Experience Kissimmee celebrates a decade of success and growth promoting Osceola County

Experience Kissimmee marks its 10th anniversary, reflecting on a decade of remarkable achievements while remaining true to the core values – championing partners, embracing new ideas, taking risks, and consistently being positive and enthusiastic – all of which have guided its mission. Over the past ten years, the organisation’s commitment to promoting Osceola County as a premier destination has fueled significant growth and development – growing to have more than 1,000 partners.

“I could not be prouder of the incredible milestones we’ve reached while staying steadfast to our mission. Our growth has been extraordinary, but what makes this anniversary truly special is all the individuals, partners and elected officials that have stood with us year after year,” said DT Minich, President and CEO, Experience Kissimmee. “From doubling our impact in tourism to expanding our global reach, we’ve helped Osceola County evolve into a world-class destination.”

Since 2014, Osceola County has seen remarkable expansion. Visitation has grown by an astounding 70 per cent, with over 10.4 million visitors in 2024 alone. Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections have doubled, reaching $81.6 million in 2023.

International representation has expanded significantly, from just three countries in 2014 to 17 in 2024, furthering global reach. The brand’s unaided awareness far exceeded expectations, increasing from 2 per cent unaided awareness in 2014 to 30 per cent in 2024.

The Kissimmee Sports Commission has played a vital role in driving economic growth, with room nights in the sports segment increasing from 90,000 in 2015 to over 450,000 in 2024. The overall economic impact from sports events has exceeded $1 billion over the last ten years, as events have grown from 30 in 2015 to 121 in 2024.

Over the years, Experience Kissimmee has been able to continue to expand strategic partnerships to continue to increase brand awareness and visitation to the destination, such as Advent Health, Brand USA, Brightline, Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Major League Baseball (MLB) Mexico City Series, National Football League (NFL) in the UK, Osceola Magic, Rangers FC and Visit Florida.

The Meetings Team has nearly doubled lead volume from 2015 to 2024, with contracted room nights increasing from 162,229 in 2015 to 370,709 in 2024. Since May 1, 2023, the partnership with Trees4Travel has planted 60,102 trees to offset carbon emissions from travel. The Experience Kissimmee Directors of Sales Committee, established in 2018, continues to share resources and industry trends.

In 2018, Experience Kissimmee proudly trademarked Kissimmee as the Vacation Home Capital of the World®, and this year, Osceola County celebrated its first Michelin Key for the ette hotel, marking another significant achievement for the destination in accommodations and food and beverage.

None of this would have been possible without the support of more than 1,000 partners, many of whom were instrumental in providing assistance years ago. Experience Kissimmee is founded on these remarkable partnerships and thrives on the interaction and commitment to the businesses.

“Ten years ago, a group of industry leaders had a vision of what Experience Kissimmee could become.  The success of the organisation and our destination since then is beyond our wildest dreams,” said Mark McHugh, President and CEO, Gatorland®.

“Looking at our local vacation rental industry today, we recognize that the privatization of Experience Kissimmee just ten years ago has proven to be one of the most impactful steps in growing the Osceola County tourism industry. While hotels and attractions already had plenty of marketing efforts back then, I believe the vacation rental industry was lagging behind. The last ten years have demonstrated the organisation’s overall success in many ways, particularly by recognizing the vacation rental home industry as a significant potential for the destination. Experience Kissimmee has been very successful in marketing and promoting our wonderful destination as the vacation rental home capital of the world, offering many travellers their own home away from home. Kudos to Experience Kissimmee!” said Rembert Vonk, Owner of Excellent Vacation Homes.

“Over the last ten years, Omni at ChampionsGate has been blessed to enjoy an incredible partnership with the team at Experience Kissimmee. The results have outsized everyone’s wildest dreams.  Can’t wait to see how Experience Kissimmee will continue to lead and create effective programs to allow Osceola County to grow as a destination. Next stop, $100,000,000 on bed tax! Go, team Go!” said Marc Reicher, Senior Vice President of Operations, Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.

As Experience Kissimmee celebrates a decade of achievements, the organisation is proud to expand its network of partners and agencies, reinforcing its commitment to visitors with a focus on making this destination both accessible and sustainable.

Looking ahead to the next decade, the organisation remains devoted to showcasing Osceola County as a unique and world-class destination. With a continued focus on innovation, strategic partnerships and exceptional service, Experience Kissimmee aims to build on its success and reach new heights.