The city of Orlando, Florida – the theme park capital of the world – welcomed 59 million visitors during 2013, setting an all-time record for a US destination as it reaps the benefits of major resort expansions.

The figure represents a three per cent increase over the previous record set in 2012. It was announced last week by Visit Orlando president and CEO George Aguel at IPW 2014 in Chicago, an international travel conference hosting more than 6,000 buyers, suppliers and media.

Orlando is experiencing one of the most significant expansion periods in the destination's history.

Universal Orlando Resort will open the world's first centrally-themed, multi-park experience this summer by expanding The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both of its theme parks.

SeaWorld Orlando recently opened Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin – the biggest expansion in its company's history, while Walt Disney World Resort will complete a project that is doubling the size of Fantasyland when it debuts the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster this summer.

“We are so pleased to announce this incredibly exciting news on the closing day of IPW 2014, when travel industry professionals around the world shift their sights toward next year's IPW event in Orlando,” said Aguel.

“Thanks to the strong global marketing and sales efforts of our team at Visit Orlando and the leadership of our tourism members and community leaders who share a common vision for our destination, Orlando continues to lead the nation as its most visited destination.”