TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The state of Florida is breaking records. Data released by Visit Florida shows that about 69 million visitors came to the Sunshine State between January and June.
This is the largest number of visitors during any six-month period.
"This is great news for Florida and Tallahassee as a destination for tourism numbers to be up year over year," said Katie Cole, Senior Marketing Director for Visit Tallahassee.
It's news that brings hope for the future along with it.
The new tourism numbers are a reminder for Cole and her team of just how far the city has come and how far it could go.
"Its a really exciting time to be in Tallahassee, there's continued growth... there's hotels opening, there's new attractions coming on board, and restaurants," said Cole.
The Challenger Learning Center, one of Tallahassee's most popular tourist attractions, owes a lot of its success to tourists who come here from all over the region.
"Anytime tourism numbers are up that's great for us. I think people from out of town don't realize that Tallahassee is more than football, legislation. There's a whole host of things to do and see here," said Samantha Reaves, Communications manager for Challenger Learning Center.
The tourism numbers are motivation for Reaves as she works to bring in more visitors.
"We work very hard to keep things top notch by delivering high-tech programs, hands-on programs-- but in terms of our building, we just had all-new flooring installed. We are also in the research and design stage of designing new I-max seats, so that's to keep a competitive edge," said Reaves.
Visit Tallahassee keeps a list of all the fun things you can do or see in Tallahassee in the upcoming weeks. To learn more: click here
