Maria Triscari, President & CEO, International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce
The International Drive corridor is a major economic force, with over $4 billion of new development and a 100,000-plus workforce that supports some of the world’s most renowned theme parks and hotels. “We are a major economic driver for all of Central Florida,” said Maria Triscari, president and CEO of the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce.
What is the economic impact of the region your organization represents?
The International Drive Chamber represents the International Drive corridor which continues to grow. We’re one of the largest regions now in terms of economic growth and have over $4 Billion in new development underway, and this does not include the millions of dollars being invested at Epic Universe.
We now represent over 50,000 hotel rooms, which covers 40% of all the hotel rooms in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. The corridor employs over 100,000 workers across the six major theme parks. There are 350 restaurants, numerous hotels, six major theme parks, and 35 smaller attractions. We’re working very hard on major initiatives to ensure that our area is developing as we want it to grow.
What are some of the major initiatives for your organization now?
One of the major projects we are working on with Universal Orlando is mass transportation from Orlando International Airport to I-Drive. The proposed Sunshine Corridor program will provide an east-west connection for SunRail and Brightline and include an I-Drive station to service our thousands of employees, millions of visitors, and residents.
In 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners supported Phase One of the master plan at the Orange County Convention Center. This project, which will add extra ballroom space and many other essential amenities to ensure our convention center stays top of the game and competitive, is a $560 million project that will move forward this year.
What are the greatest economic development opportunities in the region?
More hotels are coming in and going online, more attractions are opening, and huge projects like Epic Universe are expected to create another 14,000 jobs. We also have residential developments underway, with 25,000 residents living on the I-Drive corridor. It’s been a great growth period for the region.
What makes this region an ideal location for business expansion and relocation?
We’re at a great crossroads with I-4 and the beach line. The airport is also just 10 minutes away, so it’s a central location for transportation. That’s always key to any kind of successful area. Our initiatives have been focusing on even better transportation. We would like seamless transportation from the airport to get on the train, come to I-drive, and return. We want to take it to the next level.
However, the fact that there are 100,000 employees here gives developers more reasons to pursue residential projects. Along with developers, people with a dream of opening a business come in and want to be a part of our destination, which attracts millions of visitors each year, and set up their businesses.
What is attracting new businesses into the region?
The biggest game changer has been the residential market. We’re a tourist destination that continues growing, but now we have more of a mix of residents, which is good. More affordable housing is also being built for the workers. I think one of the bigger nuances now is the arrival of the residential market.
What are the businesses you serve looking for right now?
The chamber’s leadership has been outstanding. We were able to attract a station on I-Drive for SunRail and Brightline, which is huge. Investments in the convention center are also key. That’s a game-changer for the whole community. Those are top priorities because the larger our convention center is, with great amenities, the more groups we can accommodate and stay competitive in a very competitive market.
What is your outlook and the top priorities for the next two to three years?
Central Florida is growing so fast. It is one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation, and we are continuing to see this rapid growth. In 2025, Epic Universe will change a lot, and new developments will continue to create a mix of attractions, theme parks, and residential. It is not going to slow down anytime soon.
The top priorities will be the Sunshine Corridor and the convention center, as well as making sure that the tourist development tax (TDT) remains for its intended use. Those are the three major components and political agenda items.
