HOME | ARCHIVE
Visit Orlando - Tourism Matters
 
Join the Conversation
 
Disney Marathon

Visit Orlando went LIVE during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and reached 130K-plus fans in 24 hours. Fans from all over the world were cheering on runners by commenting on the video. Watch now.

 
 
Visit Orlando Events
 

webinar

Jan. 17
Visit Orlando Webinar - Seven Steps for a Successful 2017

Details: Join Dave Martin, Your Success Coach, as he shares seven keys to make 2017 intentional, goal-oriented, and a year of unprecedented success.
Time: 12-1 p.m.
Pricing: Free for Visit Orlando Members
Phone: 407-541-4303
Register here!

member meetup

Jan. 19
Member Meet-up

Morton's The Steakhouse
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Suite 132
Orlando FL 32819
Details: Connect with colleagues & key Visit Orlando team members at this happy hour event.
Featured Guest: Visit Orlando - Destination Services Team
Time: 5-6:30 p.m.
Pricing: Visit Orlando Member - $15
Register here!

Jan. 25
Power Hour Lunch
K Restaurant

1710 Edgewater Drive
Orlando, FL 32804
Time: 12-1 p.m.
Presentation: Adrienne Six, Visit Orlando Destination Services
Click here to register.
Visit Orlando Member Registration Fee: $25

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
 
Orange Lake Golf

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 A Piece of My Heart and Urinetown, The Musical. Visit rollins.edu/annie for tickets and use code: VISITORLANDO.

citrus club

Citrus Club is offering Visit Orlando members 10 percent off entire food and beverage total on all new events booked taking place in 2017. If you book two or more events together, you receive 15 percent off total. Call Citrus Club directly to redeem offer. Offer Code: 2017

Do you have an offer that you would like to see posted? Submit an offer to Visit Orlando Member Relations Here!

 
 
Industry Events
 

Texas De Brazil

Texas de Brazil would like to offer $8 off their regular pricing on Hospitality Mondays! Offer valid for up to four guests. This is available for all people within the hospitality industry. Must show business card, check stub, ID, etc. to receive special discount.

 
 
Community Events
 

Through Jan. 14
Seminole State College Planetarium presents: "Space Week 2017"
Seminole State College

Through Jan. 22
Godspell
Central Florida Community Arts

Wicked

Through Jan. 29
Wicked
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Jan. 14
Science Night Live
Orlando Science Center

Jan. 24
Orlando Ballet - Uncorked at the Abbey
The Abbey

Through Jan. 28
Celebrating 75 Years: Pathways of American Art at the Morse Museum
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Dino

Jan. 28
Dino Day
Harry P. Leu Gardens

Through Jan. 29
Pride, Prejudice & Protest: GLBT History of Greater Orlando
Orange County Regional History Center

Sara Watkins

Feb. 1
"Women in Song" at the Plaza Live Featuring Sara Watkins
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

Feb. 4
United Arts' Arts for ALL Day Free 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (registration required)
Loch Haven Cultural Park

Through Feb. 5
Blackberry Winter
Orlando Shakespeare Theater

Gatsby

Feb. 8-Mar. 26
The Great Gatsby
Orlando Shakespeare Theater

Feb. 16-26
Romeo and Juliet
UCF School of Performing Arts

Feb. 22-March 24
Love's Labour's Lost
Orlando Shakespeare Theater

Harriett

Feb. 25
Orlando Ballet - A Tribute to Harriett, Best of Broadway
Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts

Feb. 25
Everything Is Rosie!
The Winter Park Playhouse

 
 
Connect With Visit Orlando
 

Social Media

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

Sign up for our e-newsletter, click here.

Download the free Visit Orlando App for your personalized Orlando experience. The best way to navigate Orlando.

App-store  Google-play

facebook

google plus

twitter

you tube

instagram

President & CEO's Message
 

Jan. 13, 2017

Excitement Builds for 2017

George AguelFor the first time in Orlando, the International Builders' Show and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show co-located at the Orange County Convention Center for one of the largest conventions ever hosted in our destination. This week the destination welcomed 80,000 attendees and generated an economic impact for our community of nearly $158 million.
 
