Jan. 13, 2017

Excitement Builds for 2017

For the first time in Orlando, the International Builders' Show and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show co-located at the Orange County Convention Center for one of the largest conventions ever hosted in our destination. This week the destination welcomed 80,000 attendees and generated an economic impact for our community of nearly $158 million.
 
The scope of this event highlights the readiness of Orlando to host large-scale meeting events where groups can gather together and conduct important business while experiencing all of the excitement and attractions the destination is known for. Also evident was the flexibility and adaptability of the OCCC space which was configured to meet the unique design needs of this event - even utilizing the parking area to build several homes which will be donated to local charities.
 
Following a record year for convention and trade show attendance, January marks the start of what is sure to be a very busy season. After Design Week, the Center will welcome back the PGA Merchandise Show and the SURF Expo - together, these meetings will bring 70,000 attendees. And that's just the beginning. In this month alone there are an additional six shows scheduled for the Center and the convention calendar remains full.
 
Orlando ranks as the top meetings and conventions destination in the nation, and 2017 continues to give us much to look forward to. With convenient air service, world-class resorts and a gold standard of hospitality, it's clear to see why Orlando remains the top choice for meeting and event organizers.

-George Aguel

Strong Growth Continues at OIA

Total passenger traffic at Orlando International Airport was up 5.6 percent in November, representing the 32nd consecutive month of year-over-year growth. Through 11 months of 2016 passenger traffic was up 8.4 percent to more than 38.2 million passengers, putting the airport on track to exceed 40 million passengers in 2016 and easily surpass 2015's record of 38.8 million passengers. Domestic passenger traffic was up 8 percent through November to 33.1 million and international passenger traffic was up 11 percent to 5.1 million.

Vogue Mexico Spotlights Culturally Rich Venues

As the result of a press trip hosted by Visit Orlando, Vogue Mexico (circ. 304,249) featured an article, entitled "Placer a La Vista," highlighting Orlando's high-end attractions and culturally rich venues, including attending a performance at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and visiting the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum. The article also praised the Mills 50 and College Park neighborhoods for their unique culinary venues, boutiques and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. Other unique districts and culinary venues mentioned also include Audubon's Park East End Market, Winter Park's Prato and The Wine Room, NOVA Restaurant in Ivanhoe Village and The Rusty Spoon in the Church Street Marketplace.

A Must-Visit Destination in 2017

Visit Orlando's promotion of what's new in Orlando has resulted in WestJet Magazine (659,000 impressions) featuring Orlando in a story appearing in both print and online about "Where to Go in 2017," highlighting the major new openings at the theme parks.

Canada Outlet Covers Multi-Generational Orlando

The Visit Orlando Public Relations Team generated coverage in Forever Young Magazine (750,074 impressions) following a press trip promoting multi-generational travel to Orlando. Titled "Becoming the World's Best Grandma," the story ran in both print and online.

Travel + Leisure Highlights What's New

More than 11 million impressions were generated from an article published on Travel + Leisure online, resulting from the Visit Orlando Public Relations Team working with the writer. The article highlights what's new at Orlando theme parks and was also shared on the outlet's social media channels.

PR Team Participates in Florida Huddle

Visit Orlando's Public Relations Team met with 12 media representing outlets from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Brazil during the Florida Huddle Media Marketplace Jan. 10. The Team focused on what's new for 2017, including new attractions at the theme parks and Orlando's up-and-coming sports scene. Florida Huddle is Florida's foremost travel trade event, welcoming travel suppliers from across the state to meet directly with hundreds of domestic and international buyers and media.

Orlando Arts Magazine Features Bach & Zora! Fests

The January/February 2017 issue of Orlando Arts Magazine, the official publication of United Arts of Central Florida, includes feature coverage of the upcoming 82nd Annual Bach Festival and 26th Annual Zora! Festival. The issue also previews new exhibitions at Orlando Museum of Art and Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College, as well as a host of cultural events taking place in Central Florida this month and next.

