TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida tourism increased by 3.4 percent during the first three months of 2008 compared to the same time last year.

The total for the quarter was 23.8 million visitors. That's according to Visit Florida, the state's official tourism marketing corporation.

Gov. Charlie Crist attributes the increase not only to Florida's attractiveness as a vacation spot, but also Visit Florida's recent work on a national marketing campaign.

As gas prices continue to increase, shorter, in-state trips are also going up. Crist says it's a good chance for Florida residents to enjoy the state's many diverse areas.

Visit Florida also reported increases in international travel to the state.


(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)