Building a Destination Through Vision and Unity
From the moment you meet Maria Triscari, you are greeted with a warmth that creates an atmosphere both genuine and welcoming. Alongside that warmth is a clear sense of determination and commitment that becomes evident the more you get to know her.
For nearly four decades, Triscari has helped shape one of the most influential tourism corridors in the world. As President and CEO of the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce, her leadership has been instrumental in transforming International Drive from an undeveloped stretch of roadway into a globally recognized destination.
Triscari’s professional journey began in journalism, a field rooted in communication and storytelling. While in college, she also spent several years working at SeaWorld, an experience that strengthened her appreciation for education, large scale operations, and collaboration across organizations. These early experiences laid the foundation for a career centered on advocacy, relationship building, and long-term strategy.
In the mid 1980s, International Drive was not intended to become a tourism hub. Originally planned as an industrial park, the area began evolving organically as hotels and attractions emerged. Visionary leaders recognized that growth without coordination would limit the corridor’s potential. As Triscari explains, the area needed a collective voice to advocate for thoughtful development and shared goals.
Following a national search, Triscari was selected to lead a newly formed chamber dedicated exclusively to International Drive, a role she has held since its inception. At the time, development was modest. The original convention center and a small number of hotels anchored the area, with SeaWorld serving as a major attraction on the south end. Growth accelerated in the early 1990s with the arrival of Universal Orlando, and the corridor expanded alongside Orlando’s rise as a global destination.
Today, International Drive is home to more than 54,000 hotel rooms, over 400 restaurants, hundreds of retail outlets, multiple theme parks, and more than 50 attractions. This scale of development required intentional planning and strong advocacy. The chamber played a critical role in supporting ordinances, infrastructure improvements, and a family friendly identity designed to sustain tourism for the long term.
A central focus of the chamber’s work has been the continued competitiveness of the Orange County Convention Center. Under Triscari’s leadership, the organization has remained deeply involved in expansion efforts and long-term planning, helping position the convention center as one of the most respected in the country and a powerful economic driver for Central Florida.
Beyond development, Triscari emphasizes connection, communication, and recognition. One example is the chamber’s Ambassador of the Month program, which highlights leaders who make meaningful contributions to the community. Nominees are put forward by their peers and reviewed by a committee and executive board before being selected. While many honorees are chamber members, the program also recognizes partners beyond the organization, including the Florida Department of Transportation. The initiative reflects Triscari’s belief that leadership and service deserve to be acknowledged.
“Our chamber grows as our community grows,” Triscari shared. “We have over 500 members and we are very much a specific group for International Drive. Our focus is on the stakeholders and the people who do business with them. Our mission is to elevate and enhance the corridor, and that focus is what drives our work.”
That focus has earned the respect of elected leaders throughout the region. Triscari notes that their recognition of the chamber’s impact has been essential to its success. Strong partnerships between public and private sectors have allowed the organization to advance meaningful projects and initiatives. Working together, she believes, is the only way to create lasting impact.
On a personal level, the chamber’s mission holds deep meaning for her. Bringing people together to work toward positive outcomes has guided her leadership through both growth and challenge. During the COVID 19 pandemic, the chamber became a central source of communication, helping businesses remain informed, connected, and prepared to reopen safely.
One of the most transformative initiatives supported by the chamber is the Sunshine Corridor, a mass transit project designed to connect Orlando International Airport with International Drive and the surrounding region. Developed through collaboration with Universal Orlando and public agencies, the project reflects Triscari’s belief that strong transportation systems are essential to thriving communities.
The impact of the chamber extends beyond tourism. Development along International Drive supports thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to the regional economy. When the corridor succeeds, Triscari emphasizes, the community succeeds with it.
When asked what advice she would give entrepreneurs coming to Orlando to start a business, her guidance is practical and consistent. She encourages new business owners to get involved with their local chamber and community organizations. Many valuable insights, she notes, come from casual conversations rather than formal meetings. Showing up, building relationships, and following up are essential. As she puts it, the key is the follow up.
Triscari credits much of her personal and professional growth to her father, who played a pivotal role in shaping her values. A businessman known for his integrity, discipline, and humility, he modeled the importance of working hard while remaining grounded and focused. Those lessons continue to guide her leadership today.
After nearly 35 years at the helm, Maria Triscari’s legacy is deeply woven into the evolution of International Drive. Her career reflects the power of steady leadership, collaboration, and humility, and stands as proof that when people unite around a shared vision, a destination can become something far greater than a place.
