Orlando, Florida is a city that is famous for its theme parks and tourist attractions. Millions of people visit Orlando every year, making it one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.
But just how much does tourism bring to Orlando? Let’s take a closer look.
Orlando’s Tourism Industry
Orlando’s tourism industry is massive. In fact, it is the largest contributor to the city’s economy.
According to Visit Orlando, the city’s official tourism association, in 2019, Orlando welcomed a record-breaking 75 million visitors. This was a 4.1% increase from the previous year.
How Much Money Does Tourism Bring to Orlando?
The amount of money that tourism brings to Orlando is staggering. In 2019 alone, visitors spent $75.2 billion in the city. This money was spent on everything from hotel rooms and theme park tickets to restaurants and souvenirs.
How Does Tourism Benefit Orlando?
Tourism brings numerous benefits to the city of Orlando. First and foremost, it creates jobs. The tourism industry employs over 400,000 people in the city, making it one of the largest employers in Central Florida.
Additionally, tourism generates tax revenue for the city and state governments. This revenue can be used for infrastructure improvements, education programs, and other important initiatives.
Furthermore, tourism helps support local businesses in Orlando. From small shops and restaurants to large hotels and theme parks, tourism provides a steady stream of customers for these establishments.
The Impact of COVID-19
Unfortunately, like many other industries around the world, Orlando’s tourism industry has been hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic. With travel restrictions in place and many attractions temporarily closed or operating at limited capacity, visitor numbers have plummeted.
According to Visit Orlando, visitor numbers were down by 48% in 2020 compared to the previous year. This has had a significant impact on the city’s economy, with many businesses forced to close or lay off employees.
The Road to Recovery
Despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, Orlando’s tourism industry is slowly starting to recover. As vaccines become more widely available and travel restrictions are lifted, tourist numbers are expected to increase.
In fact, some analysts predict that Orlando’s tourism industry could return to pre-pandemic levels by 2023. This is good news for the city and its residents, as it means more jobs and revenue for the local economy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tourism brings an enormous amount of money and benefits to Orlando. From job creation and tax revenue to supporting local businesses, it is a vital part of the city’s economy. While COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the industry, there is hope for recovery in the coming years.