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LEGO

@VisitOrlando went LIVE from the grand opening announcement of Ninjago World at Legoland Florida receiving 29K views.

 
 
Visit Orlando Events
 

Oct. 27
Business Referral Group

Tony Roma's
8560 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Cost: $15 inclusive
11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Click here to RSVP.

Nov. 3
Member Orientation

Click here to register.

Member Presents
Members interested in targeting the meetings and convention market can present their products or services during monthly, 30-minute sessions with Destination Services. Click here to schedule a session.

 
 
Member-to-Member Offers
 

NYZ Orlando would like to offer Visit Orlando members the chance to win tickets to the Solar Bears Halloween hockey game on Oct. 29 at the Amway Center. No purchase necessary. Representatives of the first 15 Visit Orlando member organizations that email info@nyzorlando.com will each win two tickets to the game. Please include "Visit Orlando Member Offer" in the subject line.

escapology

Escapology would like to offer Visit Orlando members a special discount of 20 percent off the online price of $29 from now through Oct. 31. Book online and receive the discount by using code VISIT.

Itta Bena Restaurant would like to offer Visit Orlando members who book their Holiday Party with the restaurant by Oct. 31, complimentary passed appetizers, complimentary dessert bar or Red Carpet Entrance & Champagne Toast. *Restrictions apply.  For more information, contact Robin Katz at 407-248-1194 or rkatz@ittabena.com.

Florida Hospitality Industry Association would like to extend a $5 discount on Florida HIA Membership to Visit Orlando members and employees until Nov. 30. Enjoy more than 50 free attractions along with hundreds of exclusive discounts around the state.

The Palms Hotel & Villas is offering a special rate for members, relatives and friends of $65 plus tax for a suites-style condominium, including resort fee. They can accommodate up to six people in each suite. This is based on availability until December 2016. For additional information or to book rooms, call 407-396-2229 ext. 2205.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort is more than a stay, it is a place to play. Enjoy seven swimming pools, including a lazy river-style pool, waterslides, miniature golf courses, arcades, four golf courses, tennis, an 80-acre lake with plenty of watersports, a fun zone, and more. Visit Orlando members save up to 10 percent off your stay. Call 407-477-7029 to reserve.

rollins

Annie Russell Theatre at Rollins College is offering Visit Orlando members $10 off a season subscription. For $55, you'll receive one ticket to The Foreigner, Upton Abbey: An Improvised Comedy of English Manors, A Piece of My Heart, and Urinetown, The Musical. Visit rollins.edu/annie for tickets and use code: VISITORLANDO.

Dollar Off Drinks is extending a 20 percent discount on their six-month and one-year memberships to Visit Orlando members. To redeem, use promo code: visitorlando.

Orlando City Soccer Club would like to extend discounted group tickets to Visit Orlando members. They can go to orlandocitysc.com/visitorlando and use the promo code VISITORL to purchase discounted tickets for any of the last five home games this season.

jetski

Sammy Duvall Watersports, located behind Disney's Contemporary Resort, is proud to offer Visit Orlando members 10 percent off all water activities (parasailing, personal watercraft, wake boarding, water skiing and more) now through Dec. 31, 2016. To claim this offer, call 407-939-0754 or email reservations@sammyduvall.com, and mention the offer code "visitorlando10" when booking.

The Orlando Magic is offering discounted tickets to their opening night game on Oct. 26 for Visit Orlando members. Members may purchase those tickets here.

The Art & History Museums - Maitland invites Visit Orlando members to join them for the opening event on Friday, Oct. 28 from 6:30 - 9 p.m., and buy-one-get-one-free admission.

Sugarcanes Rum Bar & Lounge wants to invite Visit Orlando members to the Tuesday & Wednesday Massive Happy Hour experience. Visit Orlando members also receive an additional 10 percent off their ticket during non-happy hour times as well.

 
 
Industry Events
 

gift away

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida, Visit Orlando's charity partner, is in need of holiday gifts for the more than 700 children in their program. As we prepare for the holiday season, please consider donating $10 gift cards for the "Holiday Little Gift Giveaway" event to be held Dec. 10. Gift cards can be delivered or mailed to Kristin Rothbauer at Visit Orlando, 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32821. Or, you can make a financial donation online at bbbscfl.org.

La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil is offering Florida's hospitality employees, and as many as five guests per employee, up to 36 percent in savings on tickets for Thursday-night shows from Oct. 4 to Dec. 16. Discounted ticket prices start at $48 and are available for purchase now at www.lanouba.com. Hospitality employee ID or paystub required.

