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golf

April 18
Visit Orlando's 20th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Grand Cypress Golf Club

1 North Jacaranda Street
To Benefit The Mustard Seed of Central Florida.
Tournament Sponsors

 
 
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Visit Orlando is keeping visitors and locals updated on Easter activities in Orlando through social media posts, such as this @VisitOrlando tweet, and updates to visitorlando.com's Events.

 
 
Visit Orlando Events
 

Business Insight Series

 

March 31
Business Referral Group

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
9101 International Drive
Cost: $23 inclusive
Click here to RSVP.

April 7
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.

 
 
Congratulations Members
 

The grand opening of Ron Jon Surf Shop - Florida Mall was Friday, March 18. Make sure to stop by and shop!

 
 
Member-to-Member Offers
 

CF Photography is offering a free two-hour photography shoot. Includes image editing, direct link to private on-line viewing gallery, hi-resolution images for printing, and low-resolution images for on-line posting. Contact Chris Figueroa at 718-872-8741 to schedule. The terms and conditions apply.

wine

Masterful Wine Events is offering Visit Orlando members 10 percent off the regular prices of wine, beer and spirit tastings. The venue located in the Church Street Historic District hosts up to 40 people while larger groups can be accommodated in the venue located across the street. Tastings and classes can be designed as spouse entertainment, team building (structured as a competition) or as an enhancement to a dinner or cocktail reception. Tastings can also be held at trade show booths, which has doubled traffic for past clients. To reserve your tasting, call 407-906-8622 and mention Visit Orlando.

golf

Holiday Inn Club Vacations® At Orange Lake Resort is a golfer's paradise, with four courses covering 54 distinct holes offering a variety of challenges. Through Aug. 31, 2016, Visit Orlando members receive a 50 percent off golf coupon for play at Legends or The Reserve when you purchase a golf lesson at The McCord Golf Academy. Reserve your golf lesson and tee time at 407-905-1955.

Orlando City Soccer Club would like to extend discounted group tickets to Visit Orlando members through Oct. 24, 2016. Click here to download information on group pricing discounts. Contact Christopher Benavides at cbenavides@orlandocitysc.com or call 407-480-4762 for more information.

Sammy Duvall Watersports, located behind Disney's Contemporary Resort, is proud to offer Visit Orlando members 10 percent off all water activities (parasailing, personal watercrafts, 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.

ALL4 ONE SPORTS would like Visit Orlando members to experience Bubble Soccer. Enjoy a one-hour party rental at Soccer XL Indoor Soccer Complex for 10 players. Bump the competition and blow off some steam. To redeem this $400 offer, call 386-624-4084 or email all41sports41@gmail.com, and mention the offer code BUMP when booking.

 
 
Industry Events
 

VISIT FLORIDA is currently accepting Committee Applications for its 2016-17 fiscal year (July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017). To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA Committees, their value to the industry or to apply to serve on a committee, click here.

 
 
Community Events
 

Through March 26
Whistle in the Distance: The Trains of Winter Park
Winter Park History Museum

Through April
Friday Nights at the Morse
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

April 8
Florida Film Festival
Maitland

April 10
High Tea & Hats
Rosen Plaza Hotel

April 16
Cattle Barons Ball
Rosen Shingle Creek

Through April 17
Exhibition-Sight Unseen: Touchable Sculpture 
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

May 20
Boys & Girls Club "Celebrate the Children"
Orlando World Center Marriott

May 21
Runway to Hope Spring Fashion Soiree
Rosen Shingle Creek

May 21
24th Annual Chef's Gala
Epcot® World Showplace

Through June 5
Behind Closed Doors: The Collection
Revisited

Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland Historical Museum

June 2-4
Hispanic Chamber Business Conference & Expo Revisited
Orange County Convention Center - North Concourse

Through Aug. 31
Conversations: Selections From the Permanent Collection
Cornell Fine Arts Museum 

Focus Exhibition: Tiffany Studios' Daffodil Reading Lamp
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Louis Comfort Tiffany's Laurelton Hall
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Permanent Collection of Earl Cunningham Paintings
The Mennello Museum of American Art

Revival and Reform-Eclecticism in the 19th-Century Environment
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Inside/Out: Steel, Paper, Bronze
The Mennello Museum of American Art

 
 
Connect With Visit Orlando
 
 

Social Media

Be sure to follow us at @VisitOrlando on Instagram and Twitter, fan us at facebook.com/VisitOrlando or watch us at YouTube.com/VisitOrlando for more insider information about the world's most famous destination!

To sign up for our e-newsletter, click here.

 

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President & CEO's Message
 

March 24, 2016

More Top 100 Meeting Hotels Than Any Other City

George AguelWhen Cvent released its annual list of the most popular meeting hotels in the nation, 12 were Visit Orlando members! With a dozen top performers, Orlando had more mentions on the prestigious list than any other city in the United States. Cvent, a supplier network for professional meetings, spent the past year researching thousands of properties to arrive at what it considered the most popular. Whether for business or weddings, event venues or corporate gatherings, these hotels represent the tried-and-true favorites among the sites for many meeting and event planners.

