Hi Travelers,
Did you know that in 2023 the United States led the world in travel and tourism revenue, generating $204.45 billion? That’s billion with a “B.” And though the data for 2024 isn’t yet in, Statista estimates this year’s revenues will reach $414.40 billion.
Here’s another tidbit, in order of tourism revenue generated, the top five states in 2023 were unsurprisingly: Florida, New York, California, Nevada and Texas.
Going back a few years, in 2017 a study on the economic impact of nude tourism and recreation in Florida was conducted and the results may (or may not) surprise you as to the contribution Nakation vacationing has on Florida’s tourism boon.
The data from this study sponsored by the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and the AANR Florida Region was gathered in 2015, so it’s almost a decade since we’ve received new statistics, still the results are impressive.
Following is a summary from that report…
Tourism is a mainstay of Florida’s economy with 107 million visitors in 2015 spending an average of $244 million per day employing over 1.2 million people. Visitors choose Florida for many reasons, but from theme parks to beaches, Florida’s temperate year-round climate facilitates a wide spectrum of activities and experiences that makes the state a global tourism leader.
Those investing and promoting Florida tourism continue to cultivate new attractions to broaden the tourism market and to remain competitive. By focusing on niche markets, or Special Interest Tourism (SIT), destinations throughout Florida can realize the economic benefits of tourism, not just mass-market heavyweights such as Orlando, Miami and Tampa.
Ft Lauderdale provides a great example as one of the only destinations to begin marketing to the LGBT travel segment some 20 years ago. Now that niche market accounts for over $1.5 billion in local spending annually and other destinations throughout the country are rushing to catch up with this lucrative SIT market.
Nude tourism is another niche SIT market that holds billion-dollar potential for the Florida economy, particularly in rural destinations. As revealed in this study, today the state boasts an estimated:
34 NUDIST RESORTS
5,100 TOTAL ROOMS AT NUDIST RESORTS
1.2 million ANNUAL ROOMS SOLD IN 2016
2.2 million ANNUAL NUDIST VISITORS
22 million ANNUAL NUDIST VISITOR NIGHTS
$4.3 billion ANNUAL NUDIST VISITOR DIRECT EXPENDITURE
$7.4 billion ANNUAL TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT
Regarding the potential economic impact of public nude recreation, Florida’s first officially-sanctioned nude beach - Haulover Beach in Miami - receives some 500,000 nudist sunbathers per year earning the city $980,000 alone just in parking fees. If just half of the sunbathers are non-residents, their total economic impact could be well over $720 million (using Miami’s average expenditure and tourism multiplier). Moreover, in a recent Zogby poll, some 28% of American adults surveyed indicated that they would consider going to a nude beach, revealing a possible untapped market for nude recreation of some 70 million Americans.
Florida’s temperate climate, world-class beaches, fantastic natural and heritage sites, lively culture, reasonable cost of living, extensive attractions and facilities, and excellent access by surface and air provide important advantages for the growth of domestic and international nude tourism. Nude recreation is enjoyed all over the world, from the clothing-optional beaches of Europe and Brazil to the onsen hot springs of Japan; and is considered an important asset to a diversified tourism product.
Historically, nude tourism in Florida has grown organically from beaches to social clubs to campgrounds to resorts to all-inclusive residential communities. Lots of options to choose from for potential Nakationers.
So this winter kick off 2025 by taking a Nakation vacation to an AANR resort/RV park/campground in Florida or elsewhere in the sunbelt. It will be good for the soul and the U.S. tourism economy.
Naturally yours,