ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - A recent study released by Visit Orlando highlights a significant milestone for Central Florida's tourism industry, which generated a record-breaking $94.5 billion economic impact in 2024. The region welcomed 75.3 million visitors, fueling an industry that supports approximately 468,000 jobs, or 37% of all employment across the area.
Despite this robust growth, concerns remain about wages for those working in the tourism sector. Workers like Mark Bishop, a longtime driver serving tourists, report that their wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living.
Bishop commented, "People at the top make all the money and the people at the bottom, you know, they take what they can get."
Mike Meyers, a tourism worker with four decades of experience who started his career at Disney earning $2.75 an hour, said he had a good experience, but the cost of living has gone up. Today's Disney employees earn roughly $16 to $25 an hour, according to Glassdoor estimates.
Job distribution within the industry spans several counties, with 42% located in Orlando County, 35% in Osceola County, and 12% in Seminole County. This encompasses roles in shops, hotels, theme parks, and transportation companies.
Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando, emphasized the importance of tourism growth to the overall economy and quality of life in the region.
"The more visitors we have here, the more economic impact and the better quality of life we all have," she said.
Wages and benefits paid in 2024 totaled $28 billion, reflecting a 2.5% increase year-over-year. This raises questions about the sustainability of current wage growth for workers who form the backbone of Central Florida's thriving tourism industry.
As tourism continues to flourish, balancing economic gains with equitable compensation for industry workers remains a critical challenge for the region's future.
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