Orange County’s tourist development tax revenue hit a new record, but growth remained flat compared to last year.The tax revenue reached a record $358.2 million this year, marking a slight increase from last year’s $358.1 million.When it comes to the amount of tax money collected through tourist money tax dollars, $358.2 million is a big deal because it was never clear what would happen during the pandemic. However, city and county leaders were hoping for more. “I’m glad to see the numbers stayed strong … they just didn’t grow at all from last year … it was almost flat,” said Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond.Diamond attributes the stagnation to several factors, including tourists who visited Central Florida last year choosing different destinations this year.”I think a lot of people who wanted to travel … traveled, and they didn’t necessarily want to Orange County again,” Diamond said.Another theory suggests that tourists may be holding off this year in anticipation of Universal’s Epic Universe, a new theme park set to open next year.”This is the first new theme park in Orlando in two decades,” said Thair White, a blogger and theme park expert.”But Epic Universe is going to be positive for everybody in Orlando and Florida as a whole,” White said.The financial boost from the new theme park is eagerly anticipated and always appreciated in Orange County.Experts say another factor for the record number of tourist development tax dollars is the fact that many businesses, hotels, theme parks and restaurants raised their prices.
Orange County’s tourist development tax revenue hit a new record, but growth remained flat compared to last year.
The tax revenue reached a record $358.2 million this year, marking a slight increase from last year’s $358.1 million.
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When it comes to the amount of tax money collected through tourist money tax dollars, $358.2 million is a big deal because it was never clear what would happen during the pandemic. However, city and county leaders were hoping for more.
“I’m glad to see the numbers stayed strong … they just didn’t grow at all from last year … it was almost flat,” said Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond.
Diamond attributes the stagnation to several factors, including tourists who visited Central Florida last year choosing different destinations this year.
“I think a lot of people who wanted to travel … traveled, and they didn’t necessarily want to [go to] Orange County again,” Diamond said.
Another theory suggests that tourists may be holding off this year in anticipation of Universal’s Epic Universe, a new theme park set to open next year.
“This is the first new theme park in Orlando in two decades,” said Thair White, a blogger and theme park expert.
“But Epic Universe is going to be positive for everybody in Orlando and Florida as a whole,” White said.
The financial boost from the new theme park is eagerly anticipated and always appreciated in Orange County.
Experts say another factor for the record number of tourist development tax dollars is the fact that many businesses, hotels, theme parks and restaurants raised their prices.
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