Orlando News
The industry, which includes support operations such as the Orlando International Airport, Port Canaveral and others, are vital to the health of the region. And a new study shared by Visit Orlando and compiled by Oxford Economics shows just how much of a role the industry dominated by Mickey Mouse ears and more plays for Central Florida. In fact, tourism is the region's top economic engine and can result in business opportunities for all sectors of Central Florida.
The funding will help Central Florida compete for major events like the next WrestleMania, NFL Pro Bowl or other marquee event that not only brings hordes of new visitors to Orlando, but also can be televised globally and provide free promotion of Orlando's amenities. Sports events generate more than $44 billion in annual economic impact, based on industry data.
The Miami-based intercity train, which is working on a $4 billion expansion from Orlando International Airport to West Palm Beach, revealed in report on September that it would target reaching an agreement to develop a station in fourth-quarter of this year. Virgin Trains now is evaluating station sites in the area that may serve one or more theme parks in the area.
“As the busiest airport in Florida we continue to track and closely monitor our growing passenger totals,” says Phil Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Not only is each monthly increase a travel record for us, it also re-affirms the value and importance of having the facilities and staff to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers to our region.”
Being able to move guests at a much faster rate would make vacations smoother and help improve the Orlando experience. “We’ve been working with U.S. Customs & Border Protection on a facial recognition system for international arrivals,” Brown said during Orlando Business Journal’s Feb. 8 Making the Connection: Smart Cities, Smarter Transportation luncheon at the airport. “The next step is to install a camera that actually can take a family at one time and process them in the system.”
The passenger numbers for 2018 have been counted and once again Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the busiest airport in the state of Florida with a record 47.7 million annual passengers, up 6.9 percent over 2017. MCO surpassed 150 non-stop domestic and international destinations in 2018, which contributed greatly to the airport’s increased airline activity, seat availability and passenger traffic numbers.
Tourism annually generates approximately $71 billion in economic impact and supports roughly 449,000 jobs (41% of Orlando’s workforce). Visitor spending, in the neighborhood of $45 billion, provides more than $2 billion in state taxes and $3 billion in local taxes. Also, since 2009, visitation has increased 55%, while visitor spending is up 75%.
“As the first water park in the world to complete the training and become a Certified Autism Center, Aquatica Orlando is proud to provide fun and memorable experiences through exceptional service,” said David Heaton, Vice President of Aquatica Orlando in a statement. “We continually strive to create safe and meaningful experiences for all of our guests, and we are committed in our efforts to offer families inclusive activities for children with autism and other special needs.”
“This is a significant milestone in Orlando International Airport’s history because it shows the sustained strength of the Central Florida economy,” says Phil Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “With over 47 million annual passengers and growing, we must continue to plan and build for future growth, following the vision that was established more than three decades ago.”
