Visit Orlando and member companies team up to represent our destination at IPW in Anaheim.
To view past issues of Tourism Matters, click here.
TourismMatters®
FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Working Together to Bring the World to Orlando
This week, Visit Orlando and 29 of our member companies were in Anaheim to represent our destination at IPW, America’s leading international inbound travel trade show.
Each year, IPW attracts about 6,000 attendees, 1,300 travel buyers and 500 journalists from over 70 countries. Think of it as a national showcase of America, with more than 1,000 travel organizations represented.
As you might imagine, this was another opportunity to let the world hear about all the new and exciting developments in America’s most visited destination. To that end, our team conducted over 250 appointments with clients and media. We also hosted a press conference with 300-plus international media attendees, updating them on our theme parks, hotels, attractions, airport and much more.
Overall, the five-day event was a huge success, as our delegation worked to build key relationships and negotiate future business for our destination.
Looking ahead, IPW will return to Orlando for the eighth time in June 2022, and I can only imagine what our destination will have in store for the world then!
George Aguel
President & CEO
RESEARCH & INSIGHTS
Gas Prices Continue Downward Trend
In a positive development for regional travel, gas prices have been trending down for the past month, and there are few indications prices will rebound as the summer travel season kicks off. Last week, the price of crude oil dropped by $6 per barrel to one of the lowest prices of the year. As of June 3, the national average reported by AAA was $2.81, 8 cents cheaper than last month and 13 cents less than last year.
VISIT ORLANDO ACTIVITIES
CORPORATE
Leaders Share Downtown
Projects with Board
Visit Orlando's board of directors recently hosted a panel of four downtown leaders to share updates on significant growth projects that add to Orlando's tourism and entertainment offerings, from arts and culture to sports and nightlife. As downtown and neighboring communities grow, visitors are increasingly setting out to explore our entire destination, adding local adventures to their favorite theme park experiences.
L to R: Visit Orlando Board Chair Adrian Jones; Kathy Ramsberger, president & CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts; Thomas Chatmon, executive director of the Downtown Development Board and Community Redevelopment Agency; Dr. Falecia Williams, campus president (west and downtown) of Valencia College; Steve Hogan, CEO of Florida Citrus Sports; and George Aguel, president & CEO of Visit Orlando.
PUBLICITY
Record Coverage of 75M
Visitation Announcement
Driven by strong outreach from the publicity team, Visit Orlando’s 2018 visitation announcement generated 1.3 billion media impressions, the most successful result in our destination’s history. News of Orlando’s 75 million visitors appeared in 1,500 online stories and 171 TV segments across the globe, with coverage in The New York Times, Associated Press, Washington Post and Newsday, among many others. Pictured: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings speaks to various media outlets following Visit Orlando’s 2018 visitation announcement.
COMMUNITY
Celebrating Tourism's
Widespread Impact
Visit Orlando President & CEO George Aguel joined CFHLA President & CEO Rich Maladecki at Orlando City Hall to receive a proclamation from Mayor Buddy Dyer (pictured) in recognition of National Travel & Tourism Week, May 5-11. Travel to and within Orlando creates more than $70 billion in economic impact annually and supports 41% of the workforce.
M&C
Promoting Orlando
in D.C. and Chicago
Last month, Visit Orlando and member companies met with decision-makers from top associations in Washington, D.C. In addition to educational and networking activities, attendees took part in a corporate social responsibility initiative, donating more than 50 pairs of glasses to Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center. Visit Orlando and members also engaged with key meeting planners in Chicago, providing timely updates on our destination’s hotels and venues. These sales events help build relationships for future in-house and citywide business.
PUBLICITY
Top UK Outlet Covers
'48 Hours in Orlando'
Visit Orlando secured coverage in The Telegraph, the UK’s No. 1 online newspaper, generating 48 million impressions as a result of our strong relationship with an Orlando-based writer. The story highlights "48 hours in Orlando," focusing on activities outside the theme parks, and ran during a key booking period in the UK.
M&C
Immersive Experiences for
Group Business Prospects
Visit Orlando hosted group business prospects for a destination orientation May 15-18, providing immersive experiences for new clients ranging from corporate and financial industries to science, technology and professional associations. Participants explored meeting opportunities at our destination’s many theme parks, hotels, restaurants and attractions. Orientations play an important role in driving future group business to Orlando and our member hotels.
DID YOU KNOW?
Orlando was recently ranked the nation’s top city for millennials and No. 7 for Generation X, according to a study by Homes.com. Local schools, home prices and job availability were contributing factors.
IN THE NEWS
Tourist Development Tax Generates $25.8M in April
Revenue jumped 6.2% percent compared with the same time last year. Read More
Magic Kingdom Remains Busiest Park in the World
Global Attraction Attendance Report calls 2018 “a milestone year” for the industry. Read More
Orlando Named Second-Best City for Staycation
WalletHub compared more than 180 cities across 43 key indicators. Read More
SeaWorld Confirms New Coaster Coming in 2020
Park's sixth roller coaster will take riders to “predatory heights.” Read More
Plastic on Its Way Out at City Parks and Venues
New policy targets plastic straws, bags, cutlery and Styrofoam food containers. Read More
Orlando City SC Renames Stadium
Exploria Resorts becomes first naming rights partner for soccer stadium. Read More
Pointe Orlando to Undergo $32M Redevelopment
The 12-month project, which includes a 100-foot passageway, will begin in the fall. Read More
VISIT ORLANDO EVENTS
Power Hour Lunch
Wednesday, June 12
Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Noon to 1 p.m.
Register today to enjoy a tapas-style lunch on Church Street in downtown Orlando and make valuable business connections with fellow members.
