Melissa Donovan
Orlando welcomed more than 75 million visitors in 2024, setting a new record and reinforcing its position as one of the most visited destinations in the United States. The data, released Thursday by Visit Orlando, highlights the region’s continued recovery and growth following pandemic-era disruptions.
The announcement was made during a special event featuring the Blue Man Group, celebrating the milestone and the city’s renewed momentum in the tourism sector. While the full breakdown of visitor demographics, length of stay, and top-performing attractions has yet to be released, officials credited the surge to significant investments by major entertainment companies, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando.
Orlando’s appeal as a year-round destination has been bolstered by ongoing development across its flagship theme parks. Notable projects include Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe, slated to open in 2025, and continuous enhancements at Disney and SeaWorld aimed at drawing new and returning guests.
Tourism plays a vital role in the Central Florida economy. Approximately 30% of local employment is connected to the tourism industry, and visitor spending generates nearly half of Orange County’s sales tax revenue. The 2024 tourism record underscores the sector’s economic significance and the importance of continued infrastructure investment to support sustained growth.
While Visit Orlando has not yet released comparative data to pre-pandemic years or detailed the implications for local services and resources, the record-setting year marks a major achievement for the region’s tourism and hospitality industries. More detailed analysis is expected as additional data becomes available.
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