To view past issues of Tourism Matters, click here.
Tourism Matters - Visit Orlando

February 25, 2022

We've formed a Content Creator network of local creators who offer their own unique styles and points of view

Hello,

At Visit Orlando, we’re constantly coming up with creative ways to showcase our destination — and social media provides the perfect platform for influencer partnerships that keep our content fresh, authentic and engaging. New for this year, we've formed a Content Creator network of local voices who offer their own unique styles and points of view. 
 
Spotlighting two big attractions in the I-Drive corridor, we recently teamed up with couple Sam and Jose to film a video at Dezerland Park Orlando, then partnered with Michelle Torres on an Instagram Takeover from Fun Spot. 
 
To celebrate Black History Month, Katrina Dandridge helped us produce Instagram Stories and blog posts exploring Hannibal Square Heritage Center and the Wells'Built Museum
 
And our new Instagram Guides, which integrate beautiful user-generated content with our own insider tips, are providing visitors and local alike a way to learn more about everything from area art sculptures to romantic restaurants.  
 
Of course, these examples only scratch the surface of everything we’re up to on social media. Stay in the know by following us on all our channels: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest and LinkedIn.  

Get Excited for IPW, arriving in Orlando June 4-8


Getting Excited for IPW 

In just four months, we will welcome U.S. Travel’s IPW Orlando, a global gathering that attracts thousands of travel buyers and media. Arrangements are well underway for the travel event of the year, and we plan to make it the best showcase of our destination ever.

If you’ve never attended IPW, check out this video to get a feel for what it’s like, and consider getting involved yourself, whether as an exhibitor or a volunteer to welcome our guests! Be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks. 

Highest Weekend Hotel Occupancy in Over 2 Years 

For the week ending Feb.19, Metro Orlando hotel occupancy was 69.4%, down only slightly from the previous week’s (70.9%). Average daily rate rose $1.85 to $159.29, the highest ADR for the year so far. Friday-Saturday’s occupancy was a staggering 93%, the highest weekend occupancy in over two years. 

Publicity Hits Stoke Interest in Spring Break, Summer Trips


Publicity Hits Stoke Interest in Spring Break, Summer Trips 

It’s shaping up to be a busy spring break for Orlando. Helping drive that demand, we recently secured coverage in the Tribune News network, with content focusing on SeaWorld’s new Ice Breaker coaster, LEGOLAND’s Peppa Pig Theme Park, Kennedy Space Center and Visit Orlando’s new complimentary planning services. The article was picked up in more than 20 outlets across the country, including MSN
 
We’ve also landed some strong international coverage too, with stories in top newspapers like The Sun (UK), Mail Online (UK) and The Sun (Ireland) perfectly timed for summer vacation planning.  

Casandra Matej and staff at events around the destination


Around the Destination 

BBQ on the Boulevard: Orlando’s top business leaders and elected officials came together Wednesday evening for networking and great food at Orlando Economic Partnership’s BBQ on the Boulevard. Thanks to OEP for such a fun event and the opportunity to connect within our community. 
 
Drawn to Life: I also had the opportunity to experience Disney’s Drawn to Life Cirque Du Soleil show this week with my daughter. It was a wonderfully inspiring show with a reminder that great things start with an idea in your imagination. I sat between an adult woman and my daughter, each responding with smiles, laughter and clapping throughout the show. All to say, it is truly for audiences of all ages. If you haven’t already experienced it, go to cirquedusoleil.com
 
DE&I: Several of our diversity committee members enjoyed a visit to Bronze Kingdom this week, in honor of Black History Month. One of the most unique and interesting museums in Orlando, it has over 2,000 pieces representing an important spectrum of African bronze, beaded and wood sculptures from all over the continent. Our staff were very grateful for the educational and cultural experience!  

 

Orlando transportation


Orange County Survey on Transportation Infrastructure  

Because the pandemic placed many transportation development efforts on hold, Mayor Jerry Demings is now re-engaging residents by launching an online survey to make sure Orange County’s transportation priorities in 2022 still align with initial survey results. 

Healthy transportation infrastructure benefits residents and visitors alike, and this important initiative is your opportunity to provide feedback. The survey is open through March 31. Learn more

Across the Industry

GOAA: South Terminal C nearing completion

Thrillist: 10 reasons to drive to Orlando, Florida

My Spike Travel: Water park coming in March to Orlando World Center Marriott

Orlando Sentinel: The Strand is Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards’ Restaurant of the Year

Smart Meetings: Matej Among 2022 Smart Women Visionary Award Winners

The Frugalista Life: New experiences coming soon in 2022

Orlando Weekly: Orlando chefs, bakers, restaurateurs are James Beard Award semifinalists

Orlando Sentinel: Orlando to Europe budget flights coming from new airline PLAY

CNN Travel: What it's like aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Disney World

Casandra Matej
In your service,
Casandra Matej
Casandra Matej | President & CEO
Visit Orlando
Tourism Matters ®
Connect with Visit Orlando
The Official Tourism Association® of the No. 1 destination in the U.S.
Facebook  
Twitter  
Instagram  
YouTube  
Pinterest  
Linkedin  
     
©2022 Visit Orlando | All Rights Reserved.