Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Counting Visitors by the Millions

Some 10 million tourists visited Volusia County in 2017, with half staying in hotels and motels, spending some $6.09 billion and putting 3,450 people to work in the lodging industry alone. Overall, tourism generated employment of 55,200 with a payroll exceeding $734 million. Tourists paid 40% of the county’s sales tax, according to Evelyn Fine, president of Mid-Florida Marketing & Research.

Most Volusia visitors are no strangers to the area. In 2017, more than 90% were repeat visitors reporting high levels of satisfaction.

Every season is tourist season in Daytona Beach/Volusia County. The former spring break icon has transitioned into a four-season destination that’s earned the “Festival Capital of Florida” moniker.

It’s easy to see why. Volusia County is home to more than 60 art, music and one-of-a-kind pop culture festivals; with some of the most well established events in the state on the festival calendar like the Greek Festival, Turkey Run and the Halifax Art Festival, it’s an impressive line-up with a flair for everything from culture and cuisine to motorsports and music. The environment, art, history and endless outdoor pursuits are enjoyed side by side in gatherings large and small.

  • The Ocean Center, Volusia County’s meeting, convention and entertainment complex, has undergone a renovation that doubled its size while enhancing cutting-edge technology and hospitality comforts. Amenities include 200,000 square feet of flexible exhibit space, a 42,000-sq.-ft. arena, 93,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall and a 14,000-sq.-ft. ballroom with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, award-winning catering and food service in an eco-friendly environment.

Daytona Beach
Ranked #1 for 2017 in Travel Channel’s “Top 10 Attractions in Florida.”

Daytona Beach
One of the “10 Most Affordable Beach Vacations on Florida’s East Coast” according to TripAdvisor.

Daytona Beach
Named one of the “Best Florida Attractions” in the Top 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest sponsored by USA TODAY.