Visit Orlando launching global marketing campaigns to target leisure and business travel.
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OCCC West on International Drive

FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

Wrapping Up 2018 & Launching Into 2019

Our destination ended 2018 on a high note, with peak holiday periods that were busy and strong occupancy levels that outpaced state and national averages. Even so, we are keeping a close eye on visitation trends going forward including some economic uncertainties. This month we are launching an aggressive marketing, communications and sales campaign aimed to keep the momentum going well into 2019. 

This campaign targets key booking periods in our core international markets of the United Kingdom, Canada and Brazil. And complementing those efforts closer to home, the U.S. will be our #1 focus as we treat our cold-weather friends in the Northeast with plenty of warm, sunny messaging from America's most-visited destination.  

To attract business travelers, Visit Orlando is ramping up a convention campaign to generate high awareness about the Orange County Convention Center’s $605 million capital expansion plan, as well as ongoing developments at Orlando International Airport and major convention hotels.

Last, but in no way least, I am very happy to share that we are close to launching a redesigned, even more user-friendly website that will showcase Orlando’s diverse offerings in a highly-visual way, with stand-out imagery and compelling video (stay tuned for more details).

Here's to a great 2019! 
George Aquel President & CEO George Aguel
President & CEO

RESEARCH & INSIGHTS

TDT Collections Up 7.5% in November

Collections of Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax were 7.5 percent higher in November versus the same month last year, marking the highest November total ever at nearly $23.5 million. TDT collections, which are on track for the ninth straight year of growth, are up 8 percent year to date.

VISIT ORLANDO ACTIVITIES

Union Jack

PUBLICITY

Multiple UK Outlets
Tout Orlando for Adults

Visit Orlando hosted several journalists from some of the UK’s top national media outlets – including the Daily Mirror, Daily Star and New! Magazine – resulting in editorial coverage ahead of a key booking period. The articles, which generated more than 1 million impressions, highlight some of the destination’s hot spots for adults outside the theme parks, including attractions, outdoor adventures, dining and nightlife.
Delta Airlines China

AIRLINES

Teaming Up with
Delta, British Airways

Visit Orlando and its members hosted several top-selling tour operators from Delta Air Lines China for a weeklong destination orientation last month. Delta recently launched direct service from Shanghai to Atlanta, with four daily connections to Orlando. In Europe, Visit Orlando also partnered with British Airways and the theme parks on a Dec. 26-31 TV campaign to drive 2019 bookings.
FIBO

M&C

Orlando First City in
Nation to Host FIBO

FIBO — the largest international tradeshow for fitness, wellness and health — held its 2018 convention at the Orange County Convention Center Dec. 5-8. Orlando was the first city in the U.S. to hold the convention with more than 2,000 participants.
Katie Ellison

PUBLICITY

UK Mommy Blogger 
Showcases Orlando

Influencer Katie Ellison of UK’s Mummy Daddy Me has generated nearly 7 million impressions on her social channels following a destination orientation hosted by Visit Orlando’s publicity team. An award-winning blogger and No. 1 influencer on Tots100, Katie posted several Orlando videos on her YouTube channel, as well as Instagram photos highlighting her experience at area theme parks, attractions, events and more.
The Morning Show

PUBLICITY

Canadian ‘Mompreneurs’
Love Orlando for Families

During a seven-segment Canadian TV media tour, “mompreneurs” Sherri French and Carly Dorogi highlighted a trip to Orlando as an ideal holiday gift. The coverage resulted in over 2 million impressions on stations including Global’s The Morning Show, CHCH Morning Live and CTV Morning Live Ottawa. Working with Visit Orlando’s publicity team, French and Dorogi showcased our destination as a place for families to create lifelong memories, while promoting travel deals.
Gol Magazine

PUBLICITY

Brazil Media Highlight
World-Class Attractions

Visit Orlando’s public relations team secured 10 pages of coverage highlighting area attractions, dining and culture in GOL Airlines’ in-flight magazine. Additionally, UOL — a prominent tourism portal in Brazil — featured our destination’s newest attractions. Combined, the coverage produced 6.5 million impressions ahead of a key booking period in Brazil.
Maritime Travel

TRAVEL TRADE

Global Travel Agents 
Experience Orlando

Visit Orlando recently hosted several leading travel agents from Canada and Europe, helping them sell our destination by visiting area theme parks, attractions, restaurants and shopping centers. Agents from Maritime Travel, one of the leading travel-planning companies in Canada, experienced Orlando Dec. 4-9, while top-selling tour operators from the Netherlands were here Dec. 6-8. Tour operators Tioga Tours and Fly to the West are helping to promote the new direct Amsterdam-to-Orlando daily service.
Colombian Travel Pros

TRAVEL TRADE

Colombian Travel Pros
Learn About Orlando

Visit Orlando, together with Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, recently presented to more than 120 travel professionals at a training event in Bogota. Attendees learned about what’s new at the theme parks and Orlando’s many unique experiences, including shopping, dining and sports.
VIEW MORE STORIES

DID YOU KNOW?

Orlando International Airport

Orlando International was ranked a top airport for holiday travel. Magnify Money looked at the 10-year averages of flights departing, arrival times and flights canceled. Read More

IN THE NEWS

Margaritaville Resort Debuts Jan. 15

The $750 million resort destination along the U.S. Highway 192 tourist corridor will feature a 186-room hotel, a shopping center, timeshare units and a water park. Read More

New I-Drive Attractions Compete for Tourists' Time

A growing number of tourists carve out at least a few hours to spend on International Drive, which until recently was known mostly for its hotels. Read More

Orlando Looks to Score Big with Esports

Competitive gaming could create an economic windfall for the region. Read More

880-Space Parking Structure Opens Near Mango’s

The Hollywood Plaza Complex will also feature a rooftop restaurant and street-level retail, starting with fast-casual burger joint Mooyah. Read More

VISIT ORLANDO EVENTS

Power Hour

Power Hour 
Thursday, Jan. 17
 
Canvas Restaurant & Market
Noon to 1 p.m. 

Join us at the first Power Hour lunch of 2019, featuring a special presentation from Brightline’s Vice President of Development Carol Henderson.

EVENTS CALENDAR

AT THE CONVENTION CENTER

These upcoming events at the Orange County Convention Center will generate a combined economic impact of nearly $117 million.

Jan.4-5

ASI Show
Estimated Attendance: 6,900

Jan. 7-11

Citrix Summit Amer/EMEA
Estimated Attendance: 4,500

Jan. 10-12

Mobile Tech Expo
Estimated Attendance: 3,500

Jan. 10-12

Surf Expo
Estimated Attendance: 28,646

Jan. 10-13

Florida United Numismatists
Estimated Attendance: 15,000

Jan. 11-13

Orlando Home and Garden Show
Estimated Attendance: 15,000

Jan. 17-19

FASTSIGNS
Estimated Attendance: 700

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