How many days does it take to experience our entire destination? We have the answer.
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Visit Orlando

December 6, 2019

Hello,

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of hosting over 1,000 industry and community leaders at Visit Orlando’s Annual Meeting & Luncheon. Here are a few of the many highlights we shared with attendees:

Magical Dining check

Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Raises Record $306,772 for Charity

Thanks to overwhelming support from 125 local restaurants who donated $1 from each meal to charity Aug. 23-Oct. 7, Visit Orlando's Magical Dining raised a record $306,772 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Orlando and Lighthouse Central Florida. NAMI, a grassroots support network, will be able to expand its Ending the Silence program, which helps raise awareness and change perceptions among teenagers about mental health and suicide prevention. Lighthouse, which helps individuals with vision loss, will use the funds to expand its early intervention programs for young children so they can adapt, integrate and enjoy active, productive lives.

121 Days

Want to Experience ALL of Orlando? Set Aside At Least 121 Days.

This fall, three Visit Orlando team members embarked on the ultimate Orlando vacation experience, setting out to determine just how long it takes to do everything our destination has to offer. Throughout their journey, they snapped photos and recorded videos, sharing their adventures on Visit Orlando's Instagram and YouTube channels. From theme parks, water parks, thrill rides, outdoor adventures, golf, shopping, art museums and more, it takes over 121 days to experience ALL of Orlando. This fun exercise was a real testament to our destination’s growth, and we’re excited about all the new experiences we’ll be adding in the years to come.

Orlando Matters

Promoting Tourism on FOX 35's Orlando Matters

On Saturday, I appeared on FOX 35’s “Orlando Matters” for a segment on travel during the Thanksgiving weekend. Host Ryan Elijah and I also discussed the importance of marketing Orlando on a global scale, tourism’s enormous economic impact and several other topics that spanned sports, attractions and visitors’ interest in our local neighborhoods.

Visit Orlando Announces 2020 Board Members

As a nonprofit trade association and Orlando’s official tourism association, Visit Orlando represents 1,200 member companies that make up Central Florida’s tourism community. We are pleased to announce the following individuals will serve on our board for 2020:

  • Adrian Jones, Merlin Entertainments USA
  • Brian Comes, Hyatt Regency Orlando
  • Bill Davis, Universal Orlando Resort
  • Harold Mills, VMD Ventures
  • Don Engfer, Engfer & Associates
  • John Arie Jr., Fun Spot America Theme Parks
  • Robert Bray, Orlando World Center Marriott
  • Donna Dyson, Orlando Business Journal
  • Dr. Roger Goudy, Amateur Athletic Union of the United States
  • Scott Hudgins, Walt Disney World Resort
  • Jay Leonard, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
  • Yolanda Londoño, Harvard Group International
  • Thibaut van Marcke, Dr. P. Phillips Hospital/Orlando Health
  • Paul Mears III, Hello! Destination Management
  • Chris Mueller, Hilton Orlando
  • Fred Sawyers, Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort
  • Atish Shah, Xenia Hotels & Resorts
  • Thomas Steinhauer, Four Seasons Orlando
  • Gerald Urquiola, Caribe Royale Orlando
  • Dr. Falecia Williams, Valencia College
  • Evan Wyant, BB&T
  • Charlie Freeman, Orlando Magic
  • Dan Giordano, Rosen Shingle Creek
  • Steven Jamieson, The Mall at Millenia
  • Brooke Bonnett, City of Orlando
  • Phil Brown, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
  • Tim Giuliani, Orlando Economic Partnership
  • Roseann Harrington, Orange County Government
  • Dr. Dan Holsenbeck, University of Central Florida
  • David Ingram, Orange County Convention Center
  • Rich Maladecki, Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association
  • Diana Font, DMFont Events
  • Bob Miles, Bags Inc.
  • George Aguel, Visit Orlando

Happy Birthday, Walt Disney

Yesterday was a special day in tourism, as we celebrated Walt Disney’s birthday (born in 1901) and the highly anticipated opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance -- a project that created over 7,000 jobs for our region. Disney’s legacy and impact have grown larger than ever, nearly 50 years after the Magic Kingdom welcomed its first guests. His vision built the foundation for Orlando’s success as a world-class destination.

OTHER NEWS FROM VISIT ORLANDO

» Next week, more than 30,000 medical professionals will converge on the Orange County Convention Center for the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting & Exposition. This four-day event, booked by our convention sales team, will generate $57.1 million in economic impact.

» Camping World Stadium will host the NFL Pro Bowl Jan. 26 for the fourth consecutive year. Visit Orlando is partnering with the league to drive broad awareness of our destination to its fans.

THIS WEEK ON THE BLOG

Ho-ho-ho! Visit Orlando is ready for the holidays, decking the halls with info about hotel happenings, shopping tips and, of course, places to see Santa.

ALSO MAKING HEADLINES

George Aguel
All the best.

George Aguel
President & CEO
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