Aug. 5, 2016

The Man Who Changed Travel

Technology is a crucial pillar on which the future of travel and tourism rests. As we go forward it is essential that we understand the possibilities technology holds and the key role it plays in the way we conduct our businesses. No one grasps this quite like Terry Jones, an industry visionary who seized the opportunity to marry the potential of the internet with the ever-growing vacationing public. Years ago, Jones sought to perfect the mediums that connect travelers with the experiences they longed for, and as a result he brought us Travelocity, Kayak and now Wayblazer.

We are very fortunate to have Terry's perspective on the trends, future key players and role that technology will play in the travel space. Come hear this pioneer of travel technology for yourself at Visit Orlando's Business of Travel & Tourism Luncheon, to be held Thursday, August 25 at Hilton Orlando. We will learn how innovation and change can thrive successfully in the business of travel - and how we can best navigate the online world and better understand today's omni-channel customer. 

Make your plans now for this must-attend event and our economic summit general session that morning, before the luncheon. Network with friends and colleagues, gather the tools you'll need to further your success and join us as we celebrate another remarkable season of Orlando tourism. I urge you not to delay, register today.

-George Aguel

Orlando Among "Most Dynamic Cities in America" Orlando - the most visited destination in the nation as well as the number one region for both job and population growth - has been recognized as one of the "Most Dynamic Cities in America" by the Worth Group, an integrated media company recognized as a resource for high net-worth individuals and world-class brands. Featured in the current summer issue of Worth magazine, Orlando is one of 15 "Worth Destinations 2016" recognized for exceptional quality of life, tourism offerings, cultural offerings, business climate, entrepreneurial community and civic leadership.

Mid-Year Review of Industry Indicators

The first six months of 2016 provided mixed signals regarding the tourism industry's performance. On the positive side, total passenger traffic at Orlando International Airport was up 10% over the first half of 2015. Domestic passenger traffic increased 9% and international traffic was up 15%. The Orange County Convention Center also experienced a positive first six months as total attendance was up nearly 4% over last year. On the other hand, the hotel occupancy rate for the first six months was a solid 78.5%, but down 2% from the first half of last year. Room-night demand was 1.5% lower than the same period last year. Nevertheless, collections of Orange County's Tourist Development Tax were 3.8% higher in the first six months, and our results still exceeded the national average and state of Florida.

This Weekend's Destination-Wide Pokémon Go Event Connects Members With Consumers

Visit Orlando has created a unique destination-wide event to embrace a new phase of technology, connecting members with consumers in virtual reality as well as via real-world venues and attractions. This weekend marks the inaugural Visit Orlando Poké-tacular Weekend . Visit Orlando members will "throw out" Lures every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 7, while Visit Orlando is promoting the event through email and social media campaigns driving consumers to take advantage of member locations offering non-stop Lures. We'll also promote special offers members are giving players, and provide the chance for one lucky player to win a $1,000 American Express gift card. Members, please contact memberrelations@visitorlando.com for details on how to participate.

Virgin Holidays Films in Orlando for Campaign

Visit Orlando is partnering with Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment to promote Orlando as the perfect family destination in an upcoming media campaign in September with Virgin Holidays. Campaign content is being filmed this week with the Virgin Holidays production team to highlight the great activities that families can do in each of the three theme parks as well as around Orlando, including dining, shopping, watersports - such as an airboat tour with Wild Florida Airboats (pictured) - and so much more.

Hotel Executives Think Forward to 2017

On July 28, Visit Orlando's Chief Marketing Officer Danielle Hollander presented at the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association's Forward Thinking 2017 luncheon alongside Paul Phipps from VISIT FLORIDA and Cathy Weeden of Florida Citrus Sports (pictured from left to right). More than 350 hotel and lodging executives heard how the Central Florida tourism industry is tracking and about various marketing strategies being implemented to ensure our visitors - both leisure and business - keep coming back.

