Orlando has become the first US destination to surpass 70 million annual visitors in 2017, once again becoming America’s most-visited destination. Last year, 72 million visitors travelled to the city in central Florida, marking an increase of more than 5 per cent over the prior year.

Orlando International Airport became the busiest airport in Florida, with 44.6 million passengers.

Domestically, Visit Orlando recognised the potential of the country’s growing positive economic indicators and increased marketing initiatives focused on US audiences, with a special emphasis on the important Northeast region. Domestic visitation for 2017 grew to an all-time record total of 65.86 million.

In addition to the openings of new attractions, resorts and dining venues, Orlando’s visitation benefited from new and adjusted destination marketing strategies from Visit Orlando. Internationally, with several key markets facing uncertainties, Visit Orlando maintained its extensive marketing, brand and publicity programs to retain Orlando’s leading position as a top international destination, with 6.15 million visitors.

“Our record-breaking year was achieved despite international headwinds and the statewide effects of Hurricane Irma,” said Visit Orlando president and CEO George Aguel. “In 2017, our destination launched new consumer experiences on a significant scale and our marketing efforts leveraged increasing consumer confidence in the US."