Here's your weekly look at what's happening across America's most visited destination, from economic projections to fall marketing campaigns.
Economic Uncertainty Is on the Rise. How Might That Impact Tourism?
As you’re no doubt aware, this week’s troubling financial news has stoked fears that a recession could be on the horizon. From a weakening economy to inverted yield curves to stock market instability, we face growing uncertainty regarding how these and other global developments could impact tourism.
On a national scale, the U.S. Travel Association recently forecast that domestic leisure travel would continue to grow, albeit at about half its current pace. In Orlando, we’ve experienced some softness in the lodging sector in recent months, with advance booking data showing flat to moderate growth through year’s end.
As we plan for 2020 and beyond, there’s a lot of information to process. That’s why Visit Orlando’s annual Business Insights Luncheon & Economic Forum, featuring industry-leading economists Daryl Cronk (Visit Orlando) and Anirban Basu (Sage Policy Group), is such a can’t-miss event. More than 1,000 industry and community leaders are expected to attend, so sign up today and we’ll see you Aug. 22 at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
New Orlando Travel Academy: Training Agents Worldwide
When it comes to booking group vacations, especially in international markets, travel advisers play a big role driving visitation to Orlando. To better serve this segment of the industry, Visit Orlando recently launched our redesigned Orlando Travel Academy,
which features new interactive tools and resources to help travel advisers sell our destination and keep clients updated on the latest news. Agents who complete the program’s education course — available in English, Spanish and Portuguese — will receive the designation of “Certified Orlando Expert” and earn exclusive benefits at area theme parks, hotels, restaurants, shops and more.
75 Million: An Inside Look at Orlando’s Record Visitation
You’ve seen the number and the fanfare. But what’s behind the success of Orlando’s record 75 million visitors in 2018? In this month’s edition of i4 Business magazine, Daryl Cronk, our senior director of market research and insights, explores how Orlando maintains its ranking, where we’re seeing the biggest wins and the top takeaways for our economy. Read more.
Visit Orlando Launching Fall Campaign in the UK and Ireland
This month through October, Visit Orlando will be targeting our No. 1 overseas market with a campaign that runs in the UK and Ireland. Encouraging families to plan a “Uniquely Orlando” holiday full of memorable moments and new attractions, the campaign will run on national TV, digital platforms and social media.
OTHER NEWS FROM VISIT ORLANDO
» Make your reservations now! Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining® returns Aug. 23-Sept. 30 for its 14th year. Enjoy a wide variety of $35, three-course meals at 120-plus restaurants throughout our destination, with $1 from each meal being donated to charity.
» Our publicity team recently secured a five-minute editorial segment on CHCH Morning Live, a popular TV news show in Canada, Orlando's No. 1 international market. Aligning with a key booking period for Canadians, family travel expert Angie Campanelli highlighted flight accessibility and what’s new in Orlando for families with little ones.
» Our meetings and conventions team conducted a sales mission Aug. 1 in Denver, a strategic city for connecting with event planners based in the western U.S. We partnered with several member companies to build key client relationships and generate future in-house and citywide business for our destination.