Brazil's UOL Focuses on Orlando's Sports "Magic"

UOL, one of Brazil's biggest news portals, published a story focusing on sports entertainment in Orlando after attending one of the Orlando Magic games during a press trip to Orlando. The article features the Orlando Magic games at the Amway Center and a video of the team's fun, goofy mascot, Stuff the Magic Dragon, who provides fans with an entertaining experience during halftime! The Orlando Solar Bears, Orlando Predators and Orlando City soccer team were also included in the story. UOL attracts 1.2 million unique monthly visitors. The coverage was a result of a press trip hosted by Visit Orlando earlier this year.

Press Trip Hosts Mexico's DeViaje

Two journalists from Mexico's De Viaje (circ. 1,051,155), a weekly supplement distributed nationally through Reforma, El Norte and Mural newspapers, arrived in Orlando for a week-long individual press trip last week. During their stay, they experienced some of Orlando's newest attractions, including Universal's "Reign of Kong", unique entertainment offerings at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Orlando Balloon Rides, quaint neighborhoods such as Winter Park and Mills 50, and fine dining at The Oceanaire Seafood Room and Downtown Orlando's DoveCote. De Viaje focuses on presenting both national and international tourism destinations to the Mexican consumers.

Chinese Travel Trade Receive Orlando Updates

Visit Orlando's China team traveled to Hangzhou, China, to present educational seminars to the local travel trade Aug. 1-4. The visit included a stop at American International Travel Service (AITS), a leading global wholesaler to the United States, and Zhejiang Everbright Bravo Travel. Located in China's Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou is headquarters to Alibaba and other tech industries, and a growing source of visitors for Orlando. Pictured: AITS General Manager Eric Zheng (far right) and Visit Orlando - China Representative David Sun (second from right) with AITS members who participated in the Visit Orlando training.

Top Local Media Outlets Highlight Visit Orlando's 11th Annual Magical Dining Program

Feature stories highlighting Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month, sponsored by American Express, reached more than 7.8 million readers during the past week. Key coverage to date includes stories in the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando Business Journal, Orlando Weekly and Scott Joseph's Orlando Restaurant Guide , which is a result of targeted pitching by Visit Orlando's publicity team.

In its eleventh year, the 2016 program takes place Aug. 29-Oct. 2, and features more than 90 participating restaurants, from venues in the new Disney Springs area to local favorites across town. One dollar from each meal will also be donated to local charity Russell Home for Atypical Children, with last year's program contributing more than $160,000 - the largest donation to date - to ELEVATE. Visit the official OrlandoMagicalDining.com site for a full list of participating restaurants and menus, and to make Open Table reservations now ... and make a difference.

Visit Orlando & Members Host Tallahassee Event

Visit Orlando and 14 members hosted more than 60 clients at the Goodwood Museum in Tallahassee, Florida, on July 28. Participating members included: B Resort, Doubletree by Hilton at SeaWorld, Doubletree Orlando East UCF, Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista South, Hilton Orlando, Hyatt Regency Orlando, International Palms Resort, Mission Inn Resort, Renaissance Orlando SeaWorld, SeaWorld Orlando, Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort, Sheraton Orlando North, Westgate Lakes Resort and Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort at Disney Springs. Clients represented organizations such as Florida Society for Association Executives, Florida Supreme Court, Department of Transportation and Florida A&M University. According to one of the participants, our event is the best networking event in Tallahassee for the industry all year.

Pictured, from left: First row - Sabrina Amendola, Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort; Cynthia Martinez, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort at Disney Springs; Lisa Green, DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld; Aitza Diaz, Visit Orlando; Ashley Sanchez, SeaWorld Orlando; Cristina Toro, Westgate Lakes Resort; Janet Stevens, Mission Inn Resort; and Craig Smith, Sheraton Orlando North. Back row - Lauren Hooper, Renaissance Orlando SeaWorld; Sherri Harris, Hyatt Regency Orlando; Kim Wetzel, Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista South; Robert Montgomery, Hilton Orlando; Linda Vaskovsky, B Resort; John Seagers, International Palms Resort; and Michael Townes, Visit Orlando.

Boston Converse Experience Shoe-In for Planners

On July 26, Visit Orlando hosted a Converse Experience in Boston for key customers. The event included a reception and an opportunity for meeting planners to design their own pair of Converse sneakers. Pictured, from left, participants included: Julie Stehle, Orlando World Center Marriott; Margie Sanchez, SeaWorld; Michele Skolnick, Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld; Andrew Nelson, Hyatt Regency Orlando; Lida Clark, Hello Destination Management; Kelly Albert, Visit Orlando; and Rebecca Peyton, Universal Orlando.

