ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando’s tourism industry posted year-over-year gains in July, with hotel occupancy, room demand and tourist development tax collections all increasing.
Orange County hotels reported a 74.1% occupancy rate in July, up 1.5% from a year earlier, according to Visit Orlando.
Hotel room demand increased 1.6%, while the average daily room rate remained nearly flat at $198.25, down 0.2% year over year.
Orange County collected about $31.5 million in tourist development taxes during the month, a 6.4% increase compared with July 2025.
Short-term rental demand also increases
Short-term rentals also recorded stronger performance in July.
Demand increased 3% from a year earlier, while the average daily rate jumped 10%, according to Visit Orlando.
Tourism officials attributed much of July’s performance to leisure travel during the peak summer vacation period, when school breaks overlap across the United States and several international markets.
August could decline, but fall outlook stronger
Visit Orlando President and CEO Casandra Matej said August is expected to show a year-over-year decline.
However, combined hotel room demand for August through October is currently pacing 3% ahead of last year as Orlando enters its fall convention and events season.
Visit Orlando launches celebrity travel series
Visit Orlando is also partnering with Tripadvisor on a new YouTube series aimed at promoting the destination through local celebrities and other notable personalities.
“Common Ground” features people including former Orlando City star Kaká, Orlando Pride defender Rafaelle Souza, former *NSYNC member Joey Fatone and Broadway performer Michael James Scott exploring Orlando’s sports, food, arts and culture.
Visit Orlando said the series has generated more than 2.4 million views so far.
The three initial episodes focus on sports, food and inclusivity.
Learn more about the “Common Ground” series from Visit Orlando.
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