Orlando Sets Record for Most Visitors Ever to a U.S. Destination

In 2013, Orlando welcomed 59 million visitors, up 3 percent from 2012 and more than any other U.S. destination — ever, according to Visit Orlando President and CEO George Aguel, who announced the record-breaking visitor total this week at the U.S. Travel Association’s annual International Pow Wow (IPW) event in Chicago.

According to Visit Orlando, Orlando is experiencing “one of the most significant expansion periods” in its history thanks to Universal Orlando Resort, which will open an expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this summer; SeaWorld Orlando, which recently opened “Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin,” the biggest expansion in SeaWorld’s history; and Walt Disney World Resort, which will debut the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster this summer, doubling the size of Fantasyland.

“We are so pleased to announce this incredibly exciting news,” Aguel said in a statement. “Thanks to the strong global marketing and sales efforts of our team at Visit Orlando and the leadership of our tourism members and community leaders who share a common vision for our destination, Orlando continues to lead the nation as its most visited destination.”