Impact of Tourism in Polk County

By: Jessica Roberts

Impact of Tourism in Polk County

National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual tradition for the U.S. travel community. It’s a time when travel and tourism professionals across the country unite to celebrate the value travel holds for our economy, businesses and personal well-being.

This year’s celebration, which will take place May 5 – 11, 2019, marks the 36th anniversary of the 1983 congressional resolution that established NTTW.

Join Visit Central Florida (Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing) in celebrating the week as well as those hardworking professionals that help our local tourism industry thrive.

Did You Know?

  • 21,814 people in Polk County are employed due to tourism.
  • More than $1.5 billion are spent by visitors to Polk County. That number includes: accommodations, restaurants, groceries, transportation, attractions, entertainment and shopping.
  • Polk County, and its municipalities, receive $29.3 Million from state tax revenue sharing, just from tourists alone.
  • Polk County is the state’s leader in recruiting and hosting amateur sporting events, generating $149+ Million in economic impact from 261 events.
  • Polk County welcomes 5,194,641 visitors annually.

What Do These Numbers Mean for Polk County Citizens?

The Tourism and Sports industry saves each household $1,735 per year in taxes.

The Terrace Hotel

The Terrace Hotel

We say thank you to everyone working in the tourism and hospitality industry. Your contributions keep our economy going strong.

Planning a Summer Staycation?

Explore everything Polk County has to offer this summer by visiting a few places you’ve never been.


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