Save the Date!
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#MyOrlandoStory of the Week
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Burris girls 2014 & 1999
The Magic Kingdom is a place where dreams come true. We took our girls there when they were 5 and 7. And then again at 20 and 22. The experience was amazing and it made our year as a whole the best ever!
Stories shared on OrlandoStories.com and using #MyOrlandoStory on social media may be featured as the Story of the Week.
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Visit Orlando Events
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Nov. 19
Business Referral Group
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
9150 International Drive
Cost: TBD
Click here to RSVP.
Dec. 8
Save the Date!
32nd Annual Visit Orlando Meeting & Luncheon
Rosen Shingle Creek
Click here to register.
Click here for sponsorship benefits
Feb. 4
Member Orientation
Click here to register.
Please note: Member Orientation will not be held in December or January due to the holiday season. The next session will be held February 4, 2016.
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.
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Member-to-Member Offers |
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Beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, Visit Orlando members are invited to take part in an exclusive presale for the 2016 American Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Championship, which will be hosted at the Amway Center, March 10-13, 2016. The event will feature 10 games and three different ticket packages are available. For complete information, visit TheAmerican.org/MBB. To purchase tickets, click here and enter access code VISITORL. The deal expires at 10 p.m. on Oct. 26.
The Florida Association of DMOs is seeking brief news items of 75 words or less for the "Quick Trip0s" section of its newsletter, Tourism Marketing Today. Please send submissions with a photo (if available) and a caption to editor.trainor@gmail.com. The deadline is Nov. 13 for the December edition.
Join #1 New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Osceola Heritage Park for Plum Palooza and celebrate the release of the new Stephanie Plum novel, Tricky Twenty-Two.
Get a signed copy and enjoy food and entertainment. Visit Orlando
members will receive 10 percent off of the general admission price. Use
code ORLANDO. Purchase tickets here.
Through Nov. 15, Florida HIA (Hospitality Industry Association) is offering discounted rates on membership for Visit Orlando members and their employees of $25 per membership ($5 off regular price) and up to 50 percent off of company memberships. Florida HIA provides members with more than 50 free attractions and hundreds of exclusive discounts around the state. Be a tourism advocate for your employees and encourage them to experience Florida. Click here for more information.
Visit Orlando members are invited to attend the RTO Summit Orlando Symposium and Luncheon, Monday, Nov. 16 at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek for a special price of $395. Panel sessions will feature the latest on the growing Middle East and India markets to Orlando, perspective on the evolving Brazil market, and more. Click here to register.
The Spa at Hyatt Regency Orlando is offering Visit Orlando members 20 percent off of spa and salon services, through Nov. 30. For more information and reservations, call 407-345-4431 or contact Carol Cox.
Regal Oaks - A CLC World Resort is offering an exclusive rate for Visit Orlando members of $99 per night for a two-bedroom townhouse, Sunday through Thursday, and $119 per night, Friday through Saturday; based on availability. The offer is good through Dec. 15. For more information, call 407-997-9478 or click here. Reference offer code: VIOR15.
Book your next staycation at Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort, located in the Downtown Disney® Resort area, and receive 30 percent off of the best available rate. Relax poolside with a refreshing beverage from the Oasis Bar & Grill while the kids have fun at the aquatic playground. Then, enjoy a great night's sleep in one of the spacious guest rooms. For reservations, call 800-624-4109 and mention this offer. Seven-day advance booking required. Subject to availability. Rate code: DISVOMD. Offer valid through Dec. 24.
The Church of Life has expanded its preschool by 1,000 feet! Through Dec. 31, Visit Orlando members can enjoy 50 percent off of the registration fee, as well as 15 percent off of the weekly fee. For registration information, please click here.
Lovespoon Candles offers locally produced soy candles that make unique, special gifts. Visit Orlando members are invited to enjoy a special price of $17 each, tin or jar (regular price $27.95 and $23.95, respectively), through Dec. 31. Click here for more information.
OrlandoConventionPhotographers.com, which provides creative, experienced and professional photography services, is offering Visit Orlando members a great deal for the holiday season. Through Dec. 31, receive 25 percent off of photography for your holiday party. For more information,
click here.
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Industry Events |
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Nov. 16
RTO Summit Orlando
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
Dec. 15-19
3rd World Research Summit for Tourism and Hospitality and 1st USA-China Tourism Research Summit: Transforming Partnerships
UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management
International travel to the United States generated $220.8 billion in 2014, supporting 1.1 million jobs. China is an important contributor to those numbers as the No. 2 country for visitor spending to and within the United States in 2014, with an estimated $23.8 billion spent on travel and tourism. With this backdrop, the 1st USA-China Tourism Research Summit is being designed by UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management and Elsevier to support and promote the dynamic hospitality/tourism business growth and exchanges between USA and China. Industry experts, leading scholars, and government officials from both countries will offer cutting-edge insights through keynote speeches, panel discussions, open forum discussions and more.
