Sarasota County tourism continues downward trend in June

June tourism numbers for Sarasota County show continued decreases in visitors in year-over-year comparisons.

Visit Sarasota County reports 133,700 visitors in June 2024 compared to 134,580 in June 2023, a decline of 0.7%. 

This resulted in lodging occupancy of 65.2% last month, compared to 69.7% last year. There were 265,000 room nights sold in June 2024 compared to 282,400 in June 2023. 

Visitors' direct expenditures were $145.5 million, compared to $149.9 million over the same period in 2023.

According to Visit Sarasota County, a shorter length of stay and a larger travel party size resulted in the decrease in visitors being less than the decrease in room nights.

For the fiscal year, visitation is down 9.3% compared to the year prior. On a positive note, 27% of the June 2024 visitors came to Sarasota County for the first time.