Florida TaxWatch Presents Tourism Tax Research at I-Drive Chamber Luncheon

Visit Orlando also shared latest marketing initiatives to drive tourism to the region.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:52pm

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At the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce General Meeting Luncheon, Florida TaxWatch presented research on Central Florida's Tourist Development Tax and the economic impact of tourism in the region. Visit Orlando's Casandra Matej also discussed the organization's latest sales and marketing efforts to attract more visitors to Orlando.

Why it matters

Tourism is a critical economic driver for Central Florida, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in economic impact annually. The presentations at the I-Drive Chamber luncheon provided insights into the importance of the tourist development tax and the ongoing marketing initiatives to maintain Orlando's status as a top global destination.

The details

Florida TaxWatch, an independent government watchdog and taxpayer research institute, shared findings on the economic significance of the Tourist Development Tax collected in Central Florida. The organization's President & CEO Jeff Kottkamp and Research Economist Garrett Gouveia presented the data. Meanwhile, Visit Orlando President & CEO Casandra Matej outlined the latest advertising campaigns, travel trade partnerships, and sales initiatives designed to attract more leisure, business, and international visitors to the region.

  • The International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce General Meeting Luncheon took place on April 10, 2026.

The players

Florida TaxWatch

An independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute that has served as the 'eyes and ears' of Florida taxpayers for more than 47 years.

Jeff Kottkamp

The former Lieutenant Governor of Florida and current President & CEO of Florida TaxWatch.

Garrett Gouveia

The Research Economist at Florida TaxWatch.

Visit Orlando

The official tourism association for Orlando responsible for marketing Central Florida as a top travel destination.

Casandra Matej

The President & CEO of Visit Orlando.

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What they’re saying

“Tourism is one of the leading economic drivers for Central Florida, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in economic impact each year. Visit Orlando plays a key role in helping maintain Orlando's position as one of the most visited destinations in the world.”

— Casandra Matej, President & CEO, Visit Orlando

The takeaway

The presentations at the I-Drive Chamber luncheon underscored the vital role that tourism and the tourist development tax play in supporting the Central Florida economy. As Orlando continues to be a top global destination, the marketing efforts of organizations like Visit Orlando will be crucial in driving visitation and economic growth in the region.