Tourism

Central Florida's bread-and-butter industry. How is it changing to meet changing times?

This system will bring dozens of industry experts together for a strategy session like no other.

Tourism's impact on our area has never been more important. That means now is the time to look at our tourism resources on a regional scale. By combining existing research from all four corners of our region, we can answer these questions and many more.

With participation from the Walt Disney Company, the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association and others, this system promises to be powerful region-building experience.

Facts About Historic/Cultural Travel

- Historic/cultural travelers are slightly older than other U.S. travelers (48 years old vs. 46) and they are more likely to have a post-graduate education (23 percent vs. 20 percent). One-third (34 percent) are 55 or older.

- June, July and August are the most popular months for historic and cultural travel.

- Shopping is part of the trip for 44 percent of historic/cultural travelers, compared to 33 percent of the U.S. travel population. State/national parks, outdoor activities, beaches and theme parks are also popular with historic/cultural travelers.

- Eighteen percent of historic/cultural travelers say they spend more than $1,000 when they travel compared to 12 percent of all travelers.

- Historic/cultural travelers are twice as likely to take a group tour than the average traveler.

Source: Travel Industry Association of America