ULTIMATE NEW YEAR'S EVE DESTINATION

As proclaimed this week by The New York Times, (tonight) New Year's Eve is undoubtedly the ultimate reason to give a party.

While the highly influential newspaper acknowledged that many cities in the United States have celebrations, it named Orlando among less than a handful - four for anyone "counting down" - where ringing in the new year is a major occasion.

"Lavish fireworks shows" over our theme parks that make the sky "brighter," dance parties with live bands and midnight Champagne toasts and downtown venues with deejays and views of Orlando's midnight, orange ball drop all combined to place our destination in the headlines of a leading national paper blanketing our No. 1 domestic market for visitation.

In other words, this is good news for Orlando, as well as a great way to end the year and usher in 2016.

Happy new year!

-George Aguel

Hospitality Industry Leading Central Florida's Job Growth

November employment in the area's Leisure & Hospitality industry was 6.3% higher than the same month last year. The industry added 14,800 jobs, accounting for more than one-third of the increase in total nonagricultural employment in the Orlando MSA. The Hospitality industry was the largest employer in the Orlando MSA, accounting for 21% of total nonagricultural employment in November. The industry was also the fastest growing, adding more jobs and growing at a faster rate than any other industry.

U.K. National Newspapers Highlight What's New in Orlando

Following targeted pitching on what's new in Orlando for 2016, Visit Orlando's publicity team secured several pieces of coverage in major U.K. newspapers, including a feature story in The Telegraph and mentions in The Sun and Mail Online.

Orlando Article Featured in 33 Canadian Publications

As a result of hosting a short-lead press trip, Orlando was featured in the Toronto Sun, as well as 32 other media outlets by Sun Media. The article highlights what's new in Orlando's dining scene, as well as attractions and nature experiences.

Top Canadian Parenting Magazine Highlights "The Other Orlando"

Following an individual press trip, Today's Parent magazine featured a destination story about what to do in Orlando outside of Disney. The article also ran on the magazine's app.

The New York Times Highlights New Year's Eve in Orlando

The publicity team worked closely with a writer to secure coverage in the New York Times online as one of the best places to celebrate New Year's Eve. The Orlando section calls out the extravagant theme park displays as well as Downtown Orlando.

Next Week at the Convention Center

5 Things to Look Forward to at Walt Disney World in 2016

The new year will bring new shops, eats and attractions to Walt Disney World Resort.

I-Drive 360 Developer Wants Helicopter Tours

Helicopter tours could be offered at the I-Drive 360 entertainment complex on International Drive as early as next spring, the site's developer says.

6 Orlando-Area Firms Landed on Forbes' 2015 Best Employers List

Central Florida was home to the largest number of Florida-based companies recognized by Forbes on its 2015 list of America's Best Employers.

Disney Springs Plans Show Edison Restaurant Details, More

The Disney permits show the layout of The Edison, scheduled to open in 2016, including the location of its rooms, such as the Tesla Lounge, the Patent Office, Telegraph Lounge and the Radio Room.

Diamond Resorts Preps for New Golf Tournament Bringing $5M in Economic Impact

Diamond Resorts is gearing up for its new golf tournament that is likely to bring thousands of visitors to the region.

Update: iSquare Mall + Hotel Unveils New Images

Construction on a $400 million dual-tower complex is set to start next year on Orlando's International Drive-a little later than originally anticipated.

2016 in Aviation: Profits, Airport Upgrades and the Longest Flight in the World

Huge airline profits. New planes. Longer routes. Improved airports. Heightened attention to safety. Throw in an estimated 3.7 billion passengers for 2016 ... and you've got a seriously busy aviation year ahead.

Breaking Down ASTA's Huge 2015

For a while it looked like ASTA's effectiveness and influence as the representative of the travel agent community was in serious danger. The association, however, is on the upswing and it made major strides in that direction this year.

Pact Could End Talk of Resort-Casinos in Sunshine State

An agreement completed last week between Gov. Rick Scott and the Seminole Tribe would give Florida more appeal for serious gamblers.

STR Global: Europe and Americas Hotel Results for November 2015

Compared to November 2014, the Americas region reported a 0.6% increase in occupancy to 59.7%; average daily rate was up 3.9% to US$116.28; and revenue per available room increased 4.5% to US$69.38.

2016 Meeting Trends

Increasing bandwidth and stretching budgets will be key.