MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – It’s no secret that the Ocala/Marion County area is becoming a popular vacation destination for visitors from across the Sunshine State and beyond.
Marion County’s Tourism Development Council (TDC) further proved that point, highlighting how much visitation has increased in just a year.
The council presented numbers to back up the county’s massive tourism spike, gathered from in-person and online interviews with 762 visitors at local hotels, attractions, and events between Oct. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024.
|LEARN MORE ABOUT HORSE COUNTRY: From sports to business, our equine section has it all
In the beginning of October, a large number of people displaced by Hurricanes Milton and Helene found refuge in Marion County. The council mentions that hurricane evacuees and recovery workers from Hurricanes Milton and Helene had a “strong impact” on visitor and lodging numbers during that time.
The council maintains that most visitors planned a trip to Ocala/Marion County an average of 57 days in advance, an increase from 48 days during the same period in 2023.
October-December 2024 visitation by the numbers
Metrics indicate that 360,800 people visited Ocala between October and December 2024, marking a 4.8% increase from the 2023 total of 344,400. Direct expenditures were estimated at $166,433,800, a 17.2% increase from the 2023 figure of $141,948,600.
According to a tourism snapshot, the average hotel occupancy rate increased 20.5% compared to 2023. Revenue per available hotel room was $85.26, a 35% spike from the previous year’s total of $63.15.
The county reportedly generated $1,400,448 in revenue from the state’s Tourism Development Tax during this period, reflecting a 25.7% increase from the previous year.
The estimated economic impact from October to December 2024 was approximately $250,792,600, a 14% rise from the 2023 total of $220,020,300.
Ocala/Marion County continues to uphold its reputation as the “Horse Capital of the World.” According to the council, 23% of visitors came to attend horse shows, sales, and events. Other top reasons for visiting included spending time with friends and family (22%) and exploring the area’s natural springs (19%).
Data also showed that approximately 61% of visitors were from Florida, with three out of four travelers coming from Florida, Georgia, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. The largest share of in-state visitors, 17%, traveled from the Orlando–Daytona Beach–Melbourne area.
The typical Ocala/Marion County visitor was 51 years old, with an average household income of $95,000 – an increase from the previous year’s $77,800.
And score one for local restaurants – a resounding 65% of visitors said dining out was their top activity during their stay.
Overall, visitor satisfaction was high, with 99% of visitors stating that their experience in Marion County “met or exceeded expectations.”
More news that matters to you…
-
You Can Help Local Nonprofits During Give4Marion, Sept. 16–17
Give4Marion returns Sept. 16–17 with 33 hours of online giving to benefit Marion County nonprofits. Residents can donate through Give4Marion.org to support dozens of local organizations making an impact.