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Featured Event
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Our first signature luncheon of 2018 will feature an insightful conversation between Jonathan Tisch, chairman & CEO of Loews Hotels, and Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.
Click here to register.
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Join the Conversation
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Visit Orlando Events
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June 7
Member Orientation
Recommended for both new members and longtime Visit Orlando members to learn:
• How Visit Orlando markets the area as a convention, meetings and visitor destination.
• The benefits of membership.
• How to take advantage of the value-added services available exclusively to members.
Click here to register.
Member Presents
Members interested in targeting the meetings and convention market can present their products or services during monthly, 30-minute sessions with Destination Services. Click here to schedule a session.
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| Member-to-Member Offers |
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Book your next vacation rental at Balmoral Resort and save 20 percent through May 31. Contemporary homes with private pools and spacious townhomes, just steps from the clubhouse. Click here or call 866-5-VILLAS.
Orlando City Soccer Club is extending a special offer to Visit Orlando members to all matches for the 2018 season. Click here to purchase tickets (link does not work in Internet Explorer). Use promo code VO.
Orlando Watersports Complex is offering half-price riding every Wednesday from 2 p.m. to close. For redemption, mention offer code VOM2M.
The Escape Game Orlando is offering 10 percent off all games for Visit Orlando members. Book online by using offer code VisitORL_member10.
Crystal River Watersports is offering a special $50 manatee swim tour for Visit Orlando members and their immediate family. Use offer code VO-MEM.
Visit Orlando members receive $5 off at Breakout Escape Rooms. Book your game by calling 407-778-4562 and mention promo code VISITORL5.
Do you have an offer you would like to see posted? Submit an offer to Visit Orlando Member Relations here.
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Industry Events
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| Community Events
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| Connect With Visit Orlando |
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Follow us for stories on Orlando!
Download the free Visit Orlando App for your personalized Orlando experience. The best way to navigate Orlando.
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| President & CEO's Message |
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May 4, 2018
Leading Insights, Industry Networking at
Celebrating Travel & Tourism Luncheon
More than 1,000 tourism and community leaders will be in attendance May 10 during Visit Orlando's Celebrating Travel & Tourism Luncheon at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort -- and I want to make sure you'll be there, too.
Sign up today, if you haven't already, because time is running out. This event is the perfect opportunity to network, enjoy a great lunch and hear from some of the industry's most prominent figures.
Martin Stoll, founder and CEO of Sparkloft Media, kicks off our general session by addressing the big changes coming to social media. Learn how to adapt to ensure your content continues to reach the right audiences, and get some surprisingly simple tactics that can significantly boost your social media ROI.
Our special keynote address will feature an enlightening conversation between Jonathan Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels & Resorts and co-chair of Loews Corp., and Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. Hear firsthand Jonathan's perspectives on his own experiences in a constantly changing world that's impacting all sectors of our tourism economy.
For the icing on the cake, we'll announce the official visitation number for Orlando in 2017. Will it be another record-breaking year for our destination? I invite you to be the first to know!Finally, as you'll read below, this edition of Tourism Matters has some excellent news to report on collections of Orange County's tourist development tax (TDT). Month after month, our region's leading industry keeps turning in strong performances across the board -- and that's particularly evident when looking at TDT revenue growth. It's just another testament to how our destination's ongoing investments and commitment to market what makes us special, continues to pay off in a big way for our community. -- George Aguel
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| From the Research & Insights Desk of Visit Orlando |
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March TDT Collections Break $30M Threshold
Collections of Orange County's tourist development tax (TDT) set an all-time monthly high in March, reflecting a busy spring break season for area hotels and attractions. The tax, which is charged on short-term rentals such as hotels and motels, generated $30.8 million. That represents an 11.9 percent increase over March 2017 and an 11.8 percent increase year to date. In 2017, Orange County collected a record $260 million in TDT.
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Leisure and Hospitality Employment Up 4.8%
Employment in Orlando's leisure and hospitality industry grew 4.8 percent from March 2017 to March 2018, representing an additional 12,300 jobs for Central Florida. The industry accounted for 29 percent of total private sector job growth and one out of three (34 percent) additional jobs in the overall service sector. Orlando's leisure and hospitality industry has now recorded 97 consecutive months of growth versus the same month prior year. Growth in leisure and hospitality turned positive in March 2010, four months sooner than growth in total private employment began.
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| Visit Orlando Updates |
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Brazil Campaign Wins
Silver Adrian Award
Visit Orlando received a Silver Adrian Award in New York City for its 2017 Brazil campaign that focused on everything Orlando has to offer including shopping, dining and entertainment. The Adrian Awards are presented by Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, a group that represents all segments of hospitality, travel and tourism.
Welcoming I-Drive District
Engagement Officers
The community relations team met with the newly designated I-Drive district engagement officers last week to share Visit Orlando's role in marketing the destination and how we work with local law enforcement to ensure visitor safety. Complementing the Tourist Oriented Policing Sector (TOPS) initiative, this is a new partnership funded by the I-Drive Improvement District. Officers will be assigned to the I-Drive area and serve as a liaison between visitors, residents and businesses.
16K Attend McDonald's
Convention in Orlando
McDonald's Corporation welcomed 16,000 franchisees and exhibitors from 100 countries to its 2018 Worldwide Convention at the Orange County Convention Center last month. OCCC Interim Director Jessie Allen, McDonald's Director of Meetings and Events Christa Woss and Senior Director of Creative & Event Solutions Joseph Youssef joined Visit Orlando President & CEO George Aguel at a pre-conference event. McDonald's Corporation holds its convention in Orlando every other year.