Visit Orlando produces and publishes the magazine as part of a community partnership with United Arts. With a monthly distribution of 19,000, Orlando Arts currently enjoys a pass-on rate to 75,000, with 54 distribution partnerships. To subscribe or to become a distribution partner, call Visit Orlando at 407-354-5552 or contact United Arts of Central Florida. To find out more on advertising opportunities, call 407-363-5826.

Orlando Delegation Hosts Events at PCMA

Visit Orlando, in partnership with the Orange County Convention Center and participating members, hosted more than 200 top association and corporate meeting professionals at an educational luncheon and private event held during this week's annual PCMA Convening Leaders in Austin, Texas.

Pictured: Visit Orlando PCMA Convening Leaders delegation included representatives from the Orange County Convention Center, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, Caribe Royale Orlando, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, CSI Florida, Hyatt Regency Orlando and Hard Rock Hotel Orlando.

Travel Industry Team Heads to ABA

Visit Orlando's Travel Industry Sales Team heads to the American Bus Association's Annual Meeting & Marketplace in Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 14-16 to conduct tour operator appointments. ABA's Annual Meeting & Marketplace is the first conference of the year for the travel and tourism community - the industry's premier business event. More than 3,500 tour operators, suppliers and exhibitors come together to kick off a new year of business opportunity and growth. With more than 140,000 pre-scheduled appointments and 800 pre-qualified operators, ABA's Annual Meeting & Marketplace offers a year's worth of sales meetings in one week.

ConferenceDirect FAM Kicks Off New Year

Visit Orlando kicked off the New Year last week with the first familiarization tour of the season. Team leaders Bob Dees and Kristin House from ConferenceDirect brought in their associates for three days of hotel and theme park site inspections, team building events and educational sessions.

Pictured: Visit Orlando with ConferenceDirect associates at the Waldorf Astoria^® Golf Club.

This Week at the Convention Center

Volunteers Needed for 2017 NFL Pro Bowl Week

Orlando is pleased to host the 2017 NFL Pro Bowl this month. If you want to be a part of the action, the NFL is looking for volunteers to help with Pro Bowl Week activities at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports January 24-28. Register here.

Orlando Top Domestic Destination in 2017

A Travel Pulse article, "Where Will Americans Vacation in 2017?", sites AAA data showing that nearly one-third of American adults say they are more likely to take a vacation this year than compared to 2016. Orlando ranked first for domestic destinations.

United Arts Presents Free Arts for All Day

United Arts of Central Florida will host its Arts for ALL Day, a family-friendly, free or reduced-rate event to experience arts and culture on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Orlando's Loch Haven Cultural Park. Admission is free with registration.

Orlando a Best City for Winter Travel

Travel + Leisure readers named Orlando among the top 10 of America's Best Cities for Winter Travel, citing reasons such as shorter lines at theme parks during winter break (except for peak times of Christmas and New Year's) and its variety of hotel options.

USTA Ushers in New Era for American Tennis

Visit Orlando's blog highlights the recent opening of USTA National Campus in Lake Nona and its offerings, and includes a video featuring the first official serve and more from the opening event.

Allegiant Adds Non-Stop Service

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Allegiant announce scheduled, nonstop, low-fare service to Louisville International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky beginning May 24 and will initially operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Latest TTI: Travel in U.S. Grew in November

Overall travel volume (person trips to or within the United States involving a hotel stay or air travel) grew at a faster year-over-year rate in November 2016 than in October, according to the US. Travel Association's November Travel Trends Index (TTI).

Travel Adds Jobs in December

Marking its ninth increase in the past 12 months, the travel industry added 4,900 jobs in December, according to the U.S. Travel Association's analysis of the latest Labor Department Employment report. Job gains were seen mainly in the food/beverage services and lodging segments.

Stronger Demand for Global Air Travel

The International Air Transport Association announced global passenger traffic results for November 2016 showing the strongest demand growth in nine months, with an 8 percent increase in international passenger demand compared to the year earlier.

CDC Zika Information

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), its most current data available at the time of this publishing (Jan. 11, 2017) indicate that 216 locally acquired cases have been reported in the United States, while 4,649 travel-associated cases have been reported. For the most current information about the Zika virus, visit the CDC's Zika page.