Discover Crystal River Florida Releases Visitor Economic Impact Report
Tourist activities in Citrus County generated over $526 million in total visitor spending in 2024, according to the newly released Visitor Economic Impact report conducted by Discover Crystal River Florida, the official tourism bureau for the destination, including Crystal River, Homosassa, Inverness, and Floral City. The results of the report were shared during a June 11 Board of County Commissioners meeting, during which tourism officials underscored the profound positive impact visitors have on the local economy, businesses, and residents.
According to the report, the $526 million in Total Visitor Spending in 2024 was generated by 1.7 million Total Visitors, including 1.1 million Day Trippers and 565,152 Overnight Visitors. The report also shows 27% of visitor spending went toward local businesses, including the categories of Accommodations, Arts & Entertainment, Attractions, Food & Beverage, Outdoor Recreation, and Retail. The details also gave insight into the Top 10 Original Markets, including In-State, such as Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota) and Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne, as well as Out-Of-State, including Atlanta, New York, and others.
“This report reaffirms what we’ve long known: tourism is not just a driver of our economy, it’s a reflection of our community’s strength and spirit,” Auvis Cole, Tourism Director for Discover Crystal River Florida. “In a year that tested us with two hurricanes, we didn’t just recover, we rallied. Our local businesses, partners, and residents came together to ensure visitors continued to feel welcome and inspired by everything that makes Citrus County so special. The economic impact we achieved in 2024 is a direct result of that unity and determination, and it sets the stage for even greater success in 2025.”
The multi-page report also breaks down Discover Crystal River Florida’s 2024 marketing performance, analyzing Website Analytics, Social Media Stats, and Public Relations placements. Furthermore, a map reflecting Sales Department, and indicators of Welcome Center efforts shows how Discover Crystal River Florida worked diligently to sell Citrus County throughout key U.S. and international markets.
For more information about the Visitor Economic Impact report, visit DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com/
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About Crystal River Florida
Renowned as the Manatee Capital of the World, Crystal River, Florida, is one of North America’s premier destinations for swimming with manatees. On a guided eco tour, you can enjoy an up-close encounter with these gentle giants. The city’s certified local guides ensure that this beloved, threatened species is treated with the utmost respect, using responsible passive observation techniques approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Located on Central Florida’s Gulf Coast, Crystal River and the surrounding cities of Old Homosassa, Inverness and Floral City are an authentic showcase of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty. Within tens of thousands of acres of protected state parks, forests and wildlife refuges, visitors can explore miles of bicycling, walking, birding, horseback riding and hiking trails to unlock a wild and wonderful world of natural, recreational and archaeological treasures. Pristine swimmable springs and a shimmering network of rivers, lakes, marshlands and mangroves make Crystal River perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, boating, fishing, scalloping and floating. Feeding the fun is a creative collection of restaurants, pubs, bistros and bars serving up freshly caught seafood and other seasonal favorites all year long. Begin your adventure at DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com or call (800) 587-6667.
MEDIA INFO: Britney Guertin
Hayworth Public Relations
(386) 677-7000 x 4