Academy of Pediatrics
to Bring 16K Attendees
Visit Orlando hosted the meeting planning team from American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) during a site visit to the destination this week. The AAP Experience National Conference & Exhibition 2018 will be held here in November, with an expected attendance of 16,000.
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Goudy to Be Honored
at CEO of Year Awards
Congratulations to Visit Orlando board member Roger Goudy, president & CEO of the Amateur Athletic Union, for being selected by the Orlando Business Journal as a CEO of the Year. The awards recognize company executives who have had significant career achievements over the past year, as well as a strong record of innovation, outstanding performance and active community involvement.
Orlando Featured in
Canadian Geographic
Visit Orlando's public relations team secured coverage in Canadian Geographic's spring/summer issue. The two-page article showcases two ways to experience Orlando -- traveling solo and with little ones -- and highlights dining experiences, new attractions, unique accommodations and outdoor adventures throughout the destination.
Members Receive
Cvent Certification
The convention sales team conducted a Cvent Supplier Network training and certification for members this week. The online training sessions, which connect meeting planners with hotels and venues, provide insight and tools that will help increase conversions for Orlando hotels.
Visit Orlando's Top 10
STEM Attractions for Kids
School is letting out for summer, but Orlando gives kids countless fun ways to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) all year long. Visit Orlando's social team compiled a Top 10 list from theme parks and attractions around the area where children can learn about the sciences while having a blast. Visit our blog to learn more.
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| News About Orlando |
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At the Center
| Group |
Meeting |
Start |
End |
Estimated Attendees |
Estimated Economic Impact |
| PLASTICS Industry Association |
NPE2018 |
May 7 |
May 11 |
65,000 |
$123,500,000 |
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Orlando Ranks No. 1
for Summer Travel
Millions of Americans are counting down the days until their summer vacations, with most U.S. travelers planning trips to warm-weather destinations. Orlando has retained its top spot as the most visited domestic travel destination according to AAA.
I-Drive Helicopter
Attraction Set to Open
AMP Group's Orlando Crossings shopping mall will open its new helicopter tour attraction this month, providing tourists a sky-high view of the region for the summer peak season.
Fast & Furious Ride
Now Open at Universal
Universal Orlando Resort's new attraction, Fast & Furious - Supercharged, is now open. Guests can step into the blockbuster franchise and straight into the heart of the Fast & Furious films right alongside the crew, including Dom, Letty, Hobbs, Tej, Roman and Mia.
Don Emery Joins
Bay Hill Club & Lodge
Don Emery has been named president and general manager of the Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Emery was previously at The Riviera Country Club and Tennis Club in California, where he was general manager for six years. Prior to that, he was general manager at Interlachen Country Club in Winter Park.
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OIA Nation's No. 11
Busiest Airport
Orlando International now ranks as the nation's 11th-busiest airport, moving from its long-held No. 13 spot. According to the airport and the trade group Airports Council International, Orlando's MCO also is the busiest in Florida, and has moved to No. 39 in the world.
onePULSE Foundation
Kiosk at Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's Orlando will be the temporary home of an interactive digital kiosk in support of the onePULSE Foundation's "We Will Not Let Hate Win" campaign. Now through May 18, guests will be encouraged to take a moment to honor the 49 lives that were taken, the 68 injured victims, affected survivors, first responders and healthcare professionals who cared for the victims.
Free Dining Returns
to Walt Disney World
Disney recently announced the return of its much-anticipated Free Disney Dining plans. The offer includes two free meals and two free snacks per person per day. This year, Disney has introduced new beverage options with each dining package for guests 21 and over, including a non-alcoholic specialty beverage or beer, wine and cocktails.
Sesame Street Land
to Open Spring '19
SeaWorld Orlando announced that Sesame Street land will open Spring 2019. For the first time at SeaWorld Orlando, the park will have a daily parade that features Elmo and other characters. The land will also have a wet and dry play area and recreated locations from the television show, including Mr. Hooper's store, Big Bird's nest and 123 stoop.
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| Industry News |
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ADR and Occupancy:
Year-over-Year Gains
The U.S. hotel industry saw year-over-year gains in both average daily rate and occupancy during March, according to STR. ADR grew 3 percent to $131.56, the largest year-over-year increase in a single month since January 2017. Occupancy rose 0.9 percent to 68.5 percent.
U.S. Travel Agencies
Increase Airline Sales
The dollar value of airline tickets sold by U.S.-based travel agencies for international and domestic flights rose 2.7 percent year-over-year in March to $9.1 billion, according to Airlines Reporting Corp. A 7.1 percent increase in international passenger trips accounted for the increase.
Marriott to Buy
ILG for $4.7B
Orlando-based Marriott Vacations Worldwide will buy ILG for $4.7 billion in stock and cash. ILG has 40 properties and more than 250,000 owners with Vistana Signature Experiences and Hyatt Vacation Ownership portfolios.
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Q2: Hoteliers Seeing
Positive Results
According to TravelClick, hotel bookings are up 2.7 percent and average daily rate is up 2.5 percent during the second quarter. Group travel is playing a key role, as group bookings are up 7.5 percent from this same time last year and group ADR is up 3.8 percent.
Airbnb Initiative
Combats Overtourism
Airbnb has opened the Office of Healthy Tourism in order to drive more economic growth through local and sustainable tourism. The initiative is designed to promote lesser-trafficked global destinations whose economies stand to benefit the most from tourism dollars.
Marriott Combining
Loyalty Programs
Marriott will formally unite all three of its hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest. The new loyalty brand that will replace the three systems is scheduled to debut early next year.
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