Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale Among Top U.S. Destinations for International Travelers

Florida Cities Dominate International Tourism

Three Florida cities Miami, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale rank among the most visited by international travelers in the United States, according to an analysis published on Monday by Luxury Link using data from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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Image by: Caden DeLisa | Jul 30, 2024

Miami: A Global Tourism Hub

Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall was recorded as the second most visited metropolitan area in the nation, attracting 4,365,000 overseas visitors in 2023, accounting for 13.9 percent of all international travelers to the U.S. The city’s beaches, nightlife, and proximity to South America continue to draw tourists globally, the report found. Miami’s tourism sector also generates significant revenue and supports thousands of jobs in hospitality, retail, and entertainment.

Orlando: The Theme Park Capital

Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford ranked fourth, welcoming 3,518,000 international visitors, representing 11.2 percent of the total overseas arrivals in the U.S. Known for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando maintains consistent tourism rates year-round.

Fort Lauderdale: A Rising Star

Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach placed 13th, with 749,000 overseas visitors in 2023. The city’s growing appeal to international tourists contributes to its rising status as a preferred destination.

Top U.S. Destinations

The New York City metro region topped the list with 8,890,000 international visitors. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale ranked third with 3,603,000 international visitors, boosted by its entertainment industry and Hollywood attractions.

Report Insights

The report, based on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Survey of International Air Travelers (SIAT), excluded visitors from Canada and Mexico to focus on overseas tourists. The analysis measured the number of international visitors per 1,000 residents and the percentage of total U.S. overseas visitors for each location. The data was contextualized using the latest population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey.

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