Visit Orlando announced a new all-time record for the destination. In 2015, 66.1 million people visited Orlando, increasing 5.5% from 2014 and solidifying Orlando’s position as the most visited destination in the nation. Visitation to Orlando more than doubled over the past 20 years, increasing from 32.4 million in 1995.
“Reaching more than 66 million visitors to Orlando is an amazing accomplishment for our tourism community,” said George Aguel, Visit Orlando President and Chief Executive. “This new milestone and rapid growth over the past two decades is a result of having a tourism industry and community partners that are focused on growth and investment, dedication to the needs of our visitors and the global marketing and sales efforts of our Visit Orlando team and member companies.”
A record 33 million room nights were sold in Orlando in 2015, resulting in record tourist development tax collections topping $230 million in Orange County, Florida, home to the Central Florida tourism district.
“We are so proud to break another national record and again be named the top visitor destination for the USA,” said Teresa Jacobs, Orange County Mayor. “With our superb convention centre and culture of hospitality, world-class theme parks, family-friendly entertainment and luxury dining and lodging amenities, it is no surprise that Central Florida remains the top destination for business, family and leisure guests.”
Visit Orlando announced the record-breaking achievement at its annual Travel & Tourism Luncheon, a celebration of Orlando’s tourism community, attended by more than 800 tourism and community leaders. The event was held during the 33rd annual National Travel and Tourism Week, which unites communities each year to celebrate what travel means to American jobs, economic growth and personal well-being.
“Orlando has reached yet another historic milestone with more than 66 million visitors in 2015 — a significant achievement for Orlando and the US travel industry,” said Roger Dow, US Travel Association President and Chief Executive. “The region’s remarkable commitment to travel and tourism — with especial kudos to Visit Orlando, its tourism community members, and the leadership of local public officials — enabled it to hit yet another visitation record.”
Since 1995, Orlando’s hotel inventory grew by more than 37%, topping 117,000 rooms in 2015. Passengers at Orlando International Airport increased by more than 72%, reaching 38,809,337 in 2015. In the past two decades, significant openings and expansions have continued to reinforce Orlando as the theme park capital of the world and a leading convention destination. Orlando also established a robust line-up of luxury offerings to meet the needs of travellers seeking 5-star service and amenities and downtown Orlando experienced a renaissance with new arts and sports venues. The destination emerged as a thriving culinary destination, garnering consistent James Beard Award nominations for local chefs while also attracting internationally praised celebrity chefs with new culinary concepts.
