Brazil Tourism to U.S. to Increase 50 Percent by 2018

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It's no secret that the Great Recession hit Florida hard, but international tourism helped put some sunshine back into the state's economy over the last four years.

2013 was a record year for Florida's tourism sector, with an impressive 94.7 million tourists visiting the state over the course of the year, according to Visit Florida. The figure marked an increase of 3.5% over the previous year and followed a trend that has seen Florida rocket to second place (beaten only by New York) in terms of annual international visitor volume.

The rising tourist numbers have done much to support Florida's economic recovery, with the impact of their expenditure flowing through into 2014. The latest figures from Washington Economics Group show a 6.4% increase in spending in the Sunshine State's tourism and recreation industry since last year. The industry as a whole generates something in the region of $70 billion of revenue annually, according to the American Security Project.

Brazilian tourists account for a large proportion of the growth in Florida's visitor numbers, as they did for many other US destinations over the course of 2013. Data from the US Department of Commerce  shows a 15% overall increase in Brazilian visitors to the US from 2012 to 2013, while the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries is projecting  a 50% increase in Brazilian tourists by 2018.

Florida is the top destination for many tourists, whether from Brazil or elsewhere. Its sunshine, beaches and theme parks are a winning combination and one which sees many visitors wishing for more than just a holiday.

Florida's main markets for Brazilian tourist are Miami and Orlando. Driving these two Florida tourism markets for Brazilians are the beach lifestyle, plentiful high-end shopping and real estate opportunities of Miami, and Walt Disney World in Orlando for their kids.

Philip Button, Managing Director of specialist property investment firm Brookes & Co. says, "We're seeing increasing numbers of clients looking not just for an investment property in Florida, but for a lifestyle property, which they can use for part of the year and rent out of the rest of the year. It's the perfect blend of personal benefit and financial sense."

The Fountains at ChampsionGate, which Brookes & Co presented to the UK market in partnership with developer Feltrim, and which sold out in record time, is evidence of the high level of demand for such holiday accommodation. Demand for more traditional investment properties also remains strong though."

Button continues, "Florida is about more than just tourism. Although tourism does play a big role in the state's story, we also get many requests from clients for pure investment properties, such as single family homes and fully tenanted condos."

Such requests have led to Brookes & Co's latest offering - 17 managed and maintained, fully tenanted condos available for investment from as little as $69,500. The well-located properties offer high quality living accommodation for their tenants, ensuring that returns for investors are maximized, with long-term yields and excellent potential for capital growth.

Investment from overseas buyers in such properties is helping to further stimulate Florida's economy, ensuring that Florida has a robust and rosy tourism future ahead.