It’s only right that the head of the marketing arm for Osceola County’s tourism industry, the economic driver for the area, is renowned for his vision, creativity and leadership.
Experience Kissimmee’s CEO, D.T. Minich, is now a Hall of Famer.
Minich has been named the 2026 inductee into the VISIT FLORIDA’S Florida Tourism Hall of Fame for his three decades of leadership, innovation and service to Florida’s tourism industry, the agency announced last week.
Minich was recognized before tourism leaders and partners from across the state during the Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held Sept. 9-11 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach.
“I’ve spent my career believing that tourism is a team sport, and Kissimmee’s story has never been mine to tell alone,” he said. “It belongs to every partner, every property, every team member who has helped welcome visitors to the ‘Vacation Home Capital of the World’ and turn a trip into a memory. This recognition reflects the work we’ve built together, and I’m grateful to each of you for being part of it.”
Prior to coming to Kissimmee in 2014 to lead the organization here as it became a public-private partnership, Minich worked in destination marketing in Fort Myers and St. Pete-Clearwater. He’s guided Florida tourism communications through tough times like Hurricane Charley, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and COVID-19.
“Each destination taught me something different about the responsibility we have as tourism leaders,” he said. “We are here not only to welcome visitors, but also to strengthen our communities, create opportunities for residents, and protect what makes Florida such a special place. I am deeply honored to join the leaders whose vision and service have shaped Florida tourism.”
Under Minich’s leadership, Kissimmee’s vacation home inventory has grown from approximately 10,000 to more than 30,000 homes. During his tenure, Experience Kissimmee grew from an $11 million annual budget to more than $32 million, expanded to a team of more than 70 employees and established representation in more than 18 international markets.
Showing his versatility, in 2025 Minich became the first Experience Kissimmee leader appointed to the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors.
“DT Minich has spent more than three decades in service to Florida tourism, and the relationships he has built are felt in every corner of the state,” said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “He has supported destinations from the Gulf Coast to Central Florida, enhanced the industry, and made extraordinary contributions to Florida tourism. That kind of career is exactly what the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame exists to honor, and we congratulate him on this well-earned recognition.”
Local tourism partners chimed in to tout the growth of Experience Kissimmee and local tourism and vacation home growth during Minich’s tenure.
“DT’s impact reaches well beyond any one organization or destination,” said Sam Haught, Co-Owner of Wild Florida Adventure Park, and member of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors. “He has helped tourism grow in a way that supports local businesses, creates opportunities for residents and strengthens the community we call home. His leadership has brought people together around a shared vision for the destination, ensuring that tourism’s success delivers lasting benefits for Osceola County.”
Since its establishment in 2001, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame has recognized individuals whose contributions have helped shape Florida into one of the world’s leading visitor destinations. Previous inductees include Walt Disney, Henry Flagler, John Ringling and Harris Rosen.
Information from Experience Kissimmee formed the basis of this report.
