Florida Tourism Off 2.8%; Slayings of Foreigners Cited

Fewer tourists are soaking up Florida’s rays.

The number of visitors to a state driven by tourism fell 2.8% last year to 39.9 million, compared to a record 41 million in 1993.

“Certainly, we all will look back on 1994 as the most difficult year for tourism since the Gulf War,” which kept people home in early 1991, said state Commerce Secretary Charles Dusseau.

Officials in the $32-billion industry say some travelers stayed away because of the killings of nine foreign tourists from late 1993 into 1994. Others said Florida also was hurt by competition.

“People are assuming that Florida is becoming too commercial and crowded, and that’s one reason they’re staying away,” said Robert Cornwell, marketing director of the Florida Assn. of R. V. Parks and Campgrounds.

The news wasn’t all bad. Sales tax revenues on tourism and recreation were up 2.8% for the year.