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FLORIDA - Florida’s Gulf Coast is experiencing a slower-than-expected summer, with some businesses reporting reduced customer traffic despite stable overall visitor numbers.
Operators along the coast say the usual spring break and summer crowds have not materialized this year.
Kirsten Smail, a marine educator with Dolphin Quest, told reporters spring break “really never happened for us,” while Amber Simmons, general manager at Pirates Pub & Grub, described the area as “a ghost town.”
Angela Wilson from Mad Beach Watersports noted that some businesses are down as much as 30 percent compared to previous years.
Statewide, Florida welcomed 41.2 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025, according to Visit Florida, a figure similar to last year.
The difference between the overall numbers and local business activity is largely due to changing visitor demographics.
Canadian tourists, who have historically contributed significantly to Gulf Coast tourism, have reduced travel to the U.S. Statistics Canada reports a 37 percent drop in road trips and a 26 percent decline in air travel from Canada in July compared to the previous year.
Domestic travelers now make up approximately 92 percent of Florida visitors.
U.S. tourists tend to spend less on lodging, airfare, and other travel-related expenses, which has affected businesses in areas that rely on higher-spending international visitors.
Economic pressures, including inflation and rising layoffs, have reportedly contributed to lower consumer spending on travel.
Travelers may find discounted hotel packages, reduced boat charter rates, and off-peak pricing at coastal destinations.
Flexible travel dates, particularly during the winter season when Canadian snowbirds normally visit, may provide additional opportunities for savings.