Mayor Jacobs and the Tourist Development Council unanimously approved incremental funding for tourism and venues.
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TourismMatters®
FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
New Funding for Tourism and Growth
It is with great pleasure I share that today Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the Tourist Development Council unanimously approved multiple recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for TDT collections to be used for additional tourism promotion and developing venues that serve residents and visitors alike.
This will provide Visit Orlando the ability to further advance our domestic and international marketing efforts to drive visitation, which brings positive benefits to our local economy. The added investment is particularly important given some of the economic and political challenges our industry faces as we move into the new year.
We also appreciate Mayor Jacobs' sentiment that we are fortunate to have a tourism industry that can support these valuable new developments such as an enhanced Camping World Stadium, a permanent Pulse museum and memorial, and a performance venue for the Orlando Ballet.
Today is indeed a day to celebrate – as an industry and a local community!
George Aguel
President & CEO
RESEARCH & INSIGHTS
Exhibition Industry Boasts Year-Over-Year Gains
The exhibition industry posted a year-over-year gain of 1.6 percent in the second quarter of 2018, following a gain of 1.8 percent earlier this year, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Total Index report. Real revenues (nominal revenues adjusted for inflation) and attendees both posted the largest increase of 1.9 percent, followed by net square feet (1.8 percent) and exhibitors (0.7 percent). Growth in the exhibition industry should pick up during the second half of the year, as the economy remains strong.
VISIT ORLANDO ACTIVITIES
CORPORATE
Aguel Ranks Among
Florida Trend’s Top 500
Florida Trend magazine recently published its inaugural "Florida 500," naming Visit Orlando President & CEO George Aguel among the state's 500 most influential business leaders. The distinct honor recognizes influential business leaders in different economic sectors throughout the state for their overall commitment, energy and effort to continue moving Florida forward. Aguel was one of 44 top leaders in the statewide hospitality/tourism industry, specifically.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Two Weeks Remain
for Magical Dining
There is still time to try a new restaurant or visit an old favorite through Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, sponsored by American Express. Grab your friends, family or co-workers and enjoy a three-course, prix-fixe meal for $35 at more than 100 restaurants now through Sept. 30. One dollar from each meal supports Best Buddies and the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida.
MARKETING
UK Campaign to Run in
Targeted Publications
Three double-page spreads that promote Orlando as a must-go travel destination will run in the Telegraph Magazine, The Sun and The Times as part of Visit Orlando’s UK fall campaign. September and October are key booking periods for the UK market, as visitors start planning 12 months prior to travel.
PUBLICITY
Buzzfeed Features
Magical Dining Month
Visit Orlando’s publicity team recently secured a Magical Dining Month feature on Buzzfeed, earning 28 million potential impressions for the program. The article, titled Orlando's Magical Dining Month Is Back And Better Than Ever, mentions 15 participating restaurants and their Magical Dining menus.
M&C
HIMSS19, Grainger
Prep for Shows in 2019
Teams from Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and Grainger came to Orlando last week to prepare for shows in early 2019 at the Orange County Convention Center. HIMMS19 is expected to bring 40,000 attendees in February, while the Grainger Show (15,000 attendees) is scheduled for March. HIMMS returns to Orlando every even year through 2028; Grainger will hold its annual convention in Orlando through 2026.
PUBLICITY
Leading Brazilian Media
Learn About Orlando
Visit Orlando forged new relationships with 20-plus top-tier Brazilian publications in Sao Paulo last month, creating opportunities to feature our destination’s dining scene, new and upcoming attractions, fall festivals and holiday celebrations. The team hosted media interviews, met with airline and embassy partners, and worked with a local art company to feature Orlando’s iconic attractions.
M&C
Members Engage with
Top Meeting Planners
Visit Orlando held its annual Chicago sales mission Sept. 6, allowing members to engage with nearly 30 top meeting planners in the Chicago area. The 17 participating members presented new information regarding their hotels and venues, building relationships that will drive future meetings and convention business to Orlando.
Orlando International Airport once again finished No. 1 in the mega airport category for overall traveler satisfaction. Read More
Orlando To Host Monster Jam World Finals
On May 10-11, Camping World Stadium will be the site of the Monster Jam World Finals XX. The event is scheduled to return in 2020, as well. Read More
Bizarre Foods' Andrew Zimmern Returns to Orlando
After some not-so-nice words this summer, the celebrity food personality made good on his promise to revisit Orlando’s restaurant culture … and he came away impressed. Read More
New Hotel Planned for Swan & Dolphin Resort
The 14-story, 349-room project is expected to break ground this fall and open in 2020. Read More
Record Passenger Traffic at OIA in July
Orlando International Airport welcomed 4,000 more travelers per day (a 3 percent increase) when compared to last year at this time. Read More
VISIT ORLANDO EVENTS
Oct. 2
Member Orientation
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Open to both new and existing Visit Orlando members, learn how to take advantage of the value-added services available exclusively to you. Register Here
These upcoming events at the Orange County Convention Center will generate a combined economic impact of more than $19 million.
Oct. 3-6
Zija International 2018
Estimated Attendance: 2,500
Economic Impact: $4,925,000
Oct. 4-6
The Landscape Show 2018
Estimated Attendance: 7,168
Economic Impact: $14,120,960
DID YOU KNOW?
Orlando is home to several Guinness World Records, including one by Visit Orlando and our member companies: Most Hand-Written Greeting Cards Collected in 24 Hours. Read More
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