A new report from Visit Orlando reveals that Central Florida’s tourism sector reached a historic high in 2024, generating $94.5 billion in economic impact. The region attracted 75.3 million visitors last year, supporting approximately 468,000 jobs—accounting for 37% of total employment across the area. Despite this strong performance, concerns persist about wage levels for frontline workers in the industry.
Mark Bishop, a driver who serves tourists, noted that while profits appear concentrated at the top, lower-wage employees struggle to make ends meet. Mike Meyers, a veteran of the tourism sector with four decades of experience—including a start at Disney earning $2.75 an hour—acknowledged improvements in base pay but emphasized that rising living costs continue to challenge workers. Current Disney employee wages, according to Glassdoor, range between $16 and $25 per hour.
Job distribution is spread across several counties: 42% of tourism-related positions are in Orange County, 35% in Osceola County, and 12% in Seminole County. These roles span hotels, retail, transportation, and theme parks.
Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando, highlighted the broader economic benefits of tourism, stating that increased visitation enhances regional quality of life. Total wages and benefits paid in 2024 reached $28 billion, reflecting a 2.5% year-over-year increase. However, this modest growth raises questions about whether compensation is keeping pace with inflation and the region’s booming tourism economy.
As the industry continues to expand, balancing financial success with fair pay for workers remains a pressing issue for policymakers and business leaders alike.
— news from WKMG
— News Original —
Tourism’s economic impact soars while worker wages lag in Central Florida
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A recent study released by Visit Orlando highlights a significant milestone for Central Florida’s tourism industry, which generated a record-breaking $94.5 billion economic impact in 2024. The region welcomed 75.3 million visitors, fueling an industry that supports approximately 468,000 jobs, or 37% of all employment across the area.
Despite this robust growth, concerns remain about wages for those working in the tourism sector. Workers like Mark Bishop, a longtime driver serving tourists, report that their wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living.
Bishop commented, “People at the top make all the money and the people at the bottom, you know, they take what they can get.”
Mike Meyers, a tourism worker with four decades of experience who started his career at Disney earning $2.75 an hour, said he had a good experience, but the cost of living has gone up. Today’s Disney employees earn roughly $16 to $25 an hour, according to Glassdoor estimates.
Job distribution within the industry spans several counties, with 42% located in Orlando County, 35% in Osceola County, and 12% in Seminole County. This encompasses roles in shops, hotels, theme parks, and transportation companies.
Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando, emphasized the importance of tourism growth to the overall economy and quality of life in the region.
“The more visitors we have here, the more economic impact and the better quality of life we all have,” she said.
Wages and benefits paid in 2024 totaled $28 billion, reflecting a 2.5% increase year-over-year. This raises questions about the sustainability of current wage growth for workers who form the backbone of Central Florida’s thriving tourism industry.
As tourism continues to flourish, balancing economic gains with equitable compensation for industry workers remains a critical challenge for the region’s future.