December 2, 2022

Hello,

Complementing our domestic winter campaign and aligning Orlando with the joy of the holiday season, we've added a campaign with the tagline "Give the Gift of Memories" to build travel demand for 2023.

Consumers in our out-of-state markets will see Visit Orlando advertising across the following media placements through December:  

• ABC and NBC local holiday TV programming including the Disney Christmas Parade, CMA Country Christmas and Michael Buble's Christmas in the City special.
  
  
• Unbelievably Real digital spectaculars across major malls in NYC, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. to appeal to shoppers.
  
  
• Radio spots while listening to holiday music on Amazon Audio Ads, or by watching holiday music videos with Universal Music Group on YouTube.

Visit Orlando will also be the seasonal tourism partner for Winter Village at Bryant Park in NYC to reach hundreds of thousands of ice skaters.

In addition to the domestic holiday campaign, "Unbelievably Real" will be shown across our top international markets of U.K., Mexico and Brazil.

Our inspirational 30-second TV spot will appear throughout London's winter markets, including Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and in top shopping centers in Mexico City. Plus, the 360 virtual reality activation will also be extended through the holidays.

Visit Orlando has partnered with GOL Airlines to showcase "Unbelievably Real" at five airports in Brazil, and will be featured in Azul Airlines' onboard magazine, in-flight TV and email marketing campaigns.

They Wait, We Lose

As part of U.S. Travel Association's "They Wait, We Lose" campaign to bring awareness to lengthy visa wait times in international markets, the organization launched the website USVisaDelays.com. Visitor visas have exceeded an average of 400 days for the U.S.'s top 10 markets, including markets critical to Orlando like Brazil and Mexico.

U.S. Travel estimates that the U.S. will lose nearly seven million potential visitors and $12 billion in projected spending in 2023 due to excessive wait. The new website aims to educate and gather more examples of the negative impact the wait times are having on businesses within the U.S.

Last Chance! Join us at our Year-End Celebration

We're one week away from Visit Orlando's Year-End Celebration Luncheon, but there are still spots available if you register now. It's going to be an unforgettable day at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, where we'll announce the Visit Orlando Magical Dining donation, celebrate our destination's success and see what‘s ahead in 2023. Don't miss out!

Holiday Toy Drive

The 12th annual Orange County Mayor's Toy Drive has returned for residents to give back to the community and help families in need. Residents are encouraged to donate online by Dec. 6 or drop off new, unwrapped toys by Dec. 12 at any of the 21 county-wide locations.

Award-Winning Organization

I'm pleased to share that Visit Orlando was selected as a 2022 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Awards winner. Learn more here.

Visit Orlando is also a finalist in The Gay Travel Awards which celebrate organizations who exemplify inclusiveness and hospitality excellence. Our destination's nominees also include Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando World Center Marriott and Doubletree by Hilton Orlando Downtown. Voting is open now through Dec. 26.

Hotel Metrics

For the week ending November 26, 2022, Metro Orlando occupancy was 63.6%, down from last week's 78.8% and slightly lower than the same week in 2019 (67%).

Average daily rate fell to $145.17 from $158.08 last week but remains much higher than pre-pandemic rates ($111.31 for the same week in 2019).

Around the Destination

It's a busy time of year that includes several events within the community and our industry. Below are a few of our recent involvements:  

• The annual AAA Threads Conference brought together more than 250 top travel advisors and executives.
  
  
• The Florida Classic Consortium Kickoff Luncheon in support of the annual football game between Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman.
  
  
• International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting and celebration. During the meeting, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings received the Visionary Leadership Award. Congratulations!

In the News

Orlando Sentinel: 101 things to love about Orlando and Central Florida (2022)

MeetingsNet: 6 U.S. airport upgrades making road warriors happy

Smart Meetings: WalletHub's top vegan-friendly cities for meeting makers

Travel Industry Today (Canada): Unwrapping Orlando's holiday happenings

National World (UK): Travel: why Orlando is not just for kids