Writer: Gabriela Enamorado
3 min read October 2023 — After two booming years in tourism and hospitality in Northeast Florida, numbers show that tourism has slowed down a bit in 2023. In Duval County, Visit Jacksonville reported that occupancy showed a year-over-year decline to 65% for the month of August, although this was better than both the state average and many cities in Florida. Surrounding counties also experienced occupancy losses, at 9.6% or higher, according to Visit Jacksonville.
This does not mean Northeast Florida’s tourism sector is in trouble. In 2Q23, Duval County saw 5,827,813 visitors compared to 6,467,584 in 2Q22. These figures are similar to the number of visitors in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is being seen throughout the state of Florida, with Visit Florida reporting that in the second quarter, Florida saw a little over 33 million visitors, a 1.2% drop from last year. This suggests that the tourism industry in Northeast Florida is normalizing, especially as competition from other states and countries begins to increase. Importantly, there has been an increase in international visitors to the state.
“We compete globally, not just here in the U.S.,” Dana Young, president and CEO of Visit Florida told the Jacksonville Business Journal. “Destinations are opening up. And when they do, they’re going to be using all those dollars they didn’t spend (during the pandemic) to try and lure their people back. So, the fact that we have these massive increases in international visitation is great.”
The tourism industry is a major economic driver in Northeast Florida, bringing in around $3.8 billion annually and with a workforce of more than 50,000 people. Jacksonville, itself, has a great deal to offer visitors, with numerous events and opportunities to bring in visitors. Here are some of the top attractions and upcoming events to check out in the Jacksonville area:
PorchFest
Jacksonville PorchFest is a family-friendly music festival event that draws over 10,00 people to the area annually. This year, PorchFest will feature over 20 bands and performing artists from a wide variety of genres, art vendors and food. The event will be held Nov. 4, from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Northwest Quadrant of Historic Springfield.
Click here to learn more about the festival.
World of Nations Celebration
In February 2024, visitors will be able to experience cuisine, customs and artistry from around the world for a unique two-day event that celebrates a wide variety of cultures. Each country that is represented during the celebration has its flag on display with at least one person speaking that country’s official language. There will be traditional music and entertainment as well. A highlight of the celebration will be the Parade of Flags, where a representative from each country will carry their flag in a parade. This event is intended to celebrate Jacksonville’s diversity. Advance tickets are $5 and tickets purchased the day of the event are $8.
Click here for more information
CollectiveCon
North Florida’s top anime, comic book, fantasy and pop culture event, CollectiveCon, is back in the spring. The 10th annual event will take place March 8-10 at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center. Celebrity guests and voice actors from the anime and video games space, vendors, video game tournaments and cosplay contests are among the expected highlights. Ticket prices range from $35-$45.
Click here for information
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
This festival dates back to 1981 and has been bringing jazz lovers to the Jacksonville area ever since. It is one of the largest jazz festivals in the country. Performers who have appeared in the past include jazz legends such as Miles Davis and Mavis Staples. The festival will be held during Memorial Day weekend 2024 in Downtown Jacksonville.
Click here for more info on the festival
Springing The Blues Music Festival
Another music event and one of the most anticipated in the state is the Springing The Blues Music Festival. The festival will be held over three days, spotlighting blues legends and emerging blues artists who also incorporate other genres into their music. The festival, from April 5 to April 7, has been named one of the Top 50 music festivals in the United States.
Click here for tickets