Key Business Contacts Made at FSAE Meeting

Visit Orlando's Business Development Team has been hard at work discovering new meeting and conference prospects for Orlando. Business Development Account Manager Aitza Diaz attended this year's Florida Society of Association Executives meeting held July 13-15 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point and Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida. During the event, Aitza networked with several planners and industry partners, showcasing the Orlando destination. This year's conference attracted more than 400 participants. Pictured, from left: Visit Orlando's Aitza Diaz with Holiday Inn Orlando - Disney Springs Area's Kirk Whalen.

Latest Issue of Orlando Arts Magazine Available

The July/August issue of Orlando Arts Magazine, the official publication of United Arts of Central Florida, is available. Produced and published by Visit Orlando bimonthly as part of a decade-long community partnership with United Arts of Central Florida, Orlando Arts Magazine covers Central Florida's cultural and arts events. Distributed to 19,000 bimonthly, the magazine currently enjoys a pass-on rate to 75,000, with 54 distribution partnerships. To subscribe or to become a distribution partner, call Visit Orlando at 407-354-5552 or contact United Arts of Central Florida. To find out more on advertising opportunities, call 407-363-5826.

This Week at the Convention Center

NBC Sports Grill & Brew to Broadcast Olympics

NBC Sports Grill & Brew at Universal CityWalk will be broadcasting this year's Summer Olympic Games, live, on its 100-foot outdoor HD stadium screen at 5 p.m. nightly Aug. 5-21.

Tiffins Restaurant a Unique Dining Trek

For those Walt Disney World guests seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle to serious food lovers craving a new dining adventure, a delicious experience is waiting to be discovered at Animal Kingdom's Tiffins Restaurant.

Spirit to Add Service Between Newark and Orlando

Starting Oct. 30, Spirit will begin new daily nonstop service between Newark and Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Air Berlin to Add Non-Stop Service to MCO

Starting in May of 2017, Air Berlin will establish a non-stop link between Orlando, its 8th U.S. destination, and its hub, Dusseldorf.

Orlando Eye & Coca Cola Pair Up for New Look,
Refreshing New Experiences

Visitors on International Drive will start seeing a little more red when visiting The Orlando Eye. That's because the 400-foot observation wheel at I-Drive 360 has a new look and a new name, the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye. With the new branding comes all-new experiences that will be a refreshing enhancement to the year-old family attraction.

LEGOLAND Florida Unveils Plans for
New Beach-Themed Resort

LEGOLAND Florida announces plans to construct a beach-themed retreat with 83 duplex units.

All-New Muppet Show Coming to Magic Kingdom

Beginning this fall, the Muppets will be visiting Magic Kingdom Park, where they'll take part in an all-new live show, "The Muppets Present... Great Moments in American History."

New Travel Report: Mobile Used for Browsing Travel, Desktop for Booking

According to a tnooz.com article, Adobe’s new Mobile Travel Report found that despite 52% of consumers browsing travel experiences via their smartphone or tablet, only 21% of travel sales occur on portable devices, with the bulk of travellers switching to their desktops to actually book a trip.

U.S. Travel Association Releases June TTI

According to the U.S. Travel Association’s latest Travel Trends Index (TTI), overall travel volume (person trips to or within the United States involving a hotel stay or air travel) grew at a slower rate from June 2015 to June 2016 than May 2015 to May 2016.

Low Gas Prices Continue

National pump prices have fallen 50 of the past 51 days for a total of 25 cents per gallon. The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline has declined to $2.13 per gallon, which is the lowest level in the past 100 days and the lowest price for this date since 2004. Today’s price is three cents less than one week ago, 15 cents less than one month ago and 52 cents less than the same date last year.

CDC Zika Information

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), its most current data available Aug. 3, 2016) indicate that six (6) locally acquired cases have been reported in the United States, while 1,818 travel-associated cases have been reported. For the most current information about the Zika virus, visit the CDC's Zika page.