Tourism Spending hits Record in 2012 says VISITFLORIDA

(Photo credit: VISITFLORIDA/Contributed photo)

Visitors to the Sunshine State spent a record $71.8 billion, an increase of 6.8 percent over 2011, state officials announced Thursday.

This represents a record year of spending in 2012 by tourists in Florida, exceeding the previous highs of $67.2 billion in 2011 and $65.5 billion in 2007.

Gov. Rick would like VISITFLORIDA to receive $75 million more in the new budget to promote the state, domestically and internationally, as a tourist destination.