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November 11, 2022
Hello,
This week, Visit Orlando made a welcome return to the UK attending World Travel Market London - the largest international event for future travel representing global travel consumers of over 5,000 destinations and brands across the world.
Across three days, our Travel Industry Sales team conducted over 50 appointments with international trade partners, discussing business development opportunities that will maximize visitation from our overseas markets including the UK and Ireland, Europe and Middle East.
Joining us in the booth were eight Visit Orlando hotel and attraction members showcasing their product, obtaining leads and securing deals for future business.
Up next, our Travel Industry Sales team, in partnership with Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and others, will present Orlando Live! — a series of innovative, interactive in-person training events — in Montreal and Toronto in December.
During Orlando Live!, representatives will showcase what's new in our destination including experiences, attractions, hotels, restaurants and more. The event is already creating buzz in the trade press with half a dozen stories including Canadian Travel Press.
Orange County Transportation Initiative
Although the 1-penny sales tax for transportation didn't pass in the election, Orange County remains a great place for residents and global visitors. It's vital we continue to work together for the greater good of our destination to accomplish similar goals now, and in the future. Thank you to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, for spearheading this effort, as well as City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and other industry leaders and organizations for their support throughout the Move Orange County Forward campaign.
Congratulations, and Welcome to Our Elected Leaders
On behalf of Visit Orlando and our member companies, congratulations to Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero on her re-election to District 4, and a warm welcome to Michael Scott, newly elected commissioner for District 6. I would also like to congratulate our re-elected and newly elected state representatives and senators. We look forward to working with you and making our community even better!
Visit Orlando's Year-End Celebration
You won't want to miss Visit Orlando's Year-End Celebration Luncheon Dec. 9. at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando. During the luncheon, we'll announce the Visit Orlando Magical Dining donation, celebrate our destination's success and see what‘s ahead in 2023. Also, Chris Robinson, known as the Guru of Attitude and EVP at The Maxwell Leadership Entrepreneurial Solutions Center, will share an inspiring keynote address while the general session will feature thought leaders from Amazon and Tripadvisor.
Registration to this event is open and spots are filling up fast. To purchase a corporate table, contact our member recruitment manager, Kelly Kinney, as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you there!
Hotel Metrics
For the week ending November 5, 2022, Metro Orlando occupancy was 70.4% down from last week's 76.3% and much lower than the same week in 2019 (86.4%).
Average daily rate fell to $152.52 from $159.93 last week but is still higher than pre-pandemic rates ($147.94 for the same week in 2019).
Awards and Recognition
Recognized as a Power Player: Orlando Business Journal honored 50 of our region's business leaders and executives in the 2022 Power Players — their annual awards program to celebrate professionals throughout the region who help grow and innovate the way business is done. It's an honor to be recognized with so many friends and colleagues, such as Mark Tester, executive director at Orange County Convention Center, who are making our region and destination a better place for our residents and travelers.
Visionary Awards: The Prevue Visionary Awards announced Orlando as a gold winner in the Best U.S. Destination for Meetings and Conventions category. The annual recognition honors the forward-thinking destinations, hotels and resorts, cruise lines and airlines of the hospitality and tourism industry. The Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World garnered the silver as a Best U.S. Golf and Spa Resort. View more winners here.
Around the Destination
U.S. Olympic Team Trials: It was recently announced Orlando will play host to the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon, the selection event for the USA Track & Field team, at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Orlando is the first Florida city to be awarded this event. Read more here.
Annual Golf Outing: Keith Swider, VP of finance and business affairs, Eric Ambinder, associate attorney, and Justin Leonard, business development specialist, participated in the African American Chamber's 3rd Annual Golf Outing earlier this week. Funds raised help the chamber continue its mission of fostering economic success for Black and minority-owned businesses in Central Florida.
In the News
TravelPulse: US travel recovery is in full swing one year after border reopening
WSJ: Where are Americans traveling this thanksgiving? A few surprises
CW39 Houston Happens: Travel mom Emily Kaufman – fall and 2023 travel to Orlando
CNBC: Where can disabled people easily travel? Survey names the top cities
Silver Travel Advisor: Orlando for adults has a lot to offer
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