July 7, 2023

Hello,

We're excited to announce Visit Orlando's Insights Luncheon & General Session on Thursday, August 24, at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. 
  
As one of our three signature lunches, this highly valuable event will offer fresh perspectives on influencing business, with updates on Visit Orlando initiatives and strategies for successfully managing cross-generational teams. 
 
The morning session will feature three of Visit Orlando's influential leaders, who will share key updates and insights, including chief sales officer Mike Waterman, chief marketing officer Danielle Hollander and senior corporate counsel Stan Rubins.

At the luncheon, the keynote speaker, also president of The Center for Generational Kinetics, Jason Dorsey, will deliver an interactive presentation on new insights into Gen Z and each generation. 
 
As the fastest-growing generation in the workforce, Gen Z may be considered different through their business practices compared to experienced leaders and other generations. By attending the luncheon, you can immediately walk away with practical strategies to use in your organizations.  
 
Corporate tables are available for purchase. Contact Kelly.Kinney@visitorlando.com for details. 
 
We look forward to seeing you there!

InfoComm Tradeshow at OCCC Nearly Doubles in Attendance

The hospitality industry is key in generating revenue for Orange County. A significant contributor includes meetings, conventions and in-person events of all sizes that spur human value and connection. And lately, we are seeing record-breaking attendance at many of our conventions in Orlando.  
 
Our destination recently welcomed InfoComm to Orlando. Held at the Orange County Convention Center across three days, InfoComm is the largest professional audiovisual trade show in the United States. Attendees experienced networking opportunities, educational sessions and chances to view the latest technology from top manufacturers. The tradeshow increased its exhibit space by 64,200 net square feet and had nearly 36,700 total registrants—an increase of 10,000 from last year, almost doubling its attendance. Access an article on InfoComm and be on the lookout for more information on its success soon. 

Vision 2050 Town Hall Meetings

The Orange County Government Planning Division is seeking input from residents on Vision 2050, a comprehensive plan on how and where growth will occur in Orange County. The plan focuses on protecting natural resources and habitats, respecting the diversity and character of established communities, increasing transportation choices, encouraging housing that meets every family's needs and shaping connected, vibrant places. An interactive mapping application is now available for residents to explore their neighborhoods and provide feedback on the proposed Vision 2050 Sectors and Place Types. More information, including upcoming town hall sessions and previous session recordings, is also available.

May 2023 TDT Collections

Orange County's Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections for May were $26.2 million—a 6.7% decrease over May 2022 but $9.3 million higher than May 2021 earnings. 
 
Orange County government designates TDT funds for specific purposes, including promoting tourism, the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), sports stadiums and arenas, performing arts venues and museums. 
 
This was the first month since February 2021 that the convention hotel segment saw a decline in demand. While the number of events at the Orange County Convention Center in May increased year over year, the groups were smaller, meaning less overall attendance. For the year overall through May, citywide attendance is up 24% and is forecasted to be strong through the end of the year.  
 
For the group segment, advance hotel booking is pacing 15% ahead of summer 2022. June brought in more than 300,000 in citywide attendance for the area from major events, including the Amateur Athletic Union's 50th Girls' and Boys' Junior National Volleyball Championships, InfoComm International 2023 and Premiere Orlando 2023.

Hotel Metrics

Metro Orlando occupancy for the week ending July 1 was 77.3%, a slight improvement from last week's 74.4% and above both state and national levels. The Average Daily Rate for the week was $187.74, which was up 3.1% from the same week last year.

Around the Destination

CFHLA CARES Drive: Beginning on Tuesday, the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA) will collect items for its annual collection drive to support Central Florida students in need throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Residents are encouraged to donate professional attire, including gently used suits, dresses, dress shirts, ties, belts, shoes and accessories, between July 11 and July 18. View all details here.

Visit Orlando Engaged!

Client Site Visits: To highlight the city as a prime business and meeting travel destination and connect with clients, our team welcomes organizations across all industries through site visits. Visit Orlando member organizations, Central Florida businesses, world-class theme parks and attractions, dining venues and Orlando's historic neighborhoods across the destination are all explored through tour variations. Site visits are essential for our team to showcase the many available offerings, connect in person with clients and secure business in Orlando. Since January 1, 2023, our team has held 135 site visits representing groups with more than 382,400 attendees resulting in over 611,000 room nights making a $9.11 million economic impact on our community.

In the News

Travel Lens: 25 best places to visit in July 2023 in USA

Smart Meetings: Orlando, Florida: mouse-optional meetings

USTimesPost: The best things to do in Florida this summer from theme parks to manatee boat rides

ConventionSouth: Orange County Convention Center welcomes Walt Disney World as a Gold Key partner

TravelPulse: TSA to expand facial recognition