In advance of National Travel and Tourism Week, Alachua County is pleased to announce continued growth in tourism's economic impact.
National Travel and Tourism Week, taking place May 4–10, 2025, celebrates the essential role of travel in the U.S. economy and in building connected, thriving communities. According to the U.S. Travel Association, travel generated $2.9 trillion in economic output and supported more than 15 million American jobs in 2024.
Locally, in 2024, visitors staying in paid accommodations generated $766.3 million in economic impact, which is a growth over the prior year and reflects the tourism sector’s critical importance to Florida communities.
Nearly 1.4 million visitors stayed in paid accommodations in Alachua County last year, and their direct spending on lodging, dining, shopping, groceries, and transportation totaled a record-setting $513.3 million. This visitor activity supported an estimated 6,400 local jobs, generated $250.8 million in wages and salaries, and contributed $75.3 million in state and local tax revenue, strengthening the local tax base and helping offset the tax burden for Alachua County residents.
Importantly, visitor spending accounts for approximately 25% of all consumer spending in Alachua County, underscoring tourism’s foundational role in sustaining the local economy.
“Tourism continues to be an engine that fuels our local economy and enhances everyday life for our residents,” said Jessica Hurov, the county’s tourism and economic development director. “This year’s gains are a testament to our destination’s appeal and the dedication of our partners across the hospitality sector. The return on investment for tourism has never been clearer.”
Since 2017, paid lodging revenue in Alachua County has grown by approximately 80.6%, rising from $96 million to nearly $174 million in FY24. This substantial growth highlights how Alachua County’s targeted investments in destination enhancement and tourism promotion yield measurable economic benefits for the entire community.
“The impact of tourism reaches far beyond hotels and attractions — it supports jobs, strengthens small businesses, and enriches our community,” said Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler, chair of the Alachua County Tourist Development Council. “We’re encouraged by the growth we’ve seen and excited to continue building on this progress.”
Tourist Development Taxes (TDT) — paid by visitors, not residents — play a key role in making this success possible. TDT revenue funds transformational capital projects that benefit residents and visitors, including the Alachua County Sports & Events Center, Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center, Champions Park in Newberry, and the Cade Museum.
These projects elevate Alachua County’s reputation as a premier nature, culture, and world-class sports tourism destination. Visit Gainesville, Alachua County’s strategic marketing, strong public-private partnerships, and workforce development initiatives, such as the Certified Guest Service Professional certification launch earlier this year, further support them.
For more information about Alachua County’s tourism, visit VisitGainesville.com.
For more information, contact Jessica Hurov at 352-374-5260 or jhurov@alachuacounty.us.
