AAA: More people will travel to Orlando this summer than any spot in the world.
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FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

Orlando: The World’s Top Summer Destination

I’m thrilled to share that AAA has just ranked Orlando the No. 1 destination for summer travel in the world, placing us ahead of iconic cities such as London, Rome, Paris and Honolulu. 

With so many exciting reasons to book a trip, and your team at Visit Orlando pushing that message on a global scale, it's no wonder we consistently top the charts. But we're not content to rest on our laurels. Ongoing product investment by our industry, combined with our strong promotional efforts, will continue to reinforce our success. 

Speaking of success, it’s almost time to reveal Orlando’s official visitation number for 2018. Will it be another record year? Be the first to know by joining us May 9 at Hilton Orlando for Visit Orlando’s Celebrating Travel & Tourism Luncheon

This can't-miss event provides a wonderful opportunity to network, enjoy a great lunch and hear from several industry speakers and our own Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. So sign up today, and we'll see you there! 
George Aquel President & CEO George Aguel
President & CEO

RESEARCH & INSIGHTS

Tourism Tax Revenue, Jobs Rise in February

Collections of Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax rose 5.6% in February to nearly $25.2 million, an all-time high for the month of February. Employment in Orlando’s leisure and hospitality sector also rose in February, adding 10,000 jobs (+3.8%) compared to February 2018. The industry accounted for 20% of the overall increase in employment across the Orlando area.

UPCOMING EVENTS

May Luncheon

Visit Orlando's Celebrating 
Travel & Tourism Luncheon


This year's keynote speaker will share the importance of collaboration in the travel and tourism community and how it will make our future stronger. Network with hundreds of fellow members and be on hand when we announce our 2018 visitation number. Register here.

EVENTS CALENDAR

VISIT ORLANDO ACTIVITIES

Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month

COMMUNITY

Last Chance for Local 
Nonprofit Applications 

Do you know a local nonprofit that benefits children? Encourage them to apply for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining program. Last year, Magical Dining raised a record $251,766 for Best Buddies and the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida. Nonprofits must apply online no later than April 26. Questions can be directed to Kristin Westover at kristin.westover@visitorlando.com.
Uniquely Orlando

MARKETING

UK/Ireland Campaign to
Drive Summer Bookings

Visit Orlando recently launched its strongest spring campaign to date in the UK and Ireland. Expected to generate more than 150 million impressions, the integrated campaign, which includes national TV and digital coverage, ensures Orlando is top of mind and encourages travelers to book their “Uniquely Orlando” summer holiday.
CBI

M&C

Bringing Medical 
Meetings to Orlando

Visit Orlando and member companies traveled to New York City in late March to participate in Pharma Forum 2019, a conference addressing the most critical trends affecting the medical-meeting management industry. More than 100 appointments were conducted to help drive future business to our destination.
Yahoo News

PUBLICITY

Yahoo! UK Highlights 
Orlando for Adults

The publicity team generated coverage on Yahoo! UK following a recent "winter sun" destination orientation. The story focuses on Orlando for adults, from outdoor adventures and feeling like a kid again at the theme parks to top-notch dining and local neighborhoods. It generated 1.5 million impressions and was published ahead of a key UK booking period.
TravMedia

PUBLICITY

Showcasing Orlando at 
UK Media Marketplace

On March 25, Visit Orlando participated in TravMedia’s International Media Marketplace in London. The team conducted 24 media appointments, discussing the depth and breadth of the destination, as well as what’s new in Orlando. Top outlets included ITV Daytime, Woman’s Weekly, The Sun, TTG and the Irish Times.
GMID

RESEARCH & INSIGHTS

Meeting Professionals
Hear Tourism Update

Daryl Cronk, Visit Orlando’s director of market research and insights, spoke to more than 85 meeting professionals April 4 during MPI’s annual Global Meetings Industry Day at the Guidewell Innovation Center in Lake Nona. Cronk provided an overview of Orlando's tourism industry and outlook, as well as key trends impacting travel.

SPECIAL EVENT

TSA Pre-check
Visit Orlando to Host
TSA Pre-Check Event


Visitors and residents can sign up for TSA Pre-Check during a special enrollment event at Visit Orlando’s Official Visitor Center April 16-19. The expedited screening program aims to reduce time and stress for travelers at U.S. airports. Learn more.

IN THE NEWS

I-Drive Attraction Rebranded ICON Park

Entertainment complex also welcomes two new restaurants and a food hall. Read More

Swan and Dolphin Team Up with U.S. Army

Partnership provides job interviews, possible employment opportunities following military service. Read More

AquaCourse Debuts at JW Marriott, Grande Lakes

Water obstacle course billed as “first of its kind at any U.S. resort.” Read More

Alfond Inn Expansion to Debut in Early 2021

Plans include guest rooms, meeting space, wellness center, pool and parking garage. Read More

AT THE CONVENTION CENTER

These upcoming events at the Orange County Convention Center will generate a combined economic impact of more than $46 million.

April 13-14

Europa Games Supplement, Nutrition, & Apparel Expo
Estimated Attendance: 15,000

April 22-27

World Ballet Competition
Estimated Attendance: 2,500

April 27

All Out Season Showdown 
Estimated Attendance: 6,000

DID YOU KNOW?

OIA

Seventy percent of passengers at Orlando international Airport are visitors. Also, according to a new study by the Florida Department of Transportation, the airport generates more than $41 billion of direct and indirect economic activity annually for Central Florida, supporting more than 343,000 jobs. Read More

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