The scope of this event highlights the readiness of Orlando to host large-scale meeting events where groups can gather together and conduct important business while experiencing all of the excitement and attractions the destination is known for. Also evident was the flexibility and adaptability of the OCCC space which was configured to meet the unique design needs of this event - even utilizing the parking area to build several homes which will be donated to local charities.
 
Following a record year for convention and trade show attendance, January marks the start of what is sure to be a very busy season. After Design Week, the Center will welcome back the PGA Merchandise Show and the SURF Expo - together, these meetings will bring 70,000 attendees. And that's just the beginning. In this month alone there are an additional six shows scheduled for the Center and the convention calendar remains full.
 
Orlando ranks as the top meetings and conventions destination in the nation, and 2017 continues to give us much to look forward to. With convenient air service, world-class resorts and a gold standard of hospitality, it's clear to see why Orlando remains the top choice for meeting and event organizers.

-George Aguel

 
 
back to top
 
From the Research & Insights Desk of Visit Orlando
 

Strong Growth Continues at OIA

Total passenger traffic at Orlando International Airport was up 5.6 percent in November, representing the 32nd consecutive month of year-over-year growth. Through 11 months of 2016 passenger traffic was up 8.4 percent to more than 38.2 million passengers, putting the airport on track to exceed 40 million passengers in 2016 and easily surpass 2015's record of 38.8 million passengers. Domestic passenger traffic was up 8 percent through November to 33.1 million and international passenger traffic was up 11 percent to 5.1 million.

 
back to top
 
Visit Orlando Updates
 

Vogue Mexico

Vogue Mexico Spotlights Culturally Rich Venues

As the result of a press trip hosted by Visit Orlando, Vogue Mexico (circ. 304,249) featured an article, entitled "Placer a La Vista," highlighting Orlando's high-end attractions and culturally rich venues, including attending a performance at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and visiting the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum. The article also praised the Mills 50 and College Park neighborhoods for their unique culinary venues, boutiques and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. Other unique districts and culinary venues mentioned also include Audubon's Park East End Market, Winter Park's Prato and The Wine Room, NOVA Restaurant in Ivanhoe Village and The Rusty Spoon in the Church Street Marketplace.

Pandora

A Must-Visit Destination in 2017

Visit Orlando's promotion of what's new in Orlando has resulted in WestJet Magazine (659,000 impressions) featuring Orlando in a story appearing in both print and online about "Where to Go in 2017," highlighting the major new openings at the theme parks.

Hogsmeade

Canada Outlet Covers Multi-Generational Orlando

The Visit Orlando Public Relations Team generated coverage in Forever Young Magazine (750,074 impressions) following a press trip promoting multi-generational travel to Orlando. Titled "Becoming the World's Best Grandma," the story ran in both print and online.

Kraken

Travel + Leisure Highlights What's New

More than 11 million impressions were generated from an article published on Travel + Leisure online, resulting from the Visit Orlando Public Relations Team working with the writer. The article highlights what's new at Orlando theme parks and was also shared on the outlet's social media channels.

Jan12_Fla-Huddle-Twitter

PR Team Participates in Florida Huddle

Visit Orlando's Public Relations Team met with 12 media representing outlets from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Brazil during the Florida Huddle Media Marketplace Jan. 10. The Team focused on what's new for 2017, including new attractions at the theme parks and Orlando's up-and-coming sports scene. Florida Huddle is Florida's foremost travel trade event, welcoming travel suppliers from across the state to meet directly with hundreds of domestic and international buyers and media.

 

Orlando Arts

Orlando Arts Magazine Features Bach & Zora! Fests

The January/February 2017 issue of Orlando Arts Magazine, the official publication of United Arts of Central Florida, includes feature coverage of the upcoming 82nd Annual Bach Festival and 26th Annual Zora! Festival. The issue also previews new exhibitions at Orlando Museum of Art and Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College, as well as a host of cultural events taking place in Central Florida this month and next.

Visit Orlando produces and publishes the magazine as part of a community partnership with United Arts. With a monthly distribution of 19,000, Orlando Arts currently enjoys a pass-on rate to 75,000, with 54 distribution partnerships. To subscribe or to become a distribution partner, call Visit Orlando at 407-354-5552 or contact United Arts of Central Florida. To find out more on advertising opportunities, call 407-363-5826.

