Why Vacancies Are Up and Tourism Is Slower in Orlando This Year

If you’ve been asking yourself why vacancies are up and tourism is slower in Orlando, you’re not imagining it, and you’re certainly not alone.

Across Central Florida, vacation rental owners are seeing fewer enquiries, longer gaps between bookings, and income that’s becoming increasingly unpredictable. What once felt like a reliable stream of short-term rental income is now starting to feel uncertain, frustrating, and, for many, unsustainable.

This shift isn’t just a seasonal dip, it reflects a broader change in the Orlando tourism and rental market. Understanding what’s behind it is the first step to protecting your investment and making smarter decisions about what comes next.

At McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes, we’ve been tracking this trend closely. With noticeable shifts in international travel behaviour, particularly among Canadian and European visitors, many owners are beginning to feel the squeeze. As experienced property managers, our goal is to help you understand what’s really happening in the Orlando market, and more importantly, what you can do about it.

Orlando Has Seen a Sharp Drop in International Tourists

If you’ve been wondering why vacancies are up and tourism is slower in Orlando, one of the biggest shifts comes down to a noticeable drop in international visitors.

For years, Orlando has been a hotspot for travellers from Canada and across Europe, with areas like Kissimmee, Davenport, and South Orlando benefiting from steady, predictable bookings. Many vacation rental owners relied on these long-haul guests to fill their calendars—often months in advance.

But that pattern has changed.

Over the past year, international bookings have slowed significantly, and the impact is being felt across the entire vacation rental market. Homes that once stayed consistently booked are now experiencing unexpected gaps, even during what used to be peak seasons.

For many owners, this isn’t just a quiet spell, it’s a shift in who is travelling, how often they’re booking, and whether Orlando is still their first choice.

Why Are Airbnb Bookings Slowing Down in Orlando?

When you look closer at why vacancies are up and tourism is slower in Orlando, it becomes clear there isn’t just one cause—it’s a combination of pressures all hitting at once.

Travel has become more expensive. Flights to the U.S., especially from Europe and Canada, have risen sharply, making long-haul trips less appealing for families who are already watching their budgets.

At the same time, exchange rates are working against many international visitors. When currencies weaken, a Florida holiday suddenly feels far more expensive than it did just a year or two ago.

There’s also a wider economic shift happening. Many families are cutting back on discretionary spending, and holidays, particularly long-distance ones, are often the first to go.

On top of that, we’re seeing a growing trend toward domestic travel. Instead of flying across the Atlantic or crossing borders, many travellers are choosing to stay closer to home.

The result? Fewer international guests, fewer long stays, and more vacant nights on the calendar. Even the Canadians are hestitant to come to Orlando and the snowbird bookings are way down.

If you’re noticing gaps where bookings used to be, you’re not alone. Many vacation rental owners are seeing the same pattern—and realising this isn’t just a slow month, but part of a bigger market change.

Rising Costs in Orlando Are Pushing Tourists Away

Another key reason why vacancies are up and tourism is slower in Orlando comes down to something visitors feel the moment they arrive—cost.

Even for those who do make the trip, Orlando is no longer seen as the affordable getaway it once was. Over the past year, rising prices—driven by global supply issues, tariffs, and inflation—have made a noticeable difference.

For international travellers already dealing with weaker exchange rates, these added expenses can quickly turn a dream holiday into a stressful one.

As a result, many are starting to look elsewhere, choosing destinations where their money stretches further.

And it’s not just tourists feeling the pressure.

Property owners are experiencing it too. While bookings are slowing, the cost of maintaining and running a vacation rental continues to rise, creating a squeeze from both sides that’s becoming harder to ignore. Inflation is affecting maintenance services, repairs, utilities, and home improvement materials. That means it costs more to keep a vacation rental guest-ready and competitive.

The Rising Costs for Vacation Rental Homeowners

Vacation rental owners are being hit on all sides. While bookings are down, the costs of operating and maintaining a vacation home have gone up dramatically. Here’s where many are feeling the pinch:

All these added expenses can erode the profitability of your vacation home, even when it has all the popular weeks booked. When occupancy dips, the financial strain becomes even more pronounced.

Your Florida dream home may be starting to feel more like an expensive money pit. Between rising costs, inconsistent bookings, and growing uncertainty, many owners are asking themselves the tricky question: how long can you afford to keep subsidizing the running costs? If your property is costing more to maintain than it generates, it may be time to reassess your rental strategy. This is one of the main reasons owners reach out to us. They are fed up wondering why vacancies are up and tourism is slower in Orlando.

