Here's your weekly look at what's happening across America's most visited destination, from the Pro Bowl to global travel forecasts.
Orlando Will Host NFL Pro Bowl for Fourth Consecutive Year
Once again, Orlando will be the center of the universe for NFL fans in late January, as the Pro Bowl returns to Camping World Stadium
for the fourth straight year. In addition to the game on Jan. 26, Visit Orlando will work with the NFL and other community partners to promote the many festivities surrounding Pro Bowl Week, which draws thousands of fans from around the country. The Pro Bowl is a win for our destination on several fronts, from economic impact to athlete endorsements to global exposure via ESPN, the NFL Network and other media outlets. Football, family and fun. What better place than Orlando?
Tourism Revenue Funding Upgrades to Camping World Stadium
Speaking of Camping World Stadium, you might have seen where the facility was approved this week for a $60 million renovation. But did you know that this money comes entirely from short-term lodging taxes? Improving local arts, cultural and sporting venues is just another way Orlando’s tourism industry enhances our community’s quality of life … and makes our destination an even more attractive place to visit.
America’s Share of Global Travel Sliding Downward
Looking at tourism on a larger scale, America continues losing ground to other countries. According to the U.S. Travel Association, the United States claimed 13.7% of international travel in 2015 but only 11.7% last year. By 2022, that number is projected to fall below 11%. To mitigate these trends and other global economic headwinds, Visit Orlando increased our international marketing spend in 2018 and 2019. To date, the returns have been impressive, as Orlando grew international visitation last year by 5.4%, well above the national average of 2%.
Phil Brown Named Aviation Professional of the Year
Congratulations to Visit Orlando board member Phil Brown, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, for being named 2019 Aviation Professional of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation. Phil was recognized for his role in increasing passenger traffic and making Orlando International the busiest airport in Florida, as well as overseeing the largest construction and renovation project in airport history, among other noteworthy accomplishments.
Visit Orlando Featured in i4 Business Magazine
Many thanks to our friends at i4 Business magazine for an excellent profile on Visit Orlando and some of our member companies. The coverage in August’s tourism issue is well worth the read, especially if you’re curious about how Visit Orlando markets our destination or the factors behind Orlando’s record visitation in 2018. As a bonus, you can also get an “up close”
interview with our board chair, Adrian Jones of Merlin Entertainments Group.
OTHER NEWS FROM VISIT ORLANDO
» Make sure to join us Aug. 22 at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort for Visit Orlando’s annual Business Insights Luncheon & Economic Forum. More than 1,000 industry and community leaders are expected to attend, and we'd love for you to be part of the event.
» This week, we published our 2019-2020 Meeting Professionals Guide, an in-depth destination planning tool for meeting professionals. The guide is available in print and digital versions.
» Daryl Cronk, senior director of market research, served on a panel hosted by the Florida DOT to discuss tourism and transportation. The event, titled Planning for Visitors in Central Florida, included representatives from MetroPlan Orlando, LYNX, the Orange County Convention Center, Universal Parks & Resorts and Walt Disney Imagineering.
