Conventions and business groups will soon have even more reasons to choose Orlando.
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TourismMatters®
FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Exciting Developments at the Convention Center
and Top Meeting Hotels
Did you know that each person who attends a convention or tradeshow at the Orange County Convention Center generates $1,970, on average, in economic impact for our destination? Now multiply that by more than 1 million per year and that’s quite a hefty sum.
Along these lines, one of the most exciting developments soon to benefit our community is a $605 million capital improvement plan at OCCC that will add more than 200,000 square feet for exhibits and meetings, as well as multipurpose seating for up to 20,000 people. An enclosed walkway between OCCC’s north and south concourses, in addition to a large ballroom, are also in the works.
Combined with meeting-space expansion at several top hotels — and a slate of new hotel inventory coming online through 2020 — this spells excellent news for business travel to Orlando.
By investing in our destination, it not only makes convention groups want to return again and again, it also strengthens our local economy and our reputation as America’s top city for events.
George Aguel
President & CEO
RESEARCH & INSIGHTS
Strong Consumer Spending Good Sign for Tourism
U.S. consumer spending rose for a seventh straight month in September, fueled by the highest consumer confidence since 2000 and a near 50-year low in the unemployment rate. Despite modest growth in wages and income, consumer spending is expected to continue growing amid the strong economic climate. The National Retail Federation recently projected U.S. consumers will spend an average of $1,007.24 on holiday gifts and merchandise this season, up 4.1 percent over last year’s $967.13.
VISIT ORLANDO ACTIVITIES
CORPORATE
i4 Business: Aguel Is
Tourism Leader of Year
George Aguel, president & CEO of Visit Orlando, has been named Tourism Leader of the Year by i4 Business magazine. He joins seven other individuals “whose business success, community engagement and innovation have helped move the region forward.” An awards ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 5 at the Country Club of Orlando. Read More
PUBLICITY
Orlando a Top Long-Haul
Destination for Value
With information supplied by Visit Orlando’s publicity team, this year’s UK Post Office travel survey named Orlando the top U.S. long-haul destination for value and No. 7 in the world. The results have generated widespread coverage, with stories appearing in major outlets such as the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail,
Country Living and Red.
PUBLICITY
The Planet’s ‘Greatest
Holiday Destination’
Following a destination orientation, Visit Orlando’s publicity team worked with a writer from the Irish News (1.2 million viewers) on a story titled “The only drawback with a holiday in Orlando is that you’ll never top it.” Citing activities for all ages, nonstop thrills and easy access via direct flight service, the writer deemed Orlando the “greatest holiday destination on the planet.”
MARKETING
‘Kids Fly Free’ Promo to
Drive Canadian Travel
Visit Orlando partnered with Air Canada Vacations to offer a special “Kids Fly Free” deal for trips booked between Oct. 22 and Nov. 18. The digital, social and out-of-home efforts will generate nearly 4.7 million impressions in our No. 1 international market.
Visit Orlando partnered with nine member companies Oct. 15-19 to reach more than 350 travel agents during a Canadian sales mission to St. John’s, Montreal and Toronto. The team hosted a tradeshow and training seminar that highlighted the destination and provided comprehensive tools to effectively sell Orlando. The team also conducted sales calls to key tour operators while in Canada.
M&C
Selling Orlando at IMEX,
Industry’s Largest Show
In conjunction with members, Visit Orlando participated in IMEX -- the largest industry tradeshow in North America -- Oct. 16-18. The three-day, high-energy event offered networking opportunities with key decision-makers, senior buyers and third-party planners from across the U.S. and around the world.
PUBLICITY
Major Brazilian Outlet
Showcases Orlando
Just in time for a key booking period, Visit Orlando’s publicity team secured 13 pages of coverage about the destination in Viajar Pelo Mundo, one of Brazil’s leading consumer travel magazines. Featuring everything from attractions and outdoor adventures, to sports, dining and culture, the article received exceptional feedback from consumers expressing excitement about the other side of Orlando.
Passenger Traffic Soaring at Orlando International
Year to date through August, the airport has seen 32.2 million travelers, an increase of 5.39 percent over the same period in 2017. Read More
Orlando Cookie Named the Best in Florida
Food-centric website The Daily Meal can’t get enough of the half-pound Pistachio Toffee Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie at Gideon’s Bakehouse. Read More
Study: Hotel Loyalty Matters in Business Travel
New research from the Global Business Travel Association lays out the case for rewards points and perks. Read More
LEGOLAND® Offers Free Admission for Vets
U.S. veterans and active military personnel can visit the theme park at no charge during the month of November. Read More
VISIT ORLANDO EVENTS
Gain valuable industry insights from TripAdvisor, make new business connections, and catch up with long-time industry friends at our Annual Meeting & Luncheon, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. Also, be the first to hear how much was raised for our local charities, Best Buddies and the Down Syndrome Association, during Magical Dining Month. Cost, $95. Register here.
WFX Conference and Exposition
Estimated Attendance: 1,500
DID YOU KNOW?
WalletHub ranks Orlando No. 1 nationally in the amount of frozen yogurt and ice cream shops. We also have the fifth-most restaurants per capita, according to WalletHub, and are the sixth-best city for foodies. Read More
Connect with Visit Orlando
Official tourism association of the No. 1 destination in the U.S.