Sept. 23, 2016

IAAPA Heads Home to Orlando

Perhaps by now you've already heard the good news that the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) plans to relocate its global headquarters to Orlando. Beginning in 2017, the largest trade association for the $39 billion worldwide attractions industry intends to move from its current location in Alexandria, Virginia, to our community.

In addition to being the new home for IAAPA, Orlando will also continue to play host to the organization's annual conference and trade show. The agreement to hold the expo here has now been extended through 2030; five years beyond our current agreement. In total, Orlando will serve as host of this event for 20 years! Each year the convention draws more than 30,000 tourism-related attendees and since the early 2000s has generated over $1 billion in economic impact.
 
With the leadership support of Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, the IAAPA board of directors agreed that moving their international headquarters to Orlando will make it easier for members from around the world to connect with each other as well as with industry suppliers and innovators. As the theme park capital of the world, Orlando is the epicenter of tourism activity and creativity, and we are proud to welcome the IAAPA team and know they will feel right at home.

-George Aguel

August Lodging Results

The Metro Orlando occupancy rate for August was 69.1 percent, down 4.1 percent from August 2015. Room-night demand was down 2.9 percent, yet the average daily rate rose 2 percent to $98.67. Year to date through August the occupancy level was down 2.7 percent and demand was down 2 percent, however, the outlook for the next few months is encouraging. Weekly data from STR has indicated September is tracking ahead of last year, and data on advance bookings show strong data for most of the rest of year. The most recent weekly, monthly and year-to-date lodging results can be found on the Visit Orlando Member site.

Last Full Week of Magical Dining Month

Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month sponsored by American Express ends on Oct. 2. With a little more than a week left in the month-plus long program and more than 90 participating restaurants, there are still plenty of places to try. Diners can enjoy three courses for $33 while at the same time contributing to a worthy cause - $1 from each meal will go to The Russell Home for Atypical Children. Visit OrlandoMagicalDining.com to view participating restaurant menus and to make online reservations. Pictured: STK Orlando's Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie

Orlando Spotlighted on Tampa's "Daytime TV"

Tampa's hit morning show "Daytime TV" recently aired a mix of taped segments as well as in-studio interviews that showcased all that is new and exciting within the Orlando destination. Show hosts Cyndi Edwards and Jerry Penacoli visited the destination to film the segments that aired over the course of a week in 223 markets across the United States as well as in Tampa. Featured stories included Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month, "What's New" in the destination, the value of an Orlando vacation and Visit Orlando's brand new mobile app. Click here to view one of the segments.

Brazilian Media Feature Orlando's Foodie Season

As a result of a proactive Brazilian media outreach effort regarding Orlando's culinary scene, several stories have been featured on 19 Brazilian publication websites, with a combined media circulation of more than 13.5 million. With headlines such as "Orlando begins the season of food festivals and events", the articles highlight Magical Dining Month and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, as well as dining options at theme parks, hotels and other entertainment venues.

TUI UK Fam Receives Destination Update

On Tuesday, Visit Orlando hosted a dinner as part of the TUI UK SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Universal Orlando Resort familiarization tour. Thirty participants enjoyed a dining experience at Fogo de Chao (pictured) and received updates on Orlando from the team. For many, it's their first time visiting Orlando.

A First-Timer's Guide to HHN26

Visit Orlando's latest blog, "A First-Timers Guide to Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights 26", gives new Halloween Horror Night-goers insider tips on how to get the most out of the 26th annual event that began Sept. 16 and runs through Oct. 31. The blog includes info on HHN26's five scare zones, nine haunted houses and live shows (including Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure). It even offers tips on how to further enhance your frightful adventure with upgrades and add-ons, and to make those scary memories unforgettable with collectable merchandise.

CNN.com Highlights "Another Side of Orlando"

More than 99 million impressions were generated from a recent CNN.com article about "Finding Another Side of Orlando." The piece features activities outside the theme parks, from a hammock massage at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, to watching a performance at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Visit Orlando's Public Relations team assisted the writer with this story.

Orlando Message Delivered in Atlanta

Visit Orlando participated in the Delta Vacations University held in Atlanta on Sept.17-18. Team members shared Orlando information and material with more than 2,000 top-producing retail and home-based agents from the United States and Canada. Formerly known as MLT University, Delta Vacations University is one of the longest-running and most well-respected educational and tradeshow events in the country for travel agents. The Visit Orlando team also conducted sales meeting with six AAA Auto Group offices in the Atlanta area.

Pictured, from left, are: Paige Sheffield, Delta Vacations; Kristin Miller, Four Season's Resort Orlando at Walt Disney Resort; and Tricia Carvajal, Delta Vacations.

Visit Orlando Hosts Training in Argentina

On Sept. 13-14, Visit Orlando participated in a Visit USA workshop and seminar held in Argentina's Salta and Tucuman Province. As part of the events, Visit Orlando hosted a seminar in each city, training a total of 130 travel agents from this lucrative market about Orlando.

This Week at the Convention Center

SeaWorld Flamingos' Personal Pumpkin Patch

To celebrate the first day of fall, flamingos at SeaWorld Orlando were greeted with a big surprise: a bountiful pumpkin patch created just for them. Unique activities, such as putting lettuce among the pumpkins pique the flamingos' interest and offer something new for them to see and explore. Watch SeaWorld flamingos enjoy their personal pumpkin patch here.

Earls Kitchen + Bar Now Open at Millenia

Earls Kitchen + Bar opened its Orlando location at The Mall at Millenia on Wednesday. The Canadian eatery features an upscale casual concept with a lively bar program and varied international menu that is locally and sustainably sourced.

Craft Beers on Tap at Jake's Beer Fest

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando will be hosting it's Jake's Beer Festival Sept. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. The biannual celebration features more than 50 craft and specialty beers along with food and entertainment.

MCO July Passenger Traffic Soars

In July, MCO welcomed its 41 millionth passenger during the last 12 months, up 10 percent from a year ago. International passenger traffic recorded its biggest month ever, with an 11.8 percent increase, and domestic passenger traffic climbed 8 percent.

Diamond Resorts Invitational Coming to Tranquilo

PGA TOUR Champions and Diamond Resorts International announced this week the Diamond Resorts Invitational benefitting Florida Hospital for Children will be held at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort's Tranquilo Golf Club Jan. 13-15, 2017.

Orlando a Top Long-Haul Destination for Value

The latest results of the UK Post Office Travel Money survey just came out and Orlando has been named one of the top long-haul destinations in the world for value - the only city in the United States to rank in the top 10. The results have generated widespread coverage and stories have appeared in major outlets from the Mirror Online, Telegraph Online and Daily Mail Online to Business Insider and Travel Weekly.

BTS Releases June Airline Traffic Data

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics recently reported that U.S. airlines' systemwide (domestic and international) scheduled service seasonally adjusted load factor rose to 83.6 percent in June, from 83.5 in May.

Global Air Travel Continues to Grow

Air travel has soared in the past decade, despite global economic turbulence, and there's still plenty of room for growth, particularly in China and the other emerging Asian powerhouses.

How Technology Can Boost Hotel Customer Loyalty

With half of visitors claiming that they use their smartphone every time they visit a hotel it is important that hospitality venues harness this opportunity to achieve more profitable interactions with customers.

CDC Zika Information

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), its most current data available (Sept. 21, 2016) indicate that 43 locally acquired cases have been reported in the United States, while 3,358 travel-associated cases have been reported. For the most current information about the Zika virus, visit the CDC's Zika page.