TAMPA — Preliminary estimates released by VISIT FLORIDA show that 26.7 million visitors came to Florida in the first quarter of 2014 (January-March), an increase of 2% percent over the same period in 2013.

This represents the largest quarter for visitation Florida has ever experienced, exceeding the previous high of 26.2 million in Q1 2013.

“We are off to a great start to reaching our goal of 100 million visitors to Florida this year,” said Florida Governor Rick Scott.

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that 2.7 million overseas visitors and 1.5 million Canadians came to Florida in Q1 2014, both of which are record highs and represent 1.8% and 1.6% increases over Q1 2013 respectively.

For Q1 2014, the average daily room rate (ADR) rose 5.1%, the occupancy rate for Florida hotels increased 2.7% and the demand in rooms sold grew 3% compared to quarter one 2013.

“Florida tourism is maintaining strong momentum with all indicators up across the board for the quarter,” said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.

“With occupancy, rooms sold, average daily room rate and tourism and recreation taxable sales all continuing to climb, we are well on our way to making Florida the No. 1 travel destination in the world.”