In partnership with two of the biggest brands in travel and commerce, we’ve created a fully immersive audio tourism experience that utilizes Amazon’s Alexa voice technology and Tripadvisor’s community-powered content.
In addition to helpful reviews from fellow travelers, users will discover hidden gems such as ecotourism attractions, unique neighborhoods, celebrity-chef dining, local arts and culture, and more.
At Visit Orlando, we’re constantly seeking new ways to inspire travel — and as demand revs up to pre-pandemic levels, now is the perfect time to connect with potential visitors on the platforms they use most.
We’re proud that this innovative approach will help us showcase the “unexpected” side of our destination, while at the same time generating economic impact that benefits our entire community.
Join Us for a Magical Celebration
Visit Orlando’s Year-End Celebration Luncheon is fast approaching! Don’t forget to register and secure your spot at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, where we’ll be joining in on Disney World’s 50th anniversary with a magical mix of festive fun, inspiration and industry insights.
Behind the Scenes at IMEX
If you’ve ever wondered how our convention sales team attracts so many high-quality events to Orlando, wonder no more! Above is a highlight reel of our activities at IMEX, the nation’s largest meetings industry tradeshow, where we networked with hundreds of key decision-makers to secure future business for our destination.
Year to date, Visit Orlando has booked 29 citywide and 231 in-house events for 2022 and beyond that, combined, will generate over 930,000 room nights and 750,000 attendees.
Long-Term Lodging Forecast
STR has released new data on the Metro Orlando hotel industry, but the big picture outlook remains largely unchanged:
Demand is forecast to reach 92% of 2019 levels in 2022 and 99% in 2023, in line with our previous predictions.
Hotel revenue, an indicator for Tourist Development Tax, is projected to reach 91% of 2019 levels in 2022 and 101% in 2023.
Occupancy is forecast to rise from 42% in 2020 to 57% this year and 67% in 2022. The 2019 average occupancy rate was 76%.
Around the Destination
What a positive week! First, our convention sales team welcomed the American Public Transportation Association, after helping the group relocate its 2021 TRANSform Conference & Expo to Orlando. Then we attended Meeting Movers’ Toys for Tots event at Topgolf, a great cause we are thrilled to support. We joined the IAAPA board of directors at Give Kids the World Village, enjoying the beautiful holiday lights display. Finally, it was a pleasure to welcome the GBTA Convention to Orlando and connect with colleagues and exhibitors from the global business travel industry.
FusionFest Returns Downtown Nov. 27-28
The people and cultures that flourish here make our destination amazing — and both will be on full display Nov. 27-28 when FusionFest returns to downtown Orlando. This free festival uplifts our diverse community through music, dance, food, visual arts, spoken word, games and interactive activities. Guests can enjoy over 1,000 local artists performing on stage, as well as gallery and interactive installations. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the fusion of cultures that make up our beautiful community!
Mayor Demings Launches 11th Annual Toy Drive
I’m so pleased to share that Mayor Jerry Demings has brought back the Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive. Now in its 11th year, it has collected over 56,000 toys that directly benefit local youth. Last year alone, the drive collected a record-breaking 11,000 toys and served over 500 families. As this year has continued to offer challenges for many families, it’s important to help those in need have a wonderful holiday season.
Donations can be made online through Dec. 6, or toys can be dropped off in person at 21 Orange County collection sites through Dec. 13. Visit Ocfl.net/ToyDrive to learn more.
Congratulations to Universal’s Tom Williams on a Fantastic Career
We offer our congratulations to Universal Parks and Resorts Chair and CEO Tom Williams, who this week announced his retirement in 2022.
After nearly 22 years leading Universal’s parks division, and over 50 years with the company, Tom is an icon in our industry and community. His leadership at Universal has greatly contributed to Orlando’s success over the years, from launching the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to planting the seeds for future additions, including Universal’s Epic Universe theme park.
Vice Chair Mark Woodbury will step into Tom’s role Jan. 1. Read more.
Hotel Metrics
For the week ending November 6, Metro Orlando hotel occupancy was up more than 10 percentage points from the previous week and was the highest seen since July. ADR also rose $4.48 to the second highest level since the start of the pandemic at $134.63.