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Community Events |
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President & CEO's Message |
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November 13, 2015 |
GLOBAL MARKETING EFFORTS IN FULL FORCE
With Brazilians facing a strong U.S. dollar that reduces the value of their money when traveling to our destination, Visit Orlando is applying strong marketing pressure against Brazil to ensure we maintain our fair share of this important source market for visitors. As these loyal fans of ours are making travel plans for next year, Visit Orlando's global marketing efforts are in full force. Brazilian magazine Pais&Filhos
, the Brazilian version of Parents Magazine, featured 58 pages of Orlando coverage in its biannual Fashion edition in October. Plus, six pages of Orlando editorial is appearing in each of the magazine's October, November and December issues, not to mention additional exposure for our destination on the magazine's YouTube Channel, Instagram and Facebook. Our consumer marketing efforts range from traditional advertising on television and print to breakthrough strategies with Instagram, a video series with popular Caras Magazine and the country's Masterchef Junior television program.
Of all Brazilians who travel to America, 40 percent of them come to Orlando. This makes Orlando the most visited destination in the U.S. for Brazilians. While 2015 has been another great year for tourism in our community, Visit Orlando is hard at work to ensure that visitors from around the world will choose to spend their vacation time with us in 2016.
-George Aguel
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From the Research & Insights Desk of Visit Orlando |
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Tourism's Contribution to State Sales Taxes
The Florida Department of Revenue uses an industry classification system to categorize state sales tax collections. While there are 80 industry classifications reported for Orange County, three industries closely associated with tourism accounts for 41% of all state sales taxes collected in Orange County. Year to date through August, sales taxes collected from those three industries are up 9.7% versus 6.0% growth in collections from all other industries in Orange County.
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State Sales Tax Collections in Orange County
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Aug 2015 YTD |
Change |
Restaurants & Catering Services
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$158,000,072 |
8.9% |
Accommodations / Lodging Places
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$232,936,069 |
11.8% |
Admissions, Amusement & Recreation Services
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$334,902,520 |
8.7% |
Subtotal
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$725,838,661 |
9.7% |
Total, all other industries
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$1,029,857,519 |
6.0% |
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Visit Orlando Updates |
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Visit Orlando Hosts International Dining Media
Visit Orlando hosted a dining press trip November 3-7 for five food and travel journalists from the UK and Canada writing for top publications: WestJet Magazine; Vitamin Daily; Huffington Post Canada; Sainsbury's Magazine and Foodepedia. The trip offered a culinary adventure across the destination, including new restaurants at Disney Springs and the Four Seasons Orlando Resort at Walt Disney World, along with hidden gems at Mills 50, Winter Park and East End Market.
Leading Morning TV Show in Toronto to Broadcast Live from Orlando
Starting next week, the CP24, the popular morning television show from Toronto, will be broadcasting live from Orlando, showcasing all of the new and exciting things happening in the destination. This year, CP24 conducted a search for an Orlando junior reporter to accompany the host, Bill Coulter, for the week-long live broadcast. Kids ages 9 to 13 submitted videos telling why they wanted the position. A winner has been selected and she will travel to Orlando with the host to experience the destination. Visit Orlando and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment partnered with CP24 to offer viewers a chance to win one of three family trips to Orlando. A three-week promotion and digital takeover will help to extend the week's efforts.
Visit Orlando Promotes The destination in NYC
Visit Orlando conducted more than a dozen desk side meetings with New York city-based media to promote destination stories for 2016. Outlets included Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Family Circle, Parents and Redbook, to name a few.
World Record Holder Visits Orlando
Apa Sherpa, the world record holder for the most Mt. Everest summits, stopped by Visit Orlando this week to share his powerful story of courage, servant leadership and success. Apa is the focus of a joint venture between Everest Media Productions and IDEAS, an Orlando-based media and experience design company. IDEAS is bringing his story to media outlets and educational venues across the world, with proceeds being returned to the continued rebuilding of Nepal after a massive earthquake in April killed over 9,000 people. Above: (left to right) George Aguel, Apa Sherpa and Phil Ruggieri, CEO of IDEAS
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Visit Orlando Hosts FAM for Four
Last week, Visit Orlando hosted an individual familiarization trip for four lucky winners from the Orlando Travel Academy via Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines and AER travel agencies. The winners enjoyed accommodations at Sonesta ES Suites and Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, and were able to explore Orlando's theme parks, International Drive, shopping and a Magic game at Amway Arena.
