As another generation of astronauts launches from the Space Coast now on SpaceX rockets Thompson is seeing a resurgence of revenue tied to the space program. And so are other local businesses, ranging from hotels to gas stations.
Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Peter Cranis said an estimated 220,000 people from outside the county came to Brevard for the first SpaceX Crew Dragon human spaceflight last May.
Unlike in the shuttle era, the Office of Tourism now can track visitor counts through a sophisticated method of using cellphone signals, and can determine how many of the phones in a particular area are from out of the county.
Spring break visitors starting to return to Brevard, but not in pre-pandemic numbers
March traditionally is strongest month for tourism on Space Coast
Dave Berman, Florida Today
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Spring break tourism is likely to be a little more subdued than usual along the Space Coast this year, with a number of people remaining wary of traveling, as the yearlong coronavirus pandemic lingers, according to News 6 partner Florida Today.
But local hotel, restaurant and other business officials say they are seeing a much-needed upswing in tourist activity.
Jennifer Sugarman, president and chief executive officer of the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, said that “Cocoa Beach has certainly picked up quite a bit,” including its hotels and restaurants.