Mayor Jacobs joined hundreds of attendees in the business and hospitality community at CFHLA’s annual membership luncheon on Feb. 21 to receive the honor. CFHLA represents one of the largest regional hotel associations, representing approximately 80 percent of all lodging rooms in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
“Mayor Jacobs has played an integral role to the hospitality industry for the past eight years,” CFHLA Chairman and Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort General Manager Fred Sawyers said. “She understands and respects the importance of the Central Florida hospitality industry relating to maintaining and creating jobs and economic development for Orange County.”
Upon receiving the award, Mayor Jacobs thanked the local leaders and organizations that help promote the region as a top tourist destination. Last year, Visit Orlando announced a record 68 million visitors. She also stated that without the strength of the local hospitality sector, key projects, including the Amway Arena, the Orange County Convention Center, Camping World Stadium and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, would not have come to fruition.
“Tourism continues to be a big part of our story, a big part in shaping our community,” Mayor Jacobs said. “The many millions of guests who come here each year are the reason why Orlando, in Orange County, is known as the number-one tourist destination in the nation.”
In Central Florida, the travel and leisure industry contributes an estimated 450,000 jobs, about one third, to the local economy, as well as has an economic impact of $68.5 billion to the region.
“What really makes us stand out and keeps our guests coming back again and again goes beyond the tangible things that our region has to offer,” Mayor Jacobs added. “What keeps our guests coming is our incredible culture of hospitality.”
Orange County leaders in attendance to celebrate Mayor Jacobs’ award included: Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey, Orange County District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke, Orange County District 4 Commissioner Jennifer Thompson, Orange County Administrator Ajit Lalchandani and Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond.
Last year former Orange County District 1 Commissioner Scott Boyd received the CFHLA “Public Servant of the Year” award, and District 4 Commissioner Jennifer Thompson accepted the award in 2014.
