Tourism remains king in Orlando.

Orange County hotel tax revenue broke another record in May with nearly $32.8 million collected, up 9% from May 2025, officials announced.

“May 2026 once again delivered a record-setting month for Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections. It marked the highest May on record and extended our streak of consecutive year-over-year growth to fourteen months,” Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond said.

Of the tax revenue proceeds, about $42.5 million is committed to capital projects, $20.5 million is for the bid fee and costs to lure in the 2029 or 2030 NBA All-Star Week, and $15.2 million for the bid fee and costs for the 2028 International Olympic Qualifier Series.

The hotel tax is a 6% countywide tax on hotel rooms and short-term stays. The money is a good measure on how busy the Orlando area’s tourism industry is faring and if the big crowds are still traveling to Central Florida. The numbers have been rising ever since Universal Orlando opened the new Epic Universe last year.

Diamond’s Office said it will release the June TDT collections report in early August.

Visit Orlando’s President and CEO Casandra Matej said the May occupancy rate was about 73%, up 3% from May 2025. The average daily hotel rate in May was $222.42, up 3% from May 2025.

Matej spoke about the travel forecast later this Summer.

“Travel performance outlook for July and August shows booking pace is ahead of 2025 by 2%,” Matej said. “Interest in our destination for summer travel remains strong. Flight search volume for travel to Orlando during the July-August period is up 10% in the last month compared to the same time last year.”

Visit Orlando is getting ready to announce more details next week about Magical Dining, a popular promotion for three-course, prix-fixe dinners at some of Central Florida’s best restaurants. The organization is holding a press conference next week.

August also kicks off the early Halloween season at Central Florida’s theme parks which draws in crowds at Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. The festivities will likely help boost the TDT revenue.