Experience Kissimmee President and CEO DT Minich receives statewide recognition after a career leading destination marketing organizations in Southwest Florida, St. Pete-Clearwater and Kissimmee.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN) — Experience Kissimmee President and CEO DT Minich has been inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame, recognizing more than three decades of leadership in Florida’s tourism and destination marketing industry.

Minich was recognized during the 2026 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held Sept. 9-11 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach.

Presented on behalf of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership and contributions have helped shape the state’s tourism industry.

Three Florida Destinations, More Than Three Decades

According to Experience Kissimmee, Minich is the only tourism executive to have led three Florida destination marketing organizations.

His career includes leadership positions with the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater and Experience Kissimmee.

“This recognition represents every community, partner and tourism professional I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my career,” Minich said.

“We are here not only to welcome visitors, but also to strengthen our communities, create opportunities for residents, and protect what makes Florida such a special place.”

From Southwest Florida to St. Pete-Clearwater

Minich began his destination marketing career in the Fort Myers area, where Southwest Florida’s coastal communities and natural environment influenced his approach to tourism development.

His work included helping develop the nearly 200-mile Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail.

Minich also helped lead tourism communications following Hurricane Charley and supported Gulf Coast destinations during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, according to the organization.

He later spent seven years as executive director of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, where his work included expanding the destination’s international reach and developing its meetings and sports tourism business.

Transforming Experience Kissimmee

Minich became the first president and CEO of Experience Kissimmee in 2014 as the organization transitioned to a public-private model.

During his tenure, Experience Kissimmee positioned the destination around its large vacation-home market and promoted Kissimmee as the “Vacation Home Capital of the World.”

According to Experience Kissimmee, the area’s vacation-home inventory increased from approximately 10,000 to more than 30,000 homes during Minich’s leadership.

The organization says its annual budget also grew from approximately $11 million to more than $32 million, while its workforce expanded to more than 70 employees. Experience Kissimmee also established representation in more than 18 international markets.

Statewide Tourism Leadership

In 2025, Minich became the first Experience Kissimmee leader appointed to the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, giving him a role in statewide tourism strategy.

Sam Haught, co-owner of Wild Florida Adventure Park and a VISIT FLORIDA board member, said Minich’s influence extends beyond a single destination.

“He has helped tourism grow in a way that supports local businesses, creates opportunities for residents and strengthens the community we call home,” Haught said.

VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Bryan Griffin also recognized Minich’s statewide contributions.

“DT Minich has spent more than three decades in service to Florida tourism, and the relationships he has built are felt in every corner of the state,” Griffin said. “He has supported destinations from the Gulf Coast to Central Florida, enhanced the industry, and made extraordinary contributions to Florida tourism.”

Joining Florida Tourism Leaders

Established in 2001, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose work has contributed to the development of Florida’s visitor economy.

Previous inductees include Walt Disney, Henry Flagler, John Ringling, Harris Rosen, Carol Dover and William D. Talbert III, according to the release.

Minich now joins that group as the Hall of Fame’s 2026 inductee.