DT Minich, president and CEO of Experience Kissimmee, has been inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame, recognizing more than 30 years of leadership in Florida’s tourism industry.
Minich was named the 2026 inductee during the Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held Sept. 9-11 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach. The honor is presented by VISIT FLORIDA to individuals whose leadership and contributions have helped shape the state’s tourism industry.
For Minich, the recognition caps a career that has taken him from Florida’s Gulf Coast to Central Florida and included leadership roles at three destination marketing organizations.
Minich’s Career
Minich began his tourism career at Visit Fort Myers, where he worked to promote Southwest Florida’s coastal communities and natural attractions. Among the projects he helped develop was the nearly 200-mile Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, which connects visitors with the region’s waterways and natural environment.
His career also included navigating major challenges for Florida destinations. Minich helped lead tourism communications following Hurricane Charley and later supported Gulf Coast communities during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
He went on to serve as executive director of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater for seven years, where he helped expand the destination’s domestic and international visibility while growing its meetings and sports tourism business.
In 2014, Minich became the first president and CEO of Experience Kissimmee as the organization moved to a public-private model.
During his tenure, he helped establish Kissimmee as the Vacation Home Capital of the World®, making vacation homes a central part of the destination’s identity and tourism strategy.
The area’s vacation home inventory grew from approximately 10,000 homes to more than 30,000 under his leadership. Experience Kissimmee also grew from an annual budget of about $11 million to more than $32 million, expanded its team to more than 70 employees, and established representation in more than 18 international markets.
The organization’s growth has come as Kissimmee has continued to strengthen its position as one of Central Florida’s major visitor destinations, particularly for travelers looking for accommodations beyond traditional hotels and resorts.
Tourism Beyond Visitors
Throughout his career, Minich has emphasized that successful tourism should benefit more than just visitors.
His approach has focused on supporting local businesses, creating opportunities for residents and protecting the natural and cultural resources that make Florida attractive to travelers.
“This recognition represents every community, partner and tourism professional I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my career,” Minich 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.”
Sam Haught, co-owner of Wild Florida Adventure Park and a member of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, also pointed to Minich’s impact on Osceola County.
“He has helped tourism grow in a way that supports local businesses, creates opportunities for residents and strengthens the community we call home,” Haught said.
Minich’s influence now extends beyond the destinations he has led. In 2025, he became the first Experience Kissimmee leader appointed to the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors.
In that role, he contributes his experience in destination marketing to statewide tourism strategy as Florida continues competing for visitors from across the country and around the world.
Bryan Griffin, president and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said Minich’s career reflects the type of service the Hall of Fame was created to recognize.
“He has supported destinations from the Gulf Coast to Central Florida, enhanced the industry, and made extraordinary contributions to Florida tourism,” Griffin said.
Joining Florida Tourism’s Notable Names
The Florida Tourism Hall of Fame was established in 2001 to recognize people whose contributions have helped shape Florida as a leading visitor destination.
Minich now joins a group of notable tourism and business figures who have previously received the honor, including Walt Disney, Henry Flagler, John Ringling, Harris Rosen, Carol Dover and William D. Talbert III.
For Kissimmee and Osceola County, Minich’s induction also highlights the growing role the destination plays in Florida’s broader tourism story and the people working to ensure that visitor spending translates into lasting benefits for the local community.
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