A new study from Tourism Economics, a leading authority on travel and tourism research from Oxford Economics, found that the Central Florida tourism industry generated $98.6 billion in total economic impact in 2025, according to a Visit Orlando press release on Thursday, July 30.
The record-breaking impact represented a 4.4% increase over the previous year, demonstrating the role tourism plays in economic growth across the region through visitor spending, employment opportunities, and tax revenue that supports essential community services.
“Central Florida’s tourism economy continues to set the pace nationally, generating unprecedented benefits for residents, businesses and local governments,” Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, said. “Direct visitor spending has expanded 31% since 2019. This growth reflects Orlando’s enduring global appeal, continued investment in new experiences, and the industry’s ability to effectively and competitively attract travelers from around the world.”
Direct visitor spending reached $62.9 billion in 2025, an increase of 5% compared to 2024, equating to more than $172 million spent every day throughout the region, the study said.
Total visitor spending across the three-county region indicated 85% occurred in Orange County, while Osceola County trailed behind at 12%, followed by Seminole County at 3%, according to the study. Tourism generated $35.7 billion in indirect and induced economic activity, in addition to direct spending, and produced a total regional economic impact of $98.6 billion.
“Tourism is woven into the fabric of Central Florida and remains one of our region’s greatest economic strengths,” Casandra Matej, president and chief executive officer of Visit Orlando, said. “The visitors who choose to vacation, meet and do business here fuel our local businesses, create jobs and generate critical tax revenue that supports public services. Every visitor who experiences our destination contributes to a stronger, more prosperous community.”
The economic impact of tourism also created employment opportunities in the region, supporting more than 476,541 jobs across Central Florida in 2025. Of those positions, more than 294,659 jobs were directly supported by the tourism industry, including employment at hotels, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment venues.
“Our hospitality professionals are the driving force behind both our reputation and our economic success,” Robert Agrusa, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, said. “Tourism generated a record high of $29.1 billion in personal wages for our team members and their families in 2025 and now supports more than 37% of all jobs across the Central Florida region. Simply put, tourism remains the region’s leading employer and economic engine.”
Tourism’s significance in Central Florida benefits the region itself, as related activity generated $7.1 billion in state and local tax revenue, an increase of 4.8% from the previous year, the press release said.
According to the press release, those revenues help fund Central Florida public services and infrastructure investments, including public safety, education and transportation improvements.
The record-breaking billion-dollar accumulation in tourism shows Central Florida is an ideal place for travel.
