A Little Holiday Magic & A Lot to Share
November
November is bringing plenty of excitement to The Florida Keys! In this month's partner newsletter, we're sharing the latest tourism trends and industry updates, highlighting our 2026 Holiday Gift Guide filled with local finds, and looking ahead to festive events and happenings throughout the Keys. Catch up on what's new, see what's trending, and discover what's coming up this holiday season!
Unwrap a Little Keys Magic
Looking for gifts with a splash of island flair? Our interactive Holiday Gift Guide is filled with only-in-the-Keys finds, from original art to local flavors to stylish boutique treasures and unforgettable adventures. Take a look, get inspired and share the gift of the Florida Keys with current and future guests!
Tourism Data & Insights
Florida Keys Lodging Rebounds Strongly in September
September delivered a welcome boost for Florida Keys tourism, with hotels and short-term rentals posting double-digit gains in occupancy and strong revenue growth compared with a year ago. The results helped close out fiscal year 2026 on a positive note.
September By the Numbers
Hotels
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Occupancy: 54.4%, up 15.7% year over year
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Average Daily Rate (ADR): $233.46, up 9.6%
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Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR): $127.12, up 26.7%
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Total Revenue: $41.1 million, up 26.8%
Short-Term Rentals
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Occupancy: 23.5%, up 11.0%
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ADR: $380.47, up 13.3%
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Total Revenue: $2.8 million, up 29.6%
Fiscal Year 2026 Finishes Strong
Florida Keys hotels generated $1.1 billion in revenue, a 9.1% increase over FY2025. Hotel occupancy rose 4.3%, while ADR increased 4.6%. Short-term rental revenue reached $83.9 million, up 18.0%.
Air Travel and Digital Interest
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Key West International Airport: 47,400 TSA passenger screenings in September, essentially flat year over year. Fiscal year volume reached 917,800, up 7.3%.
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Destination Website: 445,100 sessions, up 16.6%, with engaged sessions climbing 36.8%.
Early October Outlook
Preliminary hotel data through Oct. 17 points to continued occupancy growth, up 4.1% year over year to 65.1%. However, ADR declined 3.1% to $270, leaving RevPAR nearly flat at $176, up just 0.3%.
Trend to Watch
A very interesting emerging industry trend is the rise in spontaneous travel: 25.2% of American travelers now report taking frequent spontaneous leisure trips, up from 17.6% a year earlier. Remember this when planning for last-minute offers and booking strategies.
Thanksgiving, the Keys Way
Turkey with a tropical twist? Our Thanksgiving Dining Guide highlights restaurants and resorts offering holiday meals throughout the Florida Keys. From waterfront feasts to elegant dining experiences, help your guests find the perfect place to gather and give thanks.
The Right Time to Reel In
Wondering when the fish are biting? Our new Fishing Opportunity Calendar helps anglers explore seasonal fishing opportunities throughout the Florida Keys. It's a handy resource for fishing captains, accommodations and visitors planning their next adventure on the water.
Come for the Food, Stay for the View
Great food tastes even better with a waterfront view! Our latest dining guide spotlights restaurants throughout the Florida Keys where fresh flavors meet stunning scenery. Share these scenic dining spots with guests looking for their next memorable meal.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
There’s more to the Keys than what’s beneath the waves! Our Eco-Tours Guide takes visitors through the backcountry, mangrove forests and wildlife-rich habitats that make the destination so special. From birdwatching to guided nature excursions, there’s a whole other side of the Keys waiting to be explored.
Old Florida Through an Artist's Lens
Acclaimed Florida Keys-based fine art photographer Alan S. Maltz celebrates Florida’s enduring landscapes and distinctive character in his new coffee-table book, "Old Florida - An Artistic Interpretation." The official public Florida Keys launch and book signing takes place November 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Alan S. Maltz Gallery, 1210 Duval St. in Key West. To RSVP, email visions@alanmaltz.com.
Partner Tip
Send Us Your Holiday Menus. Planning a Holiday Dining Experience? Send us your menus so we can consider featuring it in our upcoming holiday menu roundup.
Tourism Dates & Info
TDC Meeting
November 12 at 10:00 AM
Murray Nelson Government Center
Application Process Open for DAC IV and DAC V
Islamorada’s DAV IV and Key Largo’s DAC V each have openings for a tourist representative. If you’re interested in volunteering your time, experience and knowledge to make decisions on tourism marketing and evaluating funding applications for events and capital projects, these are excellent opportunities for committed volunteers. A tourism representative is someone involved in business interdependent upon the tourism industry, but who is NOT employed within the lodging industry, and whose business is within the district.
Completed applications are due by December 4.
