Central Florida targets Spain for trade and tourism growth
Writer: Alexandra Ruiz
November 2024 — Orlando is deepening its ties in transatlantic trade, as demonstrated by a recent delegation to Spain led by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando (HCMO) in early November.
With an emphasis on strengthening economic relations, the delegation aimed to expand investment, promote tourism, and explore collaborations in tech and infrastructure, drawing attention to the billions of dollars in bilateral merchandise trade between Florida and Spain.
“This mission trip has opened countless opportunities for collaboration and will take Central Florida to new heights, fostering growth and unity across our region,” said Alejandra Escobar, vice president of Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, in a LinkedIn post.
The trip included prominent leaders from Orlando and key industry players in Spain, emphasizing mutual interests in Smart City innovation and sustainable development. Orlando’s recent growth in sectors such as aerospace, medical technology, and real estate places it in an attractive position for Spanish investors, particularly given the similarities between Spain and Central Florida’s tourism-driven economies.
Spain ranks as Florida’s sixth-largest trading partner within the European Union, growing nearly 2% between 2022 and 2023.
The delegation’s agenda included stops at major cultural and business centers in Madrid, showcasing Spanish advancements in urban planning and smart infrastructure. These initiatives align well with Orlando’s own ambitions for tech-forward urban growth, and leaders on both sides see potential for partnership in transportation, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
Orlando is embracing rail travel with the arrival of the newest Brightline Station in late 2023 — and planning is underway to connect the South Florida rail network from Miami to Tampa Bay with Orlando as a central destination. Meanwhile, Spain operates the biggest high speed rail network in Europe spanning 1,926 miles, according to Smart City Dive.
Tourism also played a central role in the discussions, as both Orlando and Spain are renowned global travel destinations. Orlando’s tourism sector has seen renewed international interest, reflected in recent upgrades to a Spanish-language tourism-focused website operated by Visit Orlando.
The chamber delegation also advocated for increased direct flights between Orlando and Spanish cities, a key logistical gap that, if filled, could increase trade, cultural exchange, and tourism by reducing travel barriers. Orlando International Airport announced a seasonal route between Madrid and Orlando this past summer, but there are currently no direct flights between the Western European country and Central Florida.
Despite the promising outlook, potential obstacles loom. With the shift in U.S. administration policy under a second Trump term, international trade dynamics are likely to face heightened scrutiny and possible realignment, which may affect trade policies or impose additional restrictions.
Orlando’s leaders are hopeful that the collaboration from the delegation will spark ongoing exchanges, from tourism and infrastructure projects to educational initiatives. As local economic development bodies like the HCMO and others actively pursue these partnerships, the region’s international business ties stand poised for expansion — albeit with caution amid an evolving policy landscape.
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