PCMA

Orlando Delegation Hosts Events at PCMA

Visit Orlando, in partnership with the Orange County Convention Center and participating members, hosted more than 200 top association and corporate meeting professionals at an educational luncheon and private event held during this week's annual PCMA Convening Leaders in Austin, Texas.

Pictured: Visit Orlando PCMA Convening Leaders delegation included representatives from the Orange County Convention Center, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, Caribe Royale Orlando, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, CSI Florida, Hyatt Regency Orlando and Hard Rock Hotel Orlando.

ABA

Travel Industry Team Heads to ABA

Visit Orlando's Travel Industry Sales Team heads to the American Bus Association's Annual Meeting & Marketplace in Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 14-16 to conduct tour operator appointments. ABA's Annual Meeting & Marketplace is the first conference of the year for the travel and tourism community - the industry's premier business event. More than 3,500 tour operators, suppliers and exhibitors come together to kick off a new year of business opportunity and growth. With more than 140,000 pre-scheduled appointments and 800 pre-qualified operators, ABA's Annual Meeting & Marketplace offers a year's worth of sales meetings in one week.

Visit Orlando

ConferenceDirect FAM Kicks Off New Year

Visit Orlando kicked off the New Year last week with the first familiarization tour of the season. Team leaders Bob Dees and Kristin House from ConferenceDirect brought in their associates for three days of hotel and theme park site inspections, team building events and educational sessions.

Pictured: Visit Orlando with ConferenceDirect associates at the Waldorf Astoria® Golf Club.

 
back to top
 
News About Orlando
 

OCCC

This Week at the Convention Center

Group Meeting Start End Estimated Attendees Estimated Economic Impact
ASI Show, Inc. ASI Show 2017 Jan. 19 Jan. 20 7,000 $13,790,000
 

Jan12_Pro-Bowl-Week

Volunteers Needed for 2017 NFL Pro Bowl Week

Orlando is pleased to host the 2017 NFL Pro Bowl this month. If you want to be a part of the action, the NFL is looking for volunteers to help with Pro Bowl Week activities at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports January 24-28. Register here.

Read More

O-town night skyline

Orlando Top Domestic Destination in 2017

A Travel Pulse article, "Where Will Americans Vacation in 2017?", sites AAA data showing that nearly one-third of American adults say they are more likely to take a vacation this year than compared to 2016. Orlando ranked first for domestic destinations.

Read More

United Arts Presents Free Arts for All Day

United Arts of Central Florida will host its Arts for ALL Day, a family-friendly, free or reduced-rate event to experience arts and culture on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Orlando's Loch Haven Cultural Park. Admission is free with registration.

Read More

 

best city

Orlando a Best City for Winter Travel

Travel + Leisure readers named Orlando among the top 10 of America's Best Cities for Winter Travel, citing reasons such as shorter lines at theme parks during winter break (except for peak times of Christmas and New Year's) and its variety of hotel options.

Read More

USTA

USTA Ushers in New Era for American Tennis

Visit Orlando's blog highlights the recent opening of USTA National Campus in Lake Nona and its offerings, and includes a video featuring the first official serve and more from the opening event.

Read More

Allegiant Adds Non-Stop Service

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Allegiant announce scheduled, nonstop, low-fare service to Louisville International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky beginning May 24 and will initially operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Read More

 
back to top
 
Industry News
 

hotel

Latest TTI: Travel in U.S. Grew in November

Overall travel volume (person trips to or within the United States involving a hotel stay or air travel) grew at a faster year-over-year rate in November 2016 than in October, according to the US. Travel Association's November Travel Trends Index (TTI).

Read More

Travel Adds Jobs in December

Marking its ninth increase in the past 12 months, the travel industry added 4,900 jobs in December, according to the U.S. Travel Association's analysis of the latest Labor Department Employment report. Job gains were seen mainly in the food/beverage services and lodging segments.

Read More

 

travellers

Stronger Demand for Global Air Travel

The International Air Transport Association announced global passenger traffic results for November 2016 showing the strongest demand growth in nine months, with an 8 percent increase in international passenger demand compared to the year earlier.

Read More

CDC Zika Information

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), its most current data available at the time of this publishing (Jan. 11, 2017) indicate that 216 locally acquired cases have been reported in the United States, while 4,649 travel-associated cases have been reported. For the most current information about the Zika virus, visit the CDC's Zika page.

 
back to top
 
 
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
 
back to top