To start 2019, Visit Orlando is launching aggressive campaigns that target key U.S. and international markets.
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TourismMatters®
FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Global Campaigns Build on Record Demand
I’m pleased to report that Orlando’s hotels and resorts had an exceptionally busy year-end, registering all-time highs in both average daily rate ($178.73) and room nights sold (690,093) during the final week of 2018. Occupancy even averaged 93 percent that week!
The continued strength of our destination is fueled by ongoing product investment and global marketing — and to keep the momentum going in 2019, Visit Orlando is launching aggressive marketing, communications and sales campaigns that target key U.S. and international markets early in the year.
The goal is to make sure Orlando is top of mind for leisure and business travel, which will grow visitation and help guard against any headwinds that may come our way throughout the year.
George Aguel
President & CEO
RESEARCH & INSIGHTS
U.S. Travel Report Shows Impact on Economy
U.S. Travel recently released its annual Economic Review of Travel in America, which details domestic and international inbound travel volume and its impact on the U.S. economy. Key findings include:
2.2 billion domestic person-trips were taken in the U.S. in 2017, up 1.9 percent.
76.9 million international visitors arrived in the U.S. in 2017, and 38.9 million of those visits were from overseas (excluding Canada and Mexico).
More than $1 trillion was spent by domestic and international travelers in 2017, which generated 8.8 million jobs in the U.S.
Travel spending generated $259 billion in wages and salaries for American workers.
VISIT ORLANDO ACTIVITIES
CORPORATE
Aguel Recognized as
MPI Lifetime Member
Visit Orlando President & CEO George Aguel was recognized as a lifetime member of Meeting Professionals International Jan. 15 at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld. MPI is the largest meeting and event planner industry association, and Aguel is a past chairman of the association. Pictured: Aguel (right) with MPI leaders Dave Buckalew, Buckalew Hospitality; Michael Dominguez, MGM Resorts International; and Brandi Tice, Play with a Purpose.
CORPORATE
Former Board Member
Jim Burns Retires
Congratulations to former Visit Orlando board member Jim Burns on his retirement, effective Jan. 18. A 38-year veteran of Marriott International, Burns has served as the vice president and managing director of the 500-acre Grande Lakes Orlando since 2009. He will be relocating to St. Petersburg, where he will continue his passion for teaching.
TRAVEL TRADE
Joining the Magic
in Mexico City
When the Orlando Magic journeyed to Mexico City last month for a two-game road trip, Visit Orlando was right by their side, engaging with key tour operators to raise awareness and generate even more exposure for our destination. Thanks to a wide range of event facilities, Orlando continues to raise its profile as one of the top sports destinations in the world.
PUBLICITY
5-Page Orlando Spread
in UK Travel Weekly
Visit Orlando’s public relations team generated a five-page destination feature in the UK’s top travel trade outlet, Travel Weekly, following a destination orientation. The story highlights Orlando for adults, covering all there is to do outside the theme parks, with an emphasis on local neighborhoods and downtown Orlando.
PUBLICITY
Top Mexican Magazine
Highlights Orlando
Visit Orlando’s public relations team secured three pages of coverage in Mexico’s top business and finance magazine, Alto Nivel, reaching an estimated 900,000 business leaders and travel decision-makers across digital, social and print. The article highlights Orlando as a multifaceted destination with more than 100 attractions, outdoor activities, luxury, gastronomy, entertainment and adventures for everyone.
M&C
Promoting Orlando at
Global PCMA Event
Nearly 4,000 meeting professionals from around the world attended the Professional Convention Management Association’s Convening Leaders conference Jan. 6-9 in Pittsburgh. During the tradeshow, Visit Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center presented to, and connected with, top meeting planners at a hosted buyer luncheon. Visit Orlando and members also hosted more than 110 top event planners and executives for a special event aimed at creating future business for our destination.
MARKETING
NFL’s Best Heading
to Orlando Next Week
Starting next week, thousands of fans will converge on Orlando as we host the NFL’s best players during Pro Bowl Week. Be sure to check out the Pro Bowl Experience at ESPN Wide World of Sports to watch players from the AFC and NFC practice for the big game and Visit Orlando will be there to help guide visitors on things to do. You can still save up to $10 on game tickets by entering promo code: VISIT. Buy your tickets here.
M&C
Making Connections
at IAEE Annual Expo
Visit Orlando and member companies connected with key convention decision-makers and show organizers Dec. 11-13 in New Orleans at the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Annual Expo. IAEE is the leading association for the global exhibition industry, with members in 50-plus countries. More than 2,300 industry members and trade show association professionals attended the event.
According to Pew Research, 36 percent of U.S. adults have used a ride-hailing service app like Uber or Lyft, which is up from 15 percent in 2015. Those whose annual household income is $75,000 or more are more than twice as likely as those earning less than $30,000 to have used these services (53% vs. 24%). Read More
IN THE NEWS
OIA to Collect Food Items for Federal Employees
Donations can be dropped off near valet at Terminal A departures. Read More
Florida's Busiest Airport Reaches 47M Passengers
Steady expansion by low-fare airlines helps fuel continued growth. Read More
Aquatica Now a Certified Autism Center
Sea World has world’s first water park to hold the distinction. Read More
Travel Channel Show Filming in Orlando
New 'Ripley's Believe It or Not!' TV series will shoot 10 episodes and debut this summer. Read More
Disney Increases Ticket Prices 10% in California
The increase on one-day tickets is ahead of the opening of the new Star Wars land. Read More
VISIT ORLANDO EVENTS
Member Orientation
Tuesday, February 5
Visit Orlando Board Room
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Member Orientation is the best first step for both new and existing Visit Orlando members to learn how to take advantage of the value-added services available exclusively to members. Register here
