Orange County officials announced this week that the county collected a record $384.6 million in tourism development tax (TDT) revenue in fiscal year 2025, marking the strongest hotel tax performance in local history. The numbers reflect a surge in tourist demand across the region, driven by a strong convention calendar, strong leisure travel, and major theme park expansions that boosted hotel occupancy rates throughout the year.
County leaders said this new high significantly exceeds previous records and confirms that Central Florida’s tourism recovery remains strong. Commonly referred to as the “hotel occupancy tax,” this tax is levied on short-term stays and serves as an important source of revenue to fund the Orange County Convention Center, tourism marketing, and local infrastructure projects.
Officials highlighted consistently high hotel rates and improved international travel as key drivers of this growth. Industry analysts noted that Orlando’s mix of attractions, sporting events and conventions helps maintain visitor momentum even during typically slow travel times.
A key factor in this record-setting year was the excitement surrounding Universal Orlando’s new mega-theme park, Epic Universe, scheduled to open in 2025, county officials said. The project has already generated visitor interest and early bookings even before its debut, with industry data showing longer lengths of stay, increased advance bookings, and increased demand in the International Drive corridor.
Hospitality experts believe that the excitement surrounding Epic Universe and the expansion of other local attractions has elevated Orlando’s standing in the domestic and international markets. Travel planners are reporting an increase in inquiries from Latin America, the United Kingdom and Canada, which have historically driven large amounts of theme park tourism.
The county’s convention sector also saw significant growth. Major national conferences and trade shows have returned to near pre-pandemic levels, filling hotels throughout the convention district and generating millions of dollars in economic impact. Local officials say continued investment in the Orange County Convention Center has helped retain and attract big-spending event organizers.
Tourism industry leaders emphasized that continued strategic planning is needed to maintain this momentum, especially as large-scale developments like Epic Universe begin to reshape visitor patterns. Priorities include infrastructure upgrades, transportation improvements and workforce support as the region prepares for an even busier tourism cycle in 2026.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who recently launched his gubernatorial campaign, praised the result as a testament to Orlando’s resilience and global appeal. “This milestone reflects the strength of our tourism economy and the hard work of thousands of people in the hospitality industry,” he said. “With Epic Universe just around the corner, we expect another strong year as tourists continue to choose Orange County as their top destination.”
