There’s light at the end of the tunnel for Florida’s Tourism… it's just farther away than we thought
- Allan Carnevale
- Oct 28, 2020
- 2 min read
Florida’s tourism, which accounts for about 13% - 15% of state’s total yearly revenue, has taken a toll since the pandemic started. People from all around the world who once were regulars in the tourism scene, are now too afraid to come to Florida due to the risk of contracting the infectious disease we have all grown to dislike called SARS-CoV-2, AKA “Covid-19”, AKA “Coronavirus”, AKA “the ‘Rona”.
Although it may not seem like it, 13% - 15% is actually quite a significant part of Florida’s revenue. In 2018, tourism generated $94 Bn in revenue, accounted for 1.5 million jobs across the state, and generated $14.1 Bn in total federal tax and $12 Bn in total state and local tax. Taking into consideration that Florida’s employed population is 9.1 million people, a rise in unemployment in the tourism sector will have a strong effect in the state’s economy.
Florida chief economist Amy Baker said “Our belief is that tourism is going to take two to three years to recover, and it will be the longest-recovering sector that we have”. This means that Florida will have to adapt to the effects of the pandemic and allocate its resources to other revenue generating industries like agriculture, international trade or aerospace and aviation.
Meanwhile, companies in the tourism sector are implementing safety measures with the hope of attracting more tourists. Disney for example has implemented mandatory use of facemask for guests, implemented cashless transactions to avoid physical contact and enhanced cleaning procedures. Likewise, Universal Orlando Resort requires all guests to use face coverings, have a temperature check before entering the premises and follow floor markings that ensure proper social distancing.
Tourism has started to rise slowly in the Sunshine State as businesses reopen and travelling increases. Florida’s main attractions, Disney and Universal, have seen a return of guests, although in lower numbers compared to the pre-Covid era, while beaches and outdoor entertainment seem to be on the rise for Floridians.
All in all, signs of recovery are starting to appear. Florida’s tourism seems to be on the path to recovery and there’s light at the end of the tunnel… But until the Covid-19 vaccine is out, that light will be a little farther away than we thought.
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