 
 
Community Events
 

Through Oct. 30
The DOCUMERICA Photography Project
Orange County Regional History Center

Through Oct. 31
Screamin' Green Hauntoween
Crayola Experience

Through Jan. 1, 2017
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art Celebrating 75 Years
Morse Museum

Oct. 19-23
The Annual Orlando Film Festival
Plaza Cinema Cafe

Oct. 21
La Vie En Couleur, A Night with Nemours
Rosen Shingle Creek

Oct. 23
Festival Calle Orange
Downtown Orlando

Oct. 20-30
The New Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein
University of Central Florida Main Stage

Oct. 26
Mid-Florida Business Hall of Fame
Rosen Single Creek

Oct. 28-29
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Annual Event
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Oct. 29
"Dress As Your Hero" Fundraiser Benefitting Local Scouting Programs & Youth of Military Families Overseas
T-Rex Café at Disney Springs

Oct. 29
The Pineapple Ball
UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Nov. 4
Dick Pope Legacy Awards Luncheon
Wyndham Resort

Nov. 5
Black Tie on the Wildside Presents: The Grand Carnival Event
Central Florida Zoo

Through Nov. 7
Charity Raffle Benefiting the OneOrlando Fund through Starfish Marketing
The Whiskey @ The Bay Hill Fountains

Nov. 11 - 14
Lakeridge Winery Holiday Open House
Lakeridge Winery, Clermont FL

Nov. 12
Come Out with Pride
Downtown Orlando

Nov. 16
Go-Kart Racing Tournament Benefitting the Simon Youth Foundation
I-Drive NASCAR Indoor Kart Racing

Nov. 18-19
Voices of Light presented by Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra, and GladdeningLight
Knowles Memorial Chapel at Rollins College, Winter Park

Nov. 19-20
Orlando Ballet Presents Arcadian Broad's Beauty & The Beast
Garden Theatre

Nov. 20
Florida Hospital Golden Gala
Coronado Springs Resort

Through Nov. 27
The Missing Matisse: Pierre Henri Matisse
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

 
 
Connect With Visit Orlando
 

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President & CEO's Message
 

Oct. 21, 2016

Keeping Our Convention Business Strong

George AguelI am writing to you this week from IMEX America, the Meeting and Convention industry's most significant trade show with more than 10,000 meeting planners and exhibitors from around the world.

I am pleased to share that Orlando was represented on an unprecedented scale this year with your Visit Orlando team and a record number of member businesses participating.

The week was filled with one-on-one meetings with influential planners, a successful reception for top clients and media, and countless group presentations that showcased all there is to offer their organizations in Orlando and what's new in our destination.

Although Orlando is the number one meetings destination in the U.S., with a stellar reputation, it remains crucial that we not become comfortable with our success, and continuously showcase all that we do so well with business groups by constantly evolving our services, properties and venues for them.

-George Aguel

 
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From the Research & Insights Desk of Visit Orlando
 

Hotel Metrics Post Strong Growth in September

The Metro Orlando occupancy rate in September was 67.9 percent, the highest occupancy rate in September since 1996. September's occupancy rate was up 7.3 percent over the same month last year, the biggest year-over-year increase so far in 2016. Demand, aka rooms sold, was nearly 9 percent. The average daily rate also posted a sizeable year-over-year increase, up 8.9 percent to $99.95.

 
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Visit Orlando Updates
 

Avianca

Orlando Most Popular Destination for Colombians

The October issue of Avianca en revista, the in-flight magazine for Avianca Airlines, published an 8-page article highlighting Orlando as the most popular destination in the United States. The printed version can be found in all Avianca VIP lounges and all seats of the 174 airplanes with 18,500 daily flights transporting an average of 2.3 million passengers per month. Avianca's 6.5 million frequent flyer program members also receive a direct mail version of the online magazine. The article is a result of a Visit Orlando-hosted Latin America culinary press trip.

HHN26

Halloween Events Generate Media Exposure

FOXNews.com (with more than 7 million impressions) published an article positioning Orlando as the "Halloween Capital of the World" following proactive pitching efforts from the Visit Orlando Public Relations team. Trekaroo also included Orlando in a roundup story on a top place for families to visit this fall.

FAM

SeaWorld Superfam & Thomas Cook U.K. Fam

Last week Visit Orlando hosted dinners for two SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Fam groups. The SeaWorld Superfam included 18 agents from the United Kingdom and Ireland and three SeaWorld Parks staff, hosted by Fogo de Chao. The Thomas Cook U.K. SeaWorld Fam included 19 agents and was hosted at Tapa Toro at I-Drive 360.

Member Orientation

Visit Orlando Hosts Member Orientation

On Oct. 14, the Visit Orlando Member Relations Team hosted 25 members at their monthly Member Orientation. The group enjoyed breakfast, networking and an overview of their membership benefits. The session is held each month for new members as well as for current members who want a refresher on ways to best leverage their membership. To learn about upcoming sessions, please visit the Events & Marketing Calendar. To learn more about becoming a Visit Orlando member, click here or contact memberrelations@visitorlando.com.

 

Pulse

Yahoo! Highlights Orlando

Yahoo! US and Yahoo! Finance Canada (with more than 100 million impressions combined) published a story following a recent group press trip highlighting how Orlando has rallied together following the Pulse tragedy. The story also profiles several local merchants and residents to give visitors insight into the lesser-known side of Orlando while still recognizing the destination's theme parks and major attractions.

