ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County has released its latest Tourist Development Tax figures for April.
According to a press release from Comptroller Phil Diamond, $30.3 million was collected in April, down about 10%, or $3.3 million, from April 2023. This is the largest decrease since February 2021.
“We haven’t seen a drop like this in a while and we’re hopeful that this is temporary and that a strong March has eaten into some of the sales in April,” Diamond explained.
Diamond announced in March that he had brought in about $40.6 million in monthly revenue, his highest ever.
“March was a record month. It’s never been this good before. Numbers-wise it’s the best it’s ever been and I wish months could always be like this,” Diamond said.
[RELATED: Orange County’s tourist tax collections break records. Here’s what the money is used for and why]
Diamond believes the big increase in March was due to spring break and Easter coinciding with families vacationing in Central Florida.
“Tourists were there early. Prices are a little higher. Taxes are up, room rates are 6 percent. So when you put all that together, I think it’s going to be a good month,” Diamond said.
April 2024 revenues were $10.2 million, or 25.3%, lower than March 2024 revenues.
“I would say the numbers have been down for eight of the 10 months. They were really strong last year so they’ve just slowed down a little bit and plateaued a little bit. It’s hard to say they’ll be at that level forever,” Diamond said.
With school out, Diamond thinks it will be a busy summer, but predicts that will change when Epic Universe opens next year.
“I know the parks are promoting the summer season, it’s the best time to travel, so I think there’s a good chance we’ll have a very good summer,” Diamond said.
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