January 19, 2024

Hello,

Visit Orlando is committed to boosting our destination's reputation as a prime city for sporting events through key partnerships and strategic marketing initiatives. Just like in sports, it takes great strategy and teamwork to beat the competition. Visit Orlando works closely with an extensive network of members, organizations and partners to position Orlando as a growing sports destination that attracts athletes, fans and visitors from around the world.

Over the next few weeks, Orlando welcomes a stellar lineup of world-class events starting with Orlando City Soccer Club taking on Flamengo, one of Brazil's most successful soccer clubs, at the newly named Inter&Co Stadium (formerly Exploria Stadium) on Jan. 27.

To promote the game and showcase our destination for sports fans, Visit Orlando will host two influencers from Brazil, carolixas, who have over 1 million Instagram and nearly 7 million TikTok followers, and five locally based Brazilian influencers to share their experience with their audiences. Additionally, we included the match on Visit Orlando's Things to Do in Orlando Instagram Reels and partnered with Brazilian content creator to target our Brazilian Facebook audience. Visit Orlando gains further exposure with branded LED panels in the stadium during the game reaching millions of Brazilian TV viewers.

In February, Orlando hosts both the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon and the NFL Pro Bowl Games over the same weekend. Visit Orlando is promoting the games with organic and paid social posts and online display advertising targeting fans to increase overnight visitation to our destination.

• U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon: Orlando is the first Florida city to host the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon, an event that takes runners on a course through several neighborhoods and business districts, including downtown Orlando, to compete in qualifying to represent Team USA in the Olympic Games in Paris. The race, Feb. 3, will be broadcast on NBC, receive nationwide attention and attract tens of thousands of spectators spread throughout the course.
  
  
• 2024 Pro Bowl Games: The Pro Bowl Games returns to Orlando, celebrating the league's best players as they compete in a multi-day AFC vs. NFC competition with skills showdowns and a highly anticipated flag football game. The Sunday Pro Bowl Games Championship will take place at Camping World Stadium on Feb. 4.

Unlike other cities, Orlando's position as a top travel and meetings destination can easily turn a game day getaway into a multi-day vacation fueling visitor spending in our community. From youth tournaments to one-time mega events, the impact of sporting events stimulates the continued development of our city's growth.

2024 ZORA! Festival of Seasons

The ZORA! Festival—America's longest-running arts and humanities festival celebrating the cultural contributions of people of African ancestry throughout the Diaspora—is underway with an extensive schedule of events. The Outdoor Festival of the Arts takes place Jan. 26-28, including an "Education Day" for K- 12 Students, live music with performers and cultural items for sale over the weekend. Additional activities run through October, including public talks, museum exhibitions, historical tours, arts education programming, a humanities-based conference and more.

Hotel Metrics

Metro Orlando occupancy for the week ending January 13, 2024, was 71.5%, up from the prior week's 69.2% and up 1% from the same week last year. The Average Daily Rate for the week was $208.75, up from $203 the prior week and up 4% from the same week last year. 

Around the Destination

OEP Annual Dinner: The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) hosted its Annual Dinner at UCF Addition Financial Arena. The event gathered business and elected leaders with community members to celebrate a night of Central Florida's transformation, leadership and vision. OEP presented this year's James B. Greene Award to Thomas K. Sittema, executive chairman at StepStone Private Wealth, who has helped make a lasting impact on the region's growth, quality of life and economic well-being.

Stadium Announcement: Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride announced a new partnership with Brazilian banking company Inter&Co as the newest stadium sponsor. Inter&Co has initiated a comprehensive enhancement project, including cutting-edge technology, such as 5 million new LED pixels, a state-of-the-art video board, upgraded TV monitors in suites, premium spaces, concession stands and more. Read more about this exciting new partnership and enhanced sports and entertainment experience.

Hospitality Competition: The Central Florida Career Academies held its annual Hospitality Competition at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management campus. This event aims to provide a platform for high school students enrolled in hospitality career programs to showcase their skills and talents in various challenging scenarios. This also helps prepare local students to compete at the state competition representing the Central Florida area.

Visit Orlando Engaged!

Conrad Orlando Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: This week, our team joined hotel executives and community leaders to celebrate the opening of the new Conrad Orlando Resort! The opening of this new luxury resort elevates our destination's offerings for luxury travelers to create unforgettable vacation experiences. Learn more about Conrad Orlando and its unique offerings, including numerous dining selections and a signature rooftop experience.

Million Meal Pack: Visit Orlando team members joined more than 5,000 Central Florida volunteers at the Orange County Convention Center for U.S. Hunger's inaugural MLK Day of Service Million Meal Pack. The event was a testament to the power of communities coming together in the spirit of service and volunteerism to make a difference through community service. In collaboration with The Orlando Mayor's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and the Orange County MLK Initiative, we packed 1 million healthy meals of food relief throughout the Central Florida region.

Collaboration with Brazil Journalist: Visit Orlando worked with Brazilian journalist and influencer Cacá Filippini to share her Orlando travel experience through the perspective of a family with a person with autism. Stories were published in Panrotas' Inclusive Tourism blog and within a sports column on the news and entertainment website Band.com.br.

In the News

The Frugalista Life: Visit Orlando shares all-new experiences in Orlando for 2024

U.S. News Travel: Best family vacations in the USA

ConventionSouth: Orange County Convention Center to pilot Moonwalker robotic shoes

GAY TIMES: Orlando pride: How to make the most of your trip as an LGBTQ+ tourist