (Combining New Zealand and Australia is an excellent idea)
• Magical Australia and New Zealand Express: 13 days/11 nights, featuring guided tours and cultural highlights from both countries. A great option for travellers short on time who want to discover two bucket list destinations in one trip.
• New Zealand Wonders: 11 days/9 nights, experience two of New Zealand’s most captivating destinations. The adventure begins in Auckland, the vibrant “City of Sails,” exploring its stunning harbours, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks. Next, travel to Wellington and enjoy the city’s picturesque waterfront, vibrant art scene, fine dining and dynamic nightlife.
• New Zealand Experience: 11 days/9 nights, embark on an enchanting journey through New Zealand’s South Island, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. Highlights include the charming town of Wanaka, the majestic Mount Cook, and the adrenaline-packed adventure hub of Queenstown. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and local charm, capturing the essence of New Zealand’s wild wonders.
For more information about the new guided tours to New Zealand, please visit the Air Canada
Vacations website here.
