In the early 19th century, Orlando was just a small town in Central Florida. It had a population of just over 200 people and was primarily an agricultural area. Fast-forward to the present day and Orlando is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. How did this transformation happen? Let’s explore!
The first major tourist attraction that helped to put Orlando on the map was Cypress Gardens in 1936. The botanical gardens became a popular destination for visitors from all over the country, and soon international tourists began to flock there as well. The opening of Walt Disney World in 1971 had an even bigger impact on tourism in Orlando, making it one of the most visited cities in the United States, and turning it into a hub for business and leisure travelers alike.
The 1980s saw a huge increase in tourism thanks to new attractions such as Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld Orlando and Gatorland.
These theme parks drew large crowds from all around the world, many of whom returned year after year. Today, Orlando is home to some of the most popular attractions on earth including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando.
In addition to its theme parks, Orlando also offers plenty of other options for tourists looking for entertainment. From its many shopping centers to its numerous golf courses, there is something for everyone here. In recent years there has also been an influx of luxury resorts that offer visitors exclusive amenities such as spas and fine dining restaurants.
In conclusion, it’s clear that over time Orlando has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world due largely to its many theme parks and other attractions. From its humble beginnings as an agricultural community back in the 19th century, it has now become an international hotspot for business travelers and holidaymakers alike.
When Did Orlando Become a Tourist Destination?
Orlando became a tourist destination in 1936 with the opening of Cypress Gardens which drew visitors from all over America and beyond. However, it wasn’t until 1971 with Walt Disney World’s opening that it truly established itself as one of America’s leading tourist destinations with more attractions being added throughout the 80s such as Universal Studios Florida and SeaWorld Orlando. Today, it is home to some of the most recognizable attractions on earth making it an integral part of any holidaymaker’s itinerary when visiting Florida or America at large.