Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
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Central Florida Tourism Sets New Record, Generating $98.6 Billion in Economic Impact for Central Florida
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This week, CFHLA - in partnership with Visit Orlando, Experience Kissimmee, and Orlando North, Seminole County Tourism - released new research by Tourism Economics revealing Central Florida's hospitality and tourism industry reached new heights in 2025!
According to the 2025 Central Florida Tourism Economic Impact Study, the tourism and hospitality industry reached a new record-breaking high of $98.6 billion in total economic impact, a 4.4% increase over the previous year.
Key findings from 2025 include:
- Direct visitor spending reached $62.9 billion, up 5% from 2024 - equaling more than $172 million spent every day across Central Florida.
- Tourism-related activity supported 476,541 jobs, a 1.1% increase from approximately 468,000 jobs in 2024.
- The industry generated $29.1 billion in wages, representing an average annual salary of approximately $61,065 per employee.
- Tourism produced $7.1 billion in state and local tax revenue, a 4.8% year-over-year increase. Additionally, only 7% of that total was TDT which means $6.6 billion was produced through sales and property tax which supports essential public services and infrastructure, including public safety, education and transportation.
- Tourism activity reduced the average Central Florida household's annual tax burden by approximately $7,690, including an estimated $10,705 per household in Orange County.
These results continue to demonstrate just how essential our industry is to the region's continued economic growth, workforce, and quality of life. With more than 37% of all Central Florida jobs tied to the tourism and hospitality industry, the industry strengthens thousands of local small businesses, generates vital tax revenue, and enhances the quality of life for all residents throughout the region.
Furthermore, these remarkable milestones just reinforce an important truth: our hospitality professionals are the driving force behind both our reputation and our economic success. Simply put, tourism remains Central Florida's leading employer and our region's most powerful economic engine.
Read the full press release here.
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Don't Miss All Three Educational Seminars at the 2026 CFHLA Hospitality Tradeshow
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Last chance to register for the three educational seminars that will be held at the 2026 CFHLA Hospitality Tradeshow next week. Each of these educational seminars are designed to help hospitality professionals stay informed, connected, and prepared for what is ahead. This includes gaining timely insight into workplace legal updates, emerging technology, and the latest trends shaping Central Florida’s tourism economy.
Register Today for All Three Educational Seminars including:
Don't miss on exploring critical HR and legal developments, the growing role of technology and innovation in hotel operations, and the newest findings from the 2025 Tourism Economics Impact Calculator, including the significant economic impact that major sporting events have on driving visitation, hotel demand, and visitor spending.
Together, these sessions provide valuable perspectives from respected industry leaders while supporting CFHLA’s commitment to professional development and a stronger hospitality workforce.
CLICK HERE to register for the Human Resources Seminar.
CLICK HERE to register for the Leadership Series Seminar.
CLICK HERE to register for the Tourism by the Numbers Seminar.
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CFHLA Hosts Third Vacation
Ownership Council Meeting of 2026
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Earlier this week, CFHLA hosted its third Vacation Ownership Council meeting of 2026. The Council meeting featured an informative presentation from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) delivered by Hunter Clary, Manager of State Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs. Hunter shared valuable insights into recent and upcoming Florida legislation affecting tourism, vacation property owners, and the vacation ownership industry.
We sincerely appreciate Hunter and ARDA for their continued partnership and support of the Central Florida's hospitality industry!
CFHLA would also like to thank our 2026 Vacation Ownership Council sponsors, including:
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CFHLA Joins Community Leaders for Seminole County State of Our Schools Address
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Earlier this week, CFHLA was proud to attend the Seminole County State of Our Schools Address, hosted by our partner, the Seminole County Chamber , at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary.
Superintendent Serita D. Beamon highlighted the remarkable achievements of Seminole County Public Schools over the past year and shared the district's vision for preparing students to become future-ready. She also unveiled the district's new 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, which outlines six strategic priorities designed to ensure all students gain the knowledge, skills, and character needed to become productive citizens.
To learn more about the Strategic Plan 2026–2031 here.
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CFHLA remains committed to supporting Seminole County educators and students through our Adopt-A-School and High School Outreach programs as we continue working together to strengthen the future hospitality workforce.
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CFHLA Attends Hilton Garden Inn & Home2
Suites Downtown Christmas in July Open House
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The festive evening provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with the property's outstanding team while enjoying a self-guided tour showcasing the hotel's beautiful accommodations and amenities. Guests also enjoyed a signature holiday-inspired cocktail, networked with fellow hospitality professionals, and participated in exciting raffle prize giveaways.
