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Research, shared by local tourism arm Experience Kissimmee, shows that tthe area’s travel and tourism industry generated a new all-time high total economic impact in 2022.
What pandemic?
With the effects of it in the rearview mirror, Osceola County’s tourism industry is showing strong numbers in visitors and tourist bed tax dollars generated.
Research, shared by local tourism arm Experience Kissimmee, shows that Orange County, Osceola and Seminole County’s travel and tourism industry generated a new all-time high total economic impact of $87.6 billion in 2022, the last full year with data. That’s a 31% increase over 2021, showing how the effects of the 2020 global shutdown have mostly subsided.
Total Tourist Development Tax (TDT) for the fiscal year that ended in 2022 reached an all-time high in Osceola County, surpassing $76 million, marking a 25 percent increase compared to the pre-pandemic years of fiscal 2018-19. Osceola County welcomed approximately 9.4 million domestic visitors in 2022— a 4 percent increase from the previous year.
What sector helped push the biggest gains? Just name one. For instance, 2022 saw a substantial surge in accommodation bookings. Kissimmee, called in industry circles the “Vacation Home Capital of the World,” experienced a 62 percent rebound in 2022, effectively returning to pre-pandemic levels compared to those in 2019. Moreover, an 8 percent upswing in booked listing nights for vacation homes emphasized the sustained demand.
The region’s sports industry achieved a big milestone, generating an economic impact of $200 million, surpassing the previous fiscal year’s achievements of $133 million. More than 75 sporting events were hosted, four more than the prior fiscal year.
Additionally, meeting sales and services team saw a 107 percent lead volume increase since 2019, booking 172 meetings from October 2022 to July 2023. Contracted room nights through an “It Pays to Meet in Kissimmee” promotion rose by 105 percent, and the program now includes Trees4Travel, an initiative to plant a tree for every paid room night as a commitment to sustainability and assist the environment.
“Encouraged by the remarkable growth across diverse sectors in Osceola County, we stand steadfast in our dedication to helping the region thrive,” said DT Minich, President and CEO of Experience Kissimmee. “As we continue to embrace all visitors and to promote Kissimmee as a welcoming environment with positive experiences for everyone, we are proud to be part of a journey that showcases resilience, innovation, and sustainability, all while providing exceptional experiences to our visitors and residents.”
Travel statistics provided by Experience Kissimmee