Sweden

Discover America Sweden Event in Göteborg

On Oct. 12, Visit Orlando trained 83 travel agents in small groups during 15 presentations as part of Discover America's Sweden workshop. At the end of the event, the grand prize included an Orlando stay and tickets, complemented by SeaWorld Orlando tickets and a Delta Air Lines flight voucher.

MICE China

Pre-IMEX China MICE Fam

Visit Orlando hosted a Pre-IMEX China MICE Fam from Oct. 14-17 that included 10 participants along with Brand USA staff. The group's lodging was provided by the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. During their stay, they enjoyed visits to Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Kennedy Space Center and various attractions at I-Drive 360. In addition to the parks, they also toured the Orange County Convention Center and shopped at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.

U.K. Media to Spotlight Orlando for Adults

A U.K. journalist for the Daily Star (circ. 416,379) will be visiting the destination Oct. 21 - 26, covering Orlando for adults. Her trip will not only generate coverage in the Daily Star, but also a potential 3 million social impressions, as part of a Captivate Blogger initiative. Members participating in her trip include: SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, WonderWorks, I-Drive 360, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, Orlando Premium Outlets International Drive, Morimoto Asia and La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil.

Now Accepting Applications from Non-Profits

Visit Orlando is now accepting applications from local non-profits that benefit families and children. The charitable donations are a result of various events that bring together the entire tourism industry to help make a difference in our local community. Last year, Visit Orlando contributed more than $175,000 through its annual fundraising events. Eligible non-profits are encouraged to apply for consideration no later than Nov. 4. Apply Online.

 
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News About Orlando
 

OCCC

This Week at the Convention Center

Group Meeting Start End Estimated Attendees Estimated Economic Impact
American Association of Blood Banks AABB Annual Meeting Oct. 22 Oct. 25 7,000 $13,790,000
Association for Financial Professionals Association for Financial Professionals Oct. 23 Oct. 26 6,000 $11,820,000
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 30th Annual North American Conference Oct. 27 Oct. 29 3,200 $6,304,000
 

USO lounge

USO Welcome Center Now Open at OIA

The United Service Organization (USO) welcome center is now open at Orlando International Airport, daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. USO Central Florida has served more than 3,500 guests, offering a multitude of programs benefitting the military. Those interested in volunteering may contact Charlie Rogers at Charlie@usocentralflorida.org.

Read More

Four Seasons Resort

Four Seasons Named No. 1 Resort in Central Florida

Condé Nast Traveler announced the results of its 29th annual Readers' Choice Awards with Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort recognized as the No. 1 hotel in the Central Florida category.

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Orlando Named a Top City for Winter Travel

Travel + Leisure online named Orlando one of the top 10 winter travel destinations thanks to "shorter lines and its variety of hotel options."

Read More

 

LGBT Report

Orlando Rated Perfect in LGBT Equality Report

For the third year in a row, Orlando was awarded a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index, which measures cities' inclusiveness toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

Read More

Oct20_andretti

Andretti Karting Breaks Ground

A new attraction comes to Universal Boulevard - Andretti Indoor Karting & Gaming. The 95,000-square-foot, $30 million attraction which sits on 10 acres of land just north of the Orange County Convention Center, broke ground this week. The attraction is expected to be open by July 2017 and will have 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, a scratch restaurant, skybar, tri-level track, 120 games, 12 bowling lanes, rope courses, a rock wall and laser tag.

 
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Industry News
 

Avianca

Colombia to Join Global Entry Program

Colombia has joined a small list of countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for the Global Entry program that allows travelers to more quickly pass through customs and security in U.S. airports.

Read More

Oct20_wifi-tablet

Survey: Mobile Messaging and Hotel Guests

New survey data and research suggest hotels should be paying even more attention to mobile messaging and requests from guests than they already are.

Read More

The Best Cities in the World

Condé Nast Traveler readers cast more than 100,000 votes for their favorite cities in the world (outside the U.S.) in the 2016 Readers' Choice Awards survey. The top three cities consist of 1. Tokyo, Japan, 2. Kyoto, Japan and 3. Florence, Italy.

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Brand USA

Brand USA Appoints Tom Klein as Chairman

Sabre president and chief executive Tom Klein is succeeding Marriott International's Arne Sorenson as chairman of destination marketing organization Brand USA.

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July29_gaspump

Pump Prices Drop Nine Consecutive Days

The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline has dropped for nine consecutive days, reaching today's price of $2.24 per gallon.

Read More

CDC Zika Information

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), its most current data available (Oct.19, 2016) indicate that 137 locally acquired cases have been reported in the United States, while 3,878 travel-associated cases have been reported. For the most current information about the Zika virus, visit the CDC's Zika page.

 
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Tourism Ambassadors
 
ARDA Bags BB&T British Airways Clear Channel Outdoor
Darden Florida Distributing Company Florida Hospital The Florida Mall Lufthansa
The Mall at Millenia Orlando Economic Development Commission Orlando Health Orlando International Airport Orlando Magic
Orlando Premium Outlets OUC Smart City Tupperware Brands
 
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