ORLANDO, Fla. — A new report from Visit Orlando reveals that tourism in Central Florida contributed $94.5 billion to the regional economy in 2024, marking a 2.2% rise compared to the previous year. This milestone reflects a doubling of the visitor economy over the past 15 years, according to Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, who described the achievement as exceptional when compared to other travel destinations across the U.S. n nThe economic impact was driven by $59.9 billion in direct visitor spending. An additional $16.4 billion stemmed from indirect business activity, including supplier transactions supporting tourism-related operations. Furthermore, $18.2 billion was generated through local household expenditures funded by tourism-related income. n nOfficials noted that this financial influx helped lower the average taxpayer’s annual burden by over $7,400. The sector also sustained more than 468,000 jobs in 2024, reinforcing its role as a major employment engine. Government entities benefited as well, collecting over $12 billion in combined federal, state, and local tax revenues due to tourism activity. n nIn May, Visit Orlando reported a record 75.3 million visitors across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties—an increase of nearly 6% from the prior year—attributed to growing domestic and international travel demand. Bryan Villella, a senior cruise consultant at Dream Vacations, said his agency saw higher booking volumes for Orlando and anticipates continued growth through 2025. He noted travelers are opting for longer stays, often lasting at least one week, due to the wide array of dining, entertainment, and seasonal events available. n nWith theme parks introducing new attractions, cruise operators expanding fleets, and resorts constructing additional accommodations, industry experts expect the region’s appeal and economic contribution to keep rising. n— news from Spectrum News 13
— News Original —n$94B economic impact generated by Central Florida tourismnORLANDO, Fla. — Leaders with Visit Orlando announced yet another record was set when it comes to Central Florida’s tourism industry. n nThey say $94.5 billion was generated in 2024 — a 2.2% increase from 2023. n n“We found that in Central Florida, the visitor economy has doubled in size over the past 15 years. Looking across the hundreds of destinations, I think it’s just absolutely extraordinary of what we have been able to do,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, during a press conference this week. n nAdam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, says direct visitor spending generated $59.9 billion. Indirect sales, which is money generated through suppliers to support the industry, totaled $16.4 billion. Another $18.2 billion was calculated when households spend their income locally. In total, that’s the $94.5 billion total economic impact. n nVisit Orlando leaders say that money has reduced the annual tax burden by more than $7,400. It has also supported more than 468,000 jobs in 2024 within the tourism industry. n nData analysts also found that visitor activity in the Central Florida region generated government revenue, calculating more than $12 billion in federal, state, and local taxes combined. n nIn May, Visit Orlando announced a record 75.3 million visitors to Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties last year. It was a nearly 6% increase from the year prior, citing an increase in both domestic and international travelers. n nBryan Villella, a senior cruise consultant with Dream Vacations, believes Orlando will continue to stay the nation’s number one tourist destination. n n“It has a lot to offer, it has a large variety. It’s not just come here and go fishing, or come here and go surfing. It’s thousands of different things to do that cater to different types of pool,” he said. n nVillella explained his agency had an increase in bookings to the region last year and expects more growth by the end of 2025. He says tourists are booking longer vacations too. n n“It’s going to be a week minimum because there is so much to do. The restaurant offerings, bar offerings, and different events that are occurring throughout the year. Orlando continues to pull in so much traffic because of that,” he said. n nAs theme parks add new attractions, cruise lines bring in more ships, and resorts build more hotels, Villella believes the Orlando area will continue to grow.