Cvent's Top 100 Hotels in the United States include these Visit Orlando members:

    Hyatt Regency Orlando
    Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
    Orlando World Center Marriott
    Rosen Shingle Creek
    JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
    Hilton Orlando
    Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
    Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
    Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts
    Rosen Centre Hotel
    Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
    Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando™

While Orlando is known as the vacation capital of the world, we are also among the top meeting destinations. We are frequently recognized for our creative, unique and immersive experiences, and culture of hospitality has long been a hallmark of our destination. Already this year, the destination has welcomed a record number of meetings and conventions - making this one of the best first quarter starts in recent history. These visitors mean more jobs, greater exposure and a huge economic impact for our community.

-George Aguel

 
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From the Research & Insights Desk of Visit Orlando
 

Industry Employment Up 4.4% in January

Leisure and Hospitality employment in the Orlando MSA increased 4.4 percent in January compared to the prior year. Total nonagricultural employment increased 4.9 percent. As the largest source of employment in the MSA, Leisure & Hospitality accounted for 20 percent of total nonagricultural employment, and 18 percent of the growth in employment.

Orlando MSA Employment Jan-16 Jan-15 Change
Total Nonagricultural Employment 1,178,400 1,122,900 55,500—4.9%
Leisure and Hospitality 239,800 229,800 10,000—4.4%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 76,700 74,000 2,700—3.6%
Accommodation and Food Services 163,100 155,800 7,300—4.7%
 
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Visit Orlando Updates
 

water slide

Animated Blog Promotes Destination's
Spring Break Activities

To further engage readers, Visit Orlando posted an animated, BuzzFeed-like leisure blog spotlighting fun activities to do in Orlando - Orbitz's No. 1 Destination for Spring Break - during the spring. Check it out here.

El Universal

Mexico's El Universal Recommends Orlando's Dining & Attractions for Easter Holiday

Menú, a weekly supplement of El Universal (circ. 360,000 and nearly 15 million unique web users, monthly), featured Orlando on its cover followed by a two-page article about the city's culinary scene, theme parks and other area attractions. The editorial coverage highlights notable restaurants including Hash House A Go Go, Tapa Toro, Mamak and Mango's Tropical Café. In addition to featuring dining, area attractions like I-Drive 360, Magic Kingdom and The Holy Land Experience were mentioned, positioning Orlando as a destination that caters to all types of travelers. The coverage is the result of the Latin America Dining press trip hosted by Visit Orlando in February.

Travel Trade Reps Attend Active America China

Visit Orlando joined other U.S. destinations and suppliers at the annual Active America China travel industry show, organized by North American Journeys. The trade show is the only one in America that is fully dedicated to building inbound tourism from China. Fifty-six Chinese tour operators and wholesalers attended this year's event, held in Fort Worth, Texas. In addition to participating in scheduled appointment sessions with the operators, Visit Orlando was among those destinations featured during the seminar portion of the conference. The Orlando product is appearing more frequently in tour operator packages as interest in the destination grows for repeat leisure visitors to the United States.

India

Visit Orlando & Emirates India Host Cricket Tourney

Visit Orlando partnered with Emirates India to host their annual travel trade cricket tournament in Mumbai. The Visit Orlando India Travel Trade Team participated in the kick-off event on March 10 at which 75 representatives of key travel companies were in attendance. In addition to a six-night Orlando prize package given away at the opening event, Orlando branding could be seen throughout the competition. A total of 550 travel agents participated in the two weekends of the tournament. Cricket is considered the national sport of India. Shown above, from left: Joseph Fernandes, Visit Orlando India, joins Emirates India representative to present Orlando prize package.

U.K. Roadshow Reaches 740-Plus Travel Agents

Last week, Visit Orlando Travel Trade Team, in association with its partners at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Universal Orlando® Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and Merlin Entertainments concluded an annual Roadshow that took place in nine cities across the United Kingdom, training more than 740 travel agents. The success of the event also resulted in great feedback from the agents, such as the following from a participant:

"As a guest, you guys put on a great evening and completely put me (especially as I had come alone) at ease. I learned quite a lot of things that I didn't already know, which will help me sell and even help when I hopefully get to take my little family in the next couple of years. The venue, food and refreshments were great and all of the hosts did a fantastic job presenting and putting people at ease. Well done and thank you. I've never visited a travel event on my own, but after last night, would not hesitate to do so again... ." - Jo B.

 

global pet expo

Interview: Global Pet Expo at Home in Orlando

In a video interview with Global Pet Expo's Andrew Darmohraj, executive vice president and CEO of the American Pet Products Association (APPA), Darmohraj tells Visit Orlando that the show has continued to grow over the past eight years and that the Orange County Convention Center continues to accommodate for show and industry growth, making it a great place to showcase new products to pet retailers from all over the world. Global Pet Expo, presented by APPA and Pet Industry Distributors Association, is the largest annual tradeshow for the pet products industry, with some 1,100 manufactures and buyers from 85 countries present at this year's Expo, held March 16-18.

