ORLANDO, Fla. — The local international tourism market is beginning to change as Orlando sees an influx of tourists from the Middle East.
Around 16,000 Middle Easterners and Asians have visited the area each month since Emirates Airline started flying directly from Dubai to Orlando.
"Dubai is the most active international airport in the world, so they are a prime location and absolutely are a strong gateway," George Aguel, of Visit Orlando, said.
Aguel said the company's offices in Orlando are focusing on direct marketing and putting together package deals for tourist coming from the Middle East, who seem to be eager despite the 15-hour flight time.
"What we have found historically is in these countries (is) they get a feeling for some of the brands that are well known or famous (and) they're interested in coming to Orlando because we're really the mother ship," Aguel said.
Omar Abdul-Hafiz with Sotheby's International in Lake Mary said the company is directly marketing real estate to the Middle East. In return for a $500,000 investment in a condo project, overseas investors qualify for an expedited Visa.
The expedited Visa process is a congressional program designed to encourage more foreign investment.
"The main reason they're investing into it is possibly to get a green card and possibly live in America," Hafiz said.
Hafiz said Orlando is cheaper than investing in New York and banking restrictions make it safe. He said many Middle Easterners are flying in with cash on them, ready to buy.
They want somewhere they can get to quickly, put their money (and) get out of there. So what they do is come to Oralndo," Hafiz said.
International tourism numbers in 2015 for Orlando will be released in April.
Cox Media Group
