Experience Kissimmee Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

Experience Kissimmee is celebrating its 10th anniversary and looking back on the past decade of growth in the tourism sector, much of which was driven by sporting events.

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 past 10 years, as events have grown from 30 in 2015 to 121 in 2024.

Experience Kissimmee has created strategic partnerships throughout sports including Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., the Jacksonville Jaguars, Major League Baseball Mexico City Series, National Football League in the UK, Osceola Magic and Rangers FC.

“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 chief executive officer of 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 visitation grow by 70 percent, with over 10.4 million visitors in 2024 alone. Tourist Development Tax collections have doubled, reaching $81.6 million in 2023. Overall contracted room nights in the destination have increased from 162,229 in 2015 to 370,709 in 2024.

In 2018, Experience Kissimmee trademarked Kissimmee as the Vacation Home Capital of the World. Osceola County this year celebrated its first Michelin Key.