Visit Orlando Holds Training Seminars in Atlanta
The Travel Industry Sales team conducted educational seminars at AAA Auto Group's Atlanta office, where they trained 30 agents on What's New in Orlando and the various resources offered to assist with sales. AAA is a key client, leading attraction ticket sales in the destination, and Atlanta is a focus market for our fall campaign. Above: Crystal Vickers and Sha Tonea Brewton
Visit Orlando Attends the American Express Supplier Showcase
Visit Orlando along with six members from Hello Florida, Universal Orlando, Hyatt Regency Orlando, Caribe Royale, Rosen Hotels and Swan Dolphin attended the American Express Supplier Showcase in Toronto on November 6-8. The conference grew this year to a total of 800 American Express employees from all over the world and growing. We were able to meet with Amex Leadership, engage in one on one appointments and have traffic through our booth.
AP Story on Orlando Focuses on Meetings
With input from Visit Orlando, Associated Press travel writer Beth Harpaz wrote a story on Orlando as a unique meetings destination, highlighting all that the destination has to offer. In one day the story garnered 5.9 impressions in 23 publications.
Visit Orlando Attends the XCL Annual Pharmaceutical Meeting Summit
Visit Orlando attended the XCL Annual Pharmaceutical Meeting Summit in
Philadelphia November 3-4 This is an annual summit that attracts high
level decision makers and department heads of major Pharmaceutical
companies including Novartis, Boehringer Ingleheim, Millenium
Pharmaceutical, Esai Pharmaceuticals, Daiichi Pharmaceuticals and Merck.
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News About Orlando |
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Next Week at the Convention Center
Group |
Meeting |
Start |
End |
Estimate Attendees |
Estimate Economic Impact |
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
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Annual November National Meeting |
Nov. 17 |
Nov. 20 |
25,000 |
$49,250,000 |
UBM Canon
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South Pack/ATX South/Design & Manufacturing South
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Nov. 18 |
Nov. 19 |
3,947 |
$7,775,590 |
National Association for the Education of Young Children
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Annual November National Convention |
Nov. 18 |
Nov. 21 |
9,000 |
$17,100,000 |
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Disney Theme Parks End 2015 With Strong Attendance, Hotel Occupancy
The Walt Disney Co. can notch another victory in overall business, especially in its theme parks division.
Miami-Orlando Train Service Gets New Name, Bold Look
Brightline is the name of a new express train service that will connect South Florida to Orlando, a name that officials hope people will associate with a smart, new way of getting around Florida and an optimistic view of the future.
Breaking: SeaWorld Considering Hotel, Resort Expansion in Orlando
SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. will consider building new hotels and resorts at its theme parks, including Orlando.
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Rosen Shingle Creek to Expand, Add 320 Rooms
Orlando hotelier Harris Rosen wants to expand Rosen Shingle Creek by adding a 320-unit condominium building off Destination Parkway.
World's Largest Modeling and Simulation Event Back in Orlando Nov. 30-Dec. 4
The Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation & Education Conference (I/ITSEC), the world's largest modeling and simulation event, will be back in Orlando Nov. 30 - Dec. 4 at the Orange County Convention Center.
Gas station, Convenience Store to be Built South of Orlando International Airport
Construction crews are busy assembling a billion dollars' worth of high-profile projects at Orlando International Airport, ranging from a multi-modal train station and adjacent parking garage to a mile-long people mover.
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Industry News |
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U.S. Airlines Expect 3% Increase in Passengers Over Thanksgiving Period
The leading trade association for U.S. airlines projects that 25.3 million passengers will travel globally on U.S. carriers over the 12-day Thanksgiving travel period, up 3% from last year and the highest number since the recession of 2007.
September Shows Continued Strong Traffic Demand Says IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic results for September showing solid demand growth compared to September 2014 for domestic and international traffic.
Millennials Embrace Business Travel, In-Person Meetings
New research from the Global Business Travel Association finds that younger employees are quicker to embrace business travel than their older counterparts - particularly if there's free WiFi.
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5 Ways Science Says Travel Improves Your Health and Well-Being
How many vacation days do you have left this year? If it's more than you can take in the two months remaining before year's end, you're hardly alone. Should you happen to use that time off to travel, you'll likely boost your health and happiness even more.
U.S. Travel Association: Travel Priorities Abound in House Highway Bill
A massive surface transportation package passed the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday with numerous proposals backed by the travel community safely aboard.
Q&A with Roger Dow and Roger Rickard
Joan Eisenstodt sits down with Roger Dow and Roger Rickard to discuss industry advocacy.
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