Discover Orlando’s record-breaking tourism impact, key trade events, and major developments shaping the city this fall
by Exhibit City News Staff Writer
Orlando’s Tourism Boom
Orlando’s tourism industry reached a record $92.5 billion economic impact in 2023, as announced in August 2024. Visitor spending hit $58.5 billion, reducing the tax burden on local households by an estimated $7,400. The tourism sector supported 464,000 jobs. This continued growth solidifies Orlando’s status as a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Key Trade Shows in September
September 2024 is packed with significant trade shows in Orlando:
Surf Expo (September 5-7, 2024): Held at the Orange County Convention Center, this event is the largest watersports and coastal lifestyle trade show globally, featuring thousands of brands showcasing surf, skate, and outdoor products.
International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) – MRO Americas (September 10-12, 2024): A critical event for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry, focusing on the latest technologies in manufacturing and supply chain management.
International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Dairy Forum 2024 (September 23-25, 2024): This forum gathers leaders from the dairy industry to discuss trends, challenges, and innovations in dairy food production.
For more upcoming tradeshows, visit the Tradeshow Calander.
Orlando International Airport’s Expansion
Orlando International Airport plans to build a new $1 billion central rental car facility, freeing up thousands of parking spaces. The project, approved in August 2024, will be funded by increasing the customer facility charge from $6 to $9 per day starting November 1. The new facility is expected to improve airport logistics and accommodate future growth.
Also in August, Airports Council International-North America announced that Orlando International Airport ranked as the seventh busiest airport in the U.S. for passenger traffic in 2023, with a 15% increase from the previous year. MCO also ranked 18th for international traffic, maintaining its status as Florida’s busiest airport. This growth reflects a broader trend of recovering passenger traffic across U.S. airports, with significant increases in both domestic and international travelers.
Lisa Messina Joins Visit Orlando
In July 2024, Visit Orlando announced that Lisa Messina would take on the role of Chief Sales Officer, beginning her duties in August. With over three decades of experience in the meetings and events industry, including leadership roles at the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Messina’s expertise is expected to bolster Orlando’s status as the No. 1 meeting destination in the U.S. She will oversee several departments, including meeting and convention sales, as the city prepares for significant developments, including an expansion of the Orange County Convention Center.
Halloween in Orlando
Orlando, often dubbed the Halloween Vacation Capital, is extending its spooky celebrations for a record 93 days this year. From Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World to Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights, the city offers a variety of events catering to all ages and scare levels. New this year are a Halloween-themed drone show and the Howl-O-Sprint 5K at SeaWorld Orlando, ensuring there’s something for everyone during this festive season.
New this year is the Howl-O-Sprint 5K on September 13 at SeaWorld Orlando, where participants will sprint through a haunted course filled with eerie landscapes and scare zones. This nighttime race promises a unique and thrilling experience for all who dare to participate.
