Summary:
American Tours International, LLC (ATI) offers Visit USA programs including motor coach and air tours. ATI is the only American owned inbound tour operator in North America that plans and coordinates group tours. American Tours International also offers a web booking engine that can integrate with outside solutions.
ATI is considering locations for a national co-headquarter facility. If the Qualified Target Industry (QTI) program incentive is made available to the company, ATI will create 47 new-to-Florida jobs by December 31, 2021, paying an average annual wage of $50,472, which is at least 115% of the 2014 Orange County annual wage. The average value of benefits that will be available to employees is $6,314, which includes medical and dental insurance subsidy, 401K matching and an ATI educational subsidy. ATI’s total capital investment is estimated to be more than $300,000 in construction and equipment. In addition to the City of Orlando, the company is considering Nevada for this project.
The State of Florida will provide a total of $235,000 to American Tours International, LLC under the QTI program, which includes the City's local financial support. City staff proposes to provide the local 20% QTI match, up to $1,000 per job created, paying an average annual wage of $50,472. Under this arrangement, the City of Orlando would provide $47,000 as an incentive over a six-year period. City staff is recommending this match because ATI is: 1) a targeted growth industry; 2) creating 47 new jobs; 3) investing over $300,000 in construction and equipment; and 4) considering other states for relocation.
The City of Orlando will benefit through the creation of 47 positions over the next five (5) years and the likelihood of continued job growth and investment well beyond this time frame. Florida's Qualified Target Industry Program includes strict accountability requirements of the applicant. The pledge of funds pursuant to this resolution shall be contingent upon American Tours International, LLC being qualified by the State of Florida as a QTI Program participant, meeting its job and wage obligations under the program and future budget appropriations by the Orlando City Council. |