Vacation Rental Owners Are Feeling the Pressure

These trends all combine to create a perfect storm. Owners who once enjoyed nearly full calendars and strong nightly rates are now finding themselves:

• Lowering prices to stay competitive
• Paying higher fees for marketing and exposure
• Covering gaps between bookings
• Facing rising maintenance and operational costs

It’s no wonder that many are seeking alternatives. Fortunately, there is one option that provides more stability and consistency: long-term rentals.

America Feels Less Welcoming Right Now

While Orlando remains one of the most magical destinations in the U.S., the broader political climate has had an undeniable impact on tourism. This is one of the main reasons why vacancies are uo and tourism is slower in Orlando. With an election year underway and divisive political discourse dominating headlines, many international visitors are rethinking their travel plans. This is one of the many reasons why vacancies are up and tourism is slower in Orlando.

The perception abroad is that America is not as welcoming or safe as it once was, which is discouraging families and individuals from booking trips. In the world of tourism, perception is everything—and right now, many people are choosing alternative destinations that feel more stable and inviting.

The Economy Is Unsettled—and So Are Travelers

On top of everything else, the unsettling world events have brought its fair share of economic uncertainty. Global markets remain volatile. Inflation continues to affect consumer confidence. Job security is a growing concern across industries, and many households are tightening their belts in preparation for what feels like an unpredictable year. Are you Still wondering why vacancies are up and tourism is slower in Orlando, or did we explain it well and are you ready to pivit into something more stable.

This has led to:

• Fewer vacations being planned
• Shorter trips with reduced budgets
• Cancellations and last-minute changes in plans

When families are unsure about their financial future, one of the first luxuries to go is the big, international vacation. Even domestic travelers are opting for shorter stays or more affordable accommodations—and that puts added pressure on the vacation rental market.

Why Now Is the Time to Consider Long-Term Rentals

Converting your vacation property into a long-term rental may feel like a big decision, but it comes with major benefits—especially in a slower tourism year. Here’s why:

1. Steady Income, Month After Month

With a long-term lease in place, you won’t have to worry about fluctuating occupancy or off-season dips. Rent is paid monthly, and your cash flow becomes far more predictable.

2. Lower Management Costs

Vacation rentals require constant guest turnover, cleanings, marketing, and service coordination. Long-term rentals, by contrast, are far more hands-off and cost-effective.

3. Less Wear and Tear

Short-term guests can be hard on a property, especially with frequent use of amenities. Long-term tenants typically treat the property more like a home, reducing the need for frequent repairs and deep cleanings.

4. Less Risk During Uncertain Times

When tourism is uncertain, so is your income. But with a stable tenant in place, your investment property becomes more resilient against external economic shifts.

Read more: Short-Term Rental vs Long-Term Rental: Key Insights for Property Owners

How Our Property Management Company Can Help in a Changing Orlando Market

If you’ve been wondering why are vacancies up and tourism is slower in Orlando, the next question naturally becomes—what can you do about it?

This is where having the right team behind you makes all the difference.

Our goal is simple: to protect your investment and give you peace of mind, no matter what the travel market is doing.

Here’s how we do that:

• Carefully screened tenants to keep your property occupied with reliable, long-term renters
• 24/7 owner and tenant portals so you always have full visibility and control
• Full-service maintenance coordination to keep your home in excellent condition without the stress
• Clear, detailed financial reporting so you always know exactly where you stand

You don’t have to navigate this shift alone. With the right strategy and support, your property can move from uncertainty to consistency—without the ups and downs of the vacation rental market. You will no longer have to worry why vacancies are up and tourism is slower in Orlando…does that sound like a plan.

Call us now on 407-933-2367 or in the UK 0161-300-9595 or email broker@renterschoicehomes.com

Are you an investor from outside the US? Find out How To Master Long Distance Real Estate Investing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Reconsider Your Strategy

Now you know why Vacancies are up and tourism is slower in Orlando this year. That’s the reality we’re all facing. However, while short-term rental markets are tightening, long-term rentals are offering a haven of stability for savvy property owners.

Now is not the time to wait and see. It’s time to act.

At McCormack Realty and renters choice homes we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s talk about your property’s potential as a long-term rental. Contact us today for a free consultation and strategy session. 407-933-2367 or in the UK 0161-300-9595 or email broker@renterschoicehomes.com