ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Tourist tax collections are soaring, for now, according to new data from Orange County.

What You Need To Know

For attractions like Ole Red at ICON Park, getting outside promotion is key. General Manager Brian Uhl says they partly depend on extra promotion to keep the music flowing.

“We see a direct uptick from foot traffic,” Uhl said.

Scrolling through Visit Orlando’s website, Ole Red is getting some extra help from the association. Part of the reason for that is the 6% tacked-on fee that Orange County hotel guests have to pay. Some of that goes to Visit Orlando, a not-for-profit that helps market nearly 15,000 companies – including the Orange County Convention Center.

“Eighty-percent of our private events come directly from these private conventions,” Uhl said.

The latest numbers by the Orange County Comptroller for the Tourist Development Tax collections for May 2024 were $28,383,700, which is $2.2 million, or 8.3% higher than last year. But this May, numbers dropped compared to the month before (down 6.3%, April 2024 – May 2024).

ICON Park CEO Chris Jaskiewicz released this statement exclusively to Spectrum News:

“We obviously need to protect Visit Orlando’s marketing budget because tourists have many other markets around the world who are advertising with them… Visit Orlando’s marketing helps Orlando maintain our position as the world’s top vacation destination, which everyone in Central Florida benefits from.”

The TDT is also known as the “bed tax.” It funds other tourism-related expenditures, like venues, and the arts. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says he’s “elated” by the May numbers, which he says turned out to be the highest May collections on record – after adjustments.

“TDT reserves increased by more than $6 million for a new total of just over $395 million. Reserves help us invest in our community venues, the Convention Center, and cultural arts," the mayor said.

Orlando’s newest resort — Evermore Orlando Resort (with an 8-acre bay) — is an advocate for having to charge guests extra.

“Look, our guests really hardly notice it,” spokesman Fred Sawyers said. “I think it’s very worthwhile. We’re sold out at Evermore Resort [July 4]. We have a record number of guests on property today.”

Sawyers also said that Visit Orlando is helping its brand, which launched just this past January.

Also benefiting from the surcharge, The Camping World Stadium and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.