March 2, 2017

Orlando Wins Top Honors

I am thrilled to share the news of recent awards that are quite notable for our destination. U.S. News and World Report - again - ranked Orlando as the no. 1 "Best Family Spring Break Destination" last week. Citing our thrilling theme parks, endless attractions, abundance of suite-style accommodations and uniquely-styled resorts, the prestigious magazine noted that we are the favorite spot for families. The report also recognized our warm winter climate, numerous golf options and thriving downtown area, giving a full look at all our destination has to offer for every age and interest.

On the convention side, Orlando received even more accolades. I am proud that the Visit Orlando team was named the best convention and visitor's bureau with the highly coveted Successful Meetings Pinnacle Award - for the 22nd time.  And our incredible destination was recognized with the Incentive Platinum Partner Award, honoring Orlando as an outstanding supplier and one of the best travel destinations.

These significant achievements, bestowed on our destination year after year, are a testament to our tourism community's commitment to providing unique experiences, exceptional service and unmatched hospitality. As Orlando looks ahead to the busy spring travel season, we applaud our members and travel partners whose efforts continue to be recognized on both the leisure and convention fronts!

-George Aguel

Consumer Confidence Rose in February, Remains at 15-Year High

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index reached 114.8 in February, up from 111.6 in January. The Present Situation Index, reflecting consumer views of the current state of the economy, rose from 130.0 to 133.4. Consumers' views on the future, reflected in The Expectations Index, increased from 99.3 last month to 102.4. The improvement in consumers' views of the economy, particularly their view of the outlook for the economy, is an encouraging sign for consumer spending as we enter the planning and booking windows for the spring and summer travel seasons.

Travel Pulse Interviews George Aguel

Travel Pulse features an Agent@Home interview with Visit Orlando President and CEO George Aguel. In the interview, Aguel provides specifics on the destination's expanding attractions and appeal.

Orlando Takes Center Court

Visit Orlando has partnered with the popular BNP Paribas Tennis Showdown event at Madison Square Garden occurring this Monday featuring Venus Williams, Garbine Muguruza, Andy Roddick and many more athletes. An in-stadium engagement promotion will target 20,000 fans attending this sell-out event, featuring extensive event signage. This will include court-side LED signage and Jumbotron display, as well as being telecast on ESPN.

The Destination for Brazilians During Carnival

As a result of recent Visit Orlando Brazilian media outreach, several online media outlets with an estimated circulation of more than 17 million featured a variety of articles on spending Brazil's Carnival holiday week in Orlando. The articles - published by R7, Vírgula and Folha do Estado , to name a few - feature WonderWorks, Ripley's Believe it or Not!, Wallaby Ranch, Winter Park, Orlando Magic games and tips on saving time through theme park VIP tours. Dining experiences highlighted include STK Orlando, Morimoto Asia and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.

More Media Exposure for Upcoming U.K. Roadshow

The Visit Orlando Public Relations Team generated a story in Travel Bulletin, a U.K. trade outlet, and TravelBiz.ie, an Irish trade outlet, about the upcoming Orlando Roadshow following proactive media pitching. The Roadshow, a Visit Orlando-led initiative in partnership with Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Universal Orlando Resort, will take place in 10 cities across the United Kingdom, kicking off on March 6 in Manchester and concluding in Dublin on March 30.

Social Media Star Shares Orlando Across Channels

Visit Orlando's Publicity Team hosted a press trip Jan. 29-Feb. 1 for YouTube star and influencer Tyler Shelton that has resulted 680,400 potential impressions. Tyler explored Orlando's theme parks, dining and unexpected experiences, sharing with his social media followers across multiple channels and posts.

Blogs Promote Spring Break Fun, Mardi Gras

Visit Orlando's recent blog "10 Things to Do for Spring Break 2017 in Orlando" lists activities to do while visiting one of the most popular spring break destinations, ranging from the newest attractions to entertaining-themed restaurants, as well as a few hotel deals. "Have a Ball at Universal's Mardi Gras" offers tips on how to get the most out of Universal Studios Florida's Mardi Gras event taking place through March 25.

ANATO Workshop Events Held in Colombia

Visit Orlando's Travel Industry Sales Team participated in the ANATO Mayoristas (Association of Colombian travel agents and wholesalers) Workshops Feb. 23-25 in Medellin and Cali, Colombia. Visit Orlando sponsored an educational seminar breakfast during each city event as part of the official program. Approximately 480 travel agents were trained on the new attractions for 2017, what´s new, shopping, sports activities and much more.

Visit Orlando Attends ConferenceDirect's CDX

Ken Barnett, Intermediary Accounts Director with Visit Orlando, attended ConferenceDirect's CDX meeting last week in Las Vegas. The bi-annual meeting rotates around the country and is comprised of the company's founders and executive teams, ConferenceDirect top associates, their top clients and a small group of suppliers. The three-day meeting highlights the company's success, educational sessions and networking events. Orlando was recognized again as the number one booked destination for the company in 2016.

This Week at the Convention Center

Dr. Phillips Center Gets OK to Build Phase 2

The Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center got approval from Orlando's city council on Feb. 27 to begin work on the $227.5 million second phase that includes the 1,700-seat Steinmetz Hall acoustical theater and more backstage space.

MCO Unveils New Retail Offering

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and Westfield have partnered to redevelop nearly 10,000 square feet of space that includes luxury and specialty retail, plus a more than 2,000-square-foot old-fashioned arcade.

Orlando Pride Announces 2017 Schedule

Orlando Pride unveils its second NWSL schedule, which features 12 home matches at the Club's new Orlando City Stadium in downtown Orlando.

Fireworks Display Part of Celebration at the Top

Celebration at the Top, a new dining event at California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort, can be perfectly summed up in three words: savor, sip, sparkle. Guests can check in at California Grill an hour before fireworks. The event runs through April 16.

Meetings Today Features Harris Rosen

Meetings Today's February 2017 cover story features Orlando's hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen, president and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts. In the article, Rosen shares his success story.

Universal Announces 2017 HHN Dates

Universal Orlando has announced the dates for the 2017 edition of Halloween Horror Nights as Sept. 15-Nov. 4. Tickets are now on sale.

Culinary Travel Important to Millennials

According to Destination Analysts' quarterly report The State of the American Traveler, 50.7 percent of millennials won't visit a destination that lacks good restaurants, and 62 percent said that unique, special or interesting culinary travel experiences are "very important" to them.

United to Expand Orlando-Denver Service

In an effort to increase customer choice in key business and leisure markets, beginning this summer, United will add additional daily flights in 15 existing markets, including 4x daily service between Denver (DEN) and Orlando (MCO).

Tourists to U.S. Set New Spending Record

International visitors to the United States spent more in 2016 than they did in 2015, despite the strength of the U.S. dollar against many foreign currencies and a slowing of international visitors. The $247.1 billion international travelers spent in the U.S. last year is a 0.4 percent increase from 2015.

CDC Zika Information

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), its most current data available at the time of this writing (for the period of Jan. 1, 2015-March 1, 2017) indicate that 221 locally acquired cases have been reported in the United States, while 4,779 travel-associated cases have been reported. For the most current information about the Zika virus, visit the CDC's Zika page.