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Local business leaders and advocates spar over hotel tax uses, private contributions to tourism promotion
Summary
Central Florida hospitality leaders defended the tourism development tax's traditional uses while housing and advocates urged expanding hotel‑tax revenue for affordable housing and transit. Questions about Visit Orlando's contract percentage and private sector contributions were discussed.
Leaders from the hospitality industry and housing advocates told the Orange County legislative delegation that the county’s tourist development tax (TDT) policy and funding allocations have large consequences for housing, transit and local budgets.
Robert Agruza, president and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, told the delegation that the TDT has driven visitation and delivered broad economic benefits and local tax revenue. Agruza warned that expanding allowable uses for TDT dollars would dilute funds dedicated to tourism promotion…
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