This Valentine's Day weekend, let's give a little love to our region's No. 1 industry.
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TourismMatters®
FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Four Things I Love About Tourism in Orlando
On the occasion of this extended Valentine’s Day weekend, here are four things I love about tourism in Orlando:
1. It’s our region’s economic engine. Tourism generates $70 billion in annual economic impact, supports 41 percent of the workforce and accounts for half of Orange County’s sales taxes.
2. It gives us access to world-class amenities. Thanks to tourism, almost everything you can wish for is right in our backyard — from amazing theme parks and attractions to abundant shopping options and celebrity restaurants.
3. Sharing the fun and excitement. I enjoy taking friends and family around to experience what's new in our community, since there always is something new!
4. The hospitality of our employees. I appreciate being able to engage so often with the many employees who work in our industry, who have a special way of showing the hospitality we are famous for.
George Aguel
President & CEO
RESEARCH & INSIGHTS
Travel Trends Index Points to Continued Growth
The U.S. Travel Association’s Travel Trends Index points to continued, albeit slower, growth over the next six months. The Current Travel Index (CTI) has registered at or above the 50 mark (indicating growth) for 108 straight months, as the industry nears its 10th consecutive year of expansion. The Leading Travel Index (LTI) predicts travel growth will moderate through June 2019, supported primarily by growth in domestic demand.
VISIT ORLANDO ACTIVITIES
MARKETING
Contrasting Orlando’s
Weather with Canada’s
Visit Orlando worked with the The Weather Network, headquartered in Canada, to produce 24 “look-live” segments showcasing what’s new in our destination. Airing Feb. 18 to March 3, the segments promote our warm destination during Canada’s cold winter, a key booking period for Orlando. The campaign will also feature a local forecast takeover, video integration, and digital and social media. It is expected to generate 5.8 million impressions.
PUBLICITY
Orlando Among 10 Best
Places for Winter Sun
Thanks to a destination orientation, Visit Orlando’s publicity team secured coverage in Canada's Movie Entertainment national lifestyle magazine, generating nearly 1 million impressions during a key booking period. The double-page print spread highlights outdoor adventures for families with older children, including kayaking, off-roading and wakeboarding.
PUBLICITY
Irish Newspaper 'Blown
Away’ by ‘Real Orlando’
Visit Orlando's publicity team generated print and online coverage in the Irish Independent titled “Blown Away by the real Orlando.” The story highlights popular and undiscovered aspects to our destination, from thrilling attractions on I-Drive and charming Winter Park to local culture/cuisine, biking the West Orange Trail and clear-bottom kayaking at Rock Springs. The story was published during a key booking period.
PUBLICITY
Multiple Canadian Media
Outlets Highlight Orlando
Visit Orlando generated coverage across Canada's largest news syndication network, Sun Media, following a destination orientation for the Toronto Sun. The story, which encourages people to escape the cold and travel to Orlando, ran in 21 media outlets.
M&C
Promoting Orlando
to RCMA Planners
From Jan. 29-31, Visit Orlando’s meeting and conventions team attended the Religious Conference Management Association, a multifaith, international association of religious meeting planners. The conference, held in North Carolina, enabled Visit Orlando and members to strengthen relationships with key meeting planners and educate them on the diverse opportunities available in our destination.
MEMBERSHIP
Members Connect at
Power Hour Lunch
Visit Orlando members attended a Power Hour lunch Feb. 6 at Restaurant Row’s Ocean Prime, providing them the opportunity to expand their network and make professional connections. The next Power Hour lunch is on Feb. 27 at Wyndham Orlando International Drive and will feature an update by ICON Orlando 360 President & CEO Chris Jaskiewicz. Register here.
Visit Orlando board member Rich Maladecki, president and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, will receive the inaugural "Committed 2Kids Leadership Impact Award" at the Big Brothers Big Sisters gala on March 2 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
IN THE NEWS
Orange County TDT Generates $23.5M in December
Tourist Development Tax revenue was up 1.3 percent. Read More
Gus Antorcha Named SeaWorld CEO
The former Carnival Cruise Lines executive takes the helm Feb. 18. Read More
Disney Reports $6.82B in Q1 Earnings
Theme park division posts 5 percent increase over last year. Read More
Orange Lake to Open New HQ in Orlando
The company plans to hire 250 people over the next four years. Read More
Theme Park Festivals Keep Attendance Rising
Seasonal events are packing the parks again, particularly on weekends. Read More
TripAdvisor to Pay Orange County TDT
The travel-booking company began collecting the taxes on Jan. 1. Read More
VISIT ORLANDO EVENTS
Visit Orlando’s Annual
Party at the Pointe
Don't miss this chance to network with hundreds of fellow members! Enjoy appetizers, drinks, dessert and entertainment at Party at the Pointe. Register here.
These upcoming events at the Orange County Convention Center will generate a combined economic impact of nearly $60 million.
Feb. 21-23
Orgill Spring Dealer Meeting
Estimated Attendance: 22,615
Feb. 21-24
PDS Super Conference
Estimated Attendance: 1,100
Feb. 22-23
Everything Under the Sun Expo
Estimated Attendance: 5,000
Feb. 22-24
USA Football National Conference
Estimated Attendance: 1,600
DID YOU KNOW?
Visit Orlando works with area attractions and businesses to provide exclusive offers and savings for Florida residents. Explore the deals at VisitOrlando.com.
Connect with Visit Orlando
Official tourism association of the No. 1 destination in the U.S.