October 13, 2023

Hello,

To capture attention and showcase our destination in new and exciting ways, our team is always looking for new and innovative opportunities. Visit Orlando debuted its first-ever 3D out-of-home (OOH) advertising video unit in New York on Oct. 9 as part of our fall U.S. media campaign, which began in August and runs through November.

The seven-story video billboard sits at the heart of New York City at one of its busiest intersections, facing the heavily trafficked Penn Station exit. The 3D video will run for seven weeks until Nov. 18 to inspire travel to Orlando through vivid imagery of unique experiences that make our destination Unbelievably Real.

Visit Orlando launched the fall domestic campaign to promote Orlando's expansive fall and holiday events as reasons to travel to Orlando. The campaign includes TV and OOH in 13 of Visit Orlando's key out-of-state markets, including New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Washington DC, Detroit, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Charlotte and Baltimore.

In addition to TV and OOH initiatives in key markets, Visit Orlando's campaign includes national social and search advertising, online video and digital display ads to target travelers East of the Mississippi and Texas, and a targeted campaign to non-stop flight markets on streaming television. These multilayered campaigns that reach those considering travel are critical to keeping Orlando top of mind for travel.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

With Hispanic Heritage Month coming to a close this Sunday, Visit Orlando is proud to continue promoting and sharing our destination's extensive festive celebrations of Hispanic art, music, culture, events and dining options in Central Florida throughout the year. This weekend, residents and travelers can celebrate Hispanic culture at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts to watch the tango musical VOVER by TANGO LOVERS or enjoy an evening of sports at the Amway Center on Oct. 20 to see our very own Orlando Magic take on Brazil's Clube de Regatas de Flamengo. And to stay informed about upcoming events, as well as Hispanic history and culture, details are readily accessible on Visit Orlando's Hispanic and Latino History & Culture in Orlando blog.

Hotel Metrics

Metro Orlando occupancy for the week ending Oct. 7, was 65.2%, slightly down from last week's 66.2% and down 10.9% from the same week last year. The Average Daily Rate for the week was $190.61, up strongly from last week and up 6.4% from the same week last year.

Across the Industry

Destinations Florida: Visit Orlando attended Destinations Florida's Annual Meeting in New Smyrna Beach and participated on the panel, "Sunshine Through Storm Clouds: Attracting Visitors to Your Community While Navigating Negative Publicity." Destinations Florida represents destination marketing organizations statewide. The panel discussion centered around handling negative publicity, responding to concerned customers, and keeping the focus on our mission of attracting visitors. The panel representatives included President & CEO of Visit Tampa Bay Santiago Corrada and myself.

U.S. Travel: Orlando welcomed the U.S. Travel Association for its Fall Corporate CEO Roundtable, bringing in corporate industry CEOs from around the country. Visit Orlando had the opportunity to welcome the group, including President & CEO of U.S. Travel Association Geoff Freeman and Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Josh D'Amaro (pictured) and share some of our latest updates from culinary recognition to the new high-speed rail service and reasons to meet in Orlando.

Orlando Main Streets Awards: The Orlando Main Streets program celebrated its 15th anniversary with a formal award ceremony, "Taste of Main Street." Several Central Florida residents and businesses were winners in various categories, including Volunteer of the Year, Best Private Improvement of the Year and Business/Merchant of the Year. Congratulations to the deserving 2023 Orlando Main Streets Award winners!

Around the Destination

WEC Awards Gala: This week, the Women's Executive Council held its Women's Achievement Awards Gala at the Citrus Club. The special night celebrates women leaders in Central Florida while raising funds for future scholarships. Dr. Deborah German, founding Dean of the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, was recognized as Woman of the Year among other outstanding women leaders in Central Florida. Congratulations to the honorees!

MetaCenter Global Week: Next week, Synapse Orlando and Immerse Global Summit will host MetaCenter Global Week at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from Oct. 17-19 to showcase the world's best technologies. The event brings together global and regional leaders to celebrate, discover and engage with innovation through virtual reality, AI, gaming, Metaverse & Blockchain, sustainability, sports & entertainment and more.

Techonomy 23: Next month, Techonomy will host The Promise and Peril of AI, a three-day retreat, beginning Nov. 12 at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel. The event will unite hundreds of CEOs, thought leaders and policymakers to engage attendees and explore the risks and rewards of the AI revolution. To learn more and register, click here. Use the discount code OrlandoVIP.

Visit Orlando Engaged!

Arival 360 Roundtable: Visit Orlando attended Arival 360, the premier conference for the in-destination experiences industry. Arival focuses on creating in-destination experiences by providing events, insights and community for creators, tour sellers, activities, attractions and experiences. Visit Orlando shared insights during a roundtable discussion, "Hot Topics: The Industry Weighs In," alongside other industry leaders from Viator, Rezdy, FMZ Ventures.com and Get Up and Go Kayaking.

Panel Discussion: Additionally, at Arival 360, Visit Orlando's Senior Director of Membership, Sarah Welsh, Director of Destination Experience, Tommy Peterson, and Director of Community Relations & External Affairs, Kristin Westover, participated in the Unleashing Potential: Unlocking Business Expansion through Strategic Collaboration with DMO's panel discussion. The team members shared insights on how Visit Orlando successfully attracts visitors and works in partnership with the Orange County Convention Center to book meetings and conventions.

We Serve: Showcasing Visit Orlando's core value, "We Serve," the visitor services team volunteered at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, which collects, stores and distributes donated food to more than 625 feeding partners in seven Central Florida counties, including Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia. If you and your organization are interested in devoting time or giving back to this organization, click here.

In the News

Pride Journeys: Orlando celebrate Pride with a calendar full of LGBTQ events

The Drum: Forging new paths and audiences through travel branded entertainment

Orlando Business Journal: Orlando plans public square on long-vacant downtown Orlando site

NerdWallet: Bars in top vacation spots shift nonalcoholic