Gatorland

Brazilian Journalists Encounter Orlando's
"
Unexpected" Adventures 

Visit Orlando hosted a group of nine journalists from Brazil on a six-day press trip that included journalists from in-flight publication Azul Magazine, major Brazilian travel TV show Viagem Cultural and travel publications Viaje na Viagem, UOL, Viajar Pelo Mundo and Viaje Mais. The group experienced thrills and adventures by floating above treetops with Orlando Balloon Rides, zip lining over alligators at Gatorland and testing their competitive driving skills at I-Drive Nascar. They also visited with dolphins at SeaWorld and Discovery Cove, traveled to Hogwarts at Universal Orlando® Resort and experienced the lights and art of CityWalk's Blue Man Group. Additionally, the trip highlighted unique experiences found throughout the Orlando area such as International Drive's I-Drive 360, Winter Park shopping and dining, downtown Orlando's Lake Eola Park, Church Street's night scene and an Amway Center's "Orlando Magic" game.

Toronto Sun

Top Canadian Pubs Highlight Dining Scene 

Visit Orlando's Publicity Team hosted a journalist from Sun Media as part of a dining press trip Feb. 18-21, which resulted in online and print coverage in the Toronto Sun, Calgary Sun and Edmonton Sun, and five additional Sun Media syndicates. Highlighting "Orlando's Must-Try Food Spots," the story ran on March 17 to a readership of more than 5.5 million.

Panrotas

Visit Orlando Co-Sponsors PANROTAS Forum

Visit Orlando recently participated at the PANROTAS Forum as a co-sponsor of the event held March 15-16, in São Paulo, Brazil. An estimated 1,400 trade professionals attended the Forum, which included an extensive schedule of lectures and discussions. The event provided information on national travel market and trade global trends. During the Forum, Delta Air Lines thanked Visit Orlando for its support on Delta's direct flight from São Paulo to Orlando. Shown above, from left: Delta Air Lines' Luiz Teixeira and Luciano Macanho, Visit Orlando's Claudia Lobo and Neto Fernandes, and Delta Air Lines' Gloria Cuarezma and Danilo Barbizan.


 
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News About Orlando
 
 

LakeHouse

LakeHouse Opens at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress opens LakeHouse, its new farm-to-table restaurant offering diners a wide variety of culinary options for breakfast, lunch and dinner amid scenic views of Lake Windsong.

Read More

craft beer

Orlando a Craft Beer Hotspot?

A recent TravelPulse article takes a look at Orlando's growing craft beer scene, highlighting three local breweries. The article also mentions several brewpubs, including Cask & Larder and Crooked Can Brewing Company.

Read More

D-Luxe Burger to Open at Disney Springs

D-Luxe Burger, a Disney-owned and operated craft burger restaurant will open this May at Disney Springs, Disney said Tuesday.

Read More

 

Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Offers After-Hours Ticket

Walt Disney World is now offering an after-hours event at Magic Kingdom that will keep parts of the theme park open for three extra hours - but for a limited number of people.

Read More

GOAA Approves South Terminal Expansion

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has approved $1.8 billion for Orlando International Airport's South Terminal Complex, scheduled to open in 2019.

Read More

Orlando Led Nation in Job Growth

Orlando added more jobs than any other metropolitan statistical area in the country in 2015, with 52,200 jobs created in the 12 months ending December 2015, according to revised data released by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Read More

MCO Implements Precautionary Security Enhancements

According to a media bulletin released by GOAA Tuesday, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is enhancing all security measures, in response to the security events that occurred in Brussels, Belgium. It is important to note however, there have been NO threats or actions directed towards MCO so these changes are strictly out of an abundance of caution.

Read More

 
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Industry News
 

gas pump

Gas Prices May Climb Above $2

Pump prices have climbed higher for two straight weeks, and the national average price of gas may soon climb above $2 per gallon for the first time this year. Gas prices have increased largely due to seasonal increases in fuel demand and reduced production as some refineries conduct maintenance.

Read More

Tourism Contributes $7.2 Trillion
to Global Economy

According to the annual Economic Impact Report 2016 by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the tourism sector added 7.2 million jobs to the global economy and contributed over US$ 7.2 trillion to worldwide GDP last year, or 9.8 percent of global GDP.

Read More


 

government

FAA Reauthorization Debate on Hold

All the debates and deal making concerning the FAA reauthorization bill have come to nothing...yet. The Senate followed the House's lead and passed an extension, with some minor amendments, that will extend the FAA's authority until July 15.

Read More

CDC Zika Information

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), its most current data available (March 16, 2016) indicate that zero (0) locally acquired cases have been reported in the United States, while 258 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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Corporate Ambassadors
 
ARDA Bags BB&T British Airways Clear Channel Outdoor
Darden Fairwinds Credit Union 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
 
United Service Companies
 
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