Orange County officials announced this week that the county collected a record-setting $384.6 million in Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue during Fiscal Year 2025, marking the strongest hotel tax performance in local history. This figure reflects a surge in visitor demand across the region, driven by a robust convention calendar, strong leisure travel, and major theme-park expansions that boosted hotel occupancy throughout the year.
County leaders stated that this new high surpasses the previous record by a significant margin, underscoring the continued strength of Central Florida’s tourism recovery. The tax, commonly referred to as the “hotel bed tax,” is levied on short-term stays and serves as a key revenue source for funding the Orange County Convention Center, tourism marketing, and local infrastructure projects.
Officials highlighted consistently high hotel rates and improved international travel as major contributors to this growth. Industry analysts noted that Orlando’s mix of attractions, sporting events, and conventions has helped sustain visitor momentum, even during typically slower travel months.
A significant factor in the record-setting year, according to county officials, was the excitement surrounding Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, the massive new theme park set to open in 2025. Even before its debut, the project has already sparked visitor interest and early bookings, with industry data showing longer stays, higher advance reservations, and increased demand in the International Drive corridor.
Hospitality experts believe that the anticipation surrounding Epic Universe, along with expansions at other local attractions, has enhanced Orlando’s standing in both domestic and international markets. Travel planners are reporting a rise in inquiries from Latin America, the U.K., and Canada—regions that have historically driven high volumes of theme-park tourism.
The county’s convention sector also experienced strong gains. Major national conferences and trade shows have returned to near pre-pandemic levels, filling hotels throughout the convention district and generating millions in economic impact. Local officials note that ongoing investment in the Orange County Convention Center has helped to retain and attract high-spending event organizers.
Tourism leaders emphasized that maintaining this momentum will require ongoing strategic planning, especially as large-scale developments like Epic Universe begin to reshape visitor patterns. Priorities include infrastructure upgrades, transportation improvements, and workforce support as the region prepares for an even busier tourism cycle in 2026.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who recently launched his campaign for governor, praised the results as a testament to Orlando’s resilience and global appeal. “This milestone reflects the strength of our tourism economy and the hard work of thousands in the hospitality industry,” he stated. “With Epic Universe on the horizon, we expect another strong year ahead as visitors continue to choose Orange County as their premier travel destination.”