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A special thank you to Marie Cassamajor, General Manager and CFHLA Board Member, for her warm hospitality and for inviting us to celebrate this fun and engaging event. We sincerely appreciate Marie and her team's continued partnership and commitment to delivering the exceptional hospitality that makes Central Florida's lodging industry so special.
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Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista Celebrates the Grand Reopening of
Rocco's Rockin' Tiki Bar
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The revitalized poolside venue marks the first of several exciting enhancements planned for the resort as it embarks on its next chapter. A longtime hospitality favorite in Central Florida, Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista is investing in thoughtful improvements designed to elevate the guest experience while continuing to provide the warm, welcoming service that has made the property a trusted destination for generations of travelers.
Congratulations to General Manager Dustin Burgess, Assistant General Manager Greg Hischuck, and the entire Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista team on their vision, leadership, and commitment to continuously enhancing the guest experience. CFHLA is proud to celebrate and support our member properties as they continue investing in Orlando's world-class hospitality experience!
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Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Celebrates
Lake Whitney Elementary Students
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Through CFHLA's Adopt-A-School Program, the team at Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista helped make a special milestone even sweeter for the fifth-grade students at Lake Whitney Elementary School as they ended the school year.
Following the school's Neon Dance celebration, the hotel generously donated a cake for the fifth-grade class, providing students with a memorable way to celebrate the end of their elementary school journey. This thoughtful contribution added to the excitement of the event and created a lasting memory as students prepare for the next chapter of their education.
CFHLA is grateful to Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista for its continued support of Lake Whitney Elementary School and for finding meaningful ways to celebrate, encourage, and inspire local students through the Adopt-A-School Program.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR JULY
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
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CFHLA is honored to recognize Scott Disson of Courtyard Orlando Airport as our July Lodging Member of the Month. This recognition reflects Scott's outstanding leadership, dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to CFHLA and the Central Florida hospitality industry. Scott has actively participated in numerous CFHLA signature events over the years and has been a valued contributor to our Airport Area Lodging Leadership Meetings. He has also served on several CFHLA committees and councils, including the Adopt-A-School Committee and Membership Committee, and was recently appointed to the CFHLA Board of Directors. Scott's engagement, leadership, and willingness to share his time and expertise have strengthened both our organization and the hospitality industry.
We are also proud to recognize David Torres of Common Sense Office Furniture as our Allied Member of the Month. Over the past year, David has been a tremendous partner to CFHLA, and we are incredibly grateful for his support throughout our office relocation and renovation. From assisting with multiple office moves to helping us furnish our newly renovated office, David's expertise and dedication have played a significant role in creating a workspace our team is proud to call home.
We are honored to recognize and celebrate Scott and David as our July Members of the Month. Their continued partnership and engagement exemplify the spirit of CFHLA, and we sincerely appreciate their contributions to the Central Florida hospitality industry.
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Meet Our Silver Partners:
Pinnacle Staffing Group & Century Fire Protection
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Pinnacle is proud to support CFHLA because we believe that a strong hospitality industry begins with exceptional people. CFHLA's commitment to workforce development, professional education, and industry collaboration aligns with our mission of connecting talented individuals with rewarding careers throughout Central Florida's hospitality community.
As a trusted staffing partner, we understand that every successful hotel, restaurant, and event venue depends on dedicated, well-trained employees. We take the time to understand the unique needs of both employers and job seekers, creating lasting partnerships that benefit businesses, employees, and guests alike. Our goal is not simply to fill positions, but to build careers and strengthen hospitality teams for long-term success.
Pinnacle Staffing Group provides staffing solutions for hotels, restaurants, convention centers, and event venues, delivering qualified professionals who help create exceptional guest experiences while supporting the continued growth of Central Florida's hospitality industry.
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Why We Support CFHLA:
Century Fire Protection,
is proud to support CFHLA because we share a commitment to advancing the hospitality industry while making a positive impact throughout Central Florida. Like CFHLA, we believe lasting success is built through collaboration, education, and trusted partnerships.
Our involvement with CFHLA allows us to support hotel owners, operators, engineers, and facilities teams by providing practical fire protection expertise and real-world guidance that helps properties remain compliant, reduce risk, and protect guests, employees, and assets. We strive to be more than a service provider—we are a dependable resource committed to helping our hospitality partners operate safely and confidently.
Century Fire Protection is a full-service fire protection contractor specializing in fire sprinkler, fire alarm, fire extinguisher, and special hazard systems. We provide design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and 24/7 emergency service to help hotels throughout Central Florida and the Southeast remain safe, compliant, and prepared.
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Check out the latest hospitality employment opportunities in Central Florida.
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About CFHLA
6675 Westwood Blvd #210, Orlando, FL 32821
The mission of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association is to represent the Central Florida Hospitality Industry, by setting the standard of excellence through advocacy, collaboration, education, recognition, and service.
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