Every year, 407 Day is a special moment for our community—a time when we come together to celebrate our hometown pride! This year was no exception.

Inspired by Central Florida’s longtime area codes (321 and 407), 407 Day encourages residents to support local businesses and foster community spirit. And instead of celebrating just one day, this year we expanded the festivities from a single day to a fortnight (March 21 to April 7).

In partnership with Orange County Government, The City of Orlando, and Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), Visit Orlando introduced an exclusive digital passbook with coupons, deals and promotions available for redemption from local businesses and organizations that can be redeemed from a mobile device.

For Visit Orlando, this was an opportunity to promote a variety of events and local businesses that add enjoyment and value to the lives of visitors and residents. Visit Orlando has more than 1,600 members, of which 40 percent are small businesses. Showcasing the breadth of experiences throughout our entire destination, including those small businesses, is a high priority for Visit Orlando. 

On April 7, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, OEP President and CEO Tim Giulian and Visit Orlando’s Board of Directors Vice Chair and President of Business Operations at the Orlando Magic Charlie Freeman came together to celebrate the annual program and unveil a 60-foot Lynx bus wrapped in Unbelievably Real branding—a reminder of the unique aspects of our region and all we have to offer.

As we reflect on another fantastic 407 Day, I encourage each of you to continue supporting our region's local businesses, exploring new experiences, and embracing everything that makes Orlando an incredible place to live, work, and visit—not just today, but all year long.

Data & Trends

February 2025 TDT Collections: Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond announced that Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections received by Orange County for the February 2025 TDT collection month were $35,483,300. This represents the highest February collections on record and is a 4.2% increase from the previous year.

Compared to last month, February collections were higher than January collections by $2.1 million. In addition, collections were higher than February 2023 collections by $2.8 million. The chart shows the monthly year-over-year dollar amount change in TDT collections since October 2022.

Orlando’s hotel occupancy grew by 1.6% from February 2024, settling at 80.4%, the highest monthly occupancy for Orlando since March of last year. The ADR for Orlando hotels was $225.50, a 3.7% increase from the previous year's rate of $217.46. Despite the higher occupancy rate, demand declined slightly by 1.4% compared to the previous year, which is due to the extra day in February—caused by last year being a Leap Year. For February, the Orange County Convention Center reported a 39.4% increase in citywide attendance from last year, thanks to several large events such as MegaCon (180,000 attendees) and the AHR Expo (43,000 attendees).

Weekly Hotel Metrics: Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending April 5, 2025, was 69.4% down 8.7% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $228.47, up 6% from last year. Room night demand trailed the prior year by 7.8%.

The occupancy rate decline versus prior year was anticipated, as it is being compared to the Spring Break period in 2024. We anticipate the numbers to recover closer to the Easter holiday. 

Across The Industry

David Peckinpaugh Receives PCMA Lifetime Achievement Award 

Visit Orlando hosted a reception the evening before PCMA Visionary Awards in honor of David Peckinpaugh, president and CEO at Maritz, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.

David has been a visionary in the industry, a great customer and partner to Visit Orlando, and has led Maritz in growth. We congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition!

Around The Destination

Register For Visit Orlando's Travel & Tourism Event 

Mark your calendars for Visit Orlando's Travel & Tourism Event taking place on Thursday, May 8, at the Orange County Convention Center. We’re celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week and recognizing our industry’s critical role in powering economies, communities and connections with an industry update and great networking opportunities for professionals, business leaders, and community members.

The Blue Man Group will take center stage, bringing their iconic energy to our luncheon with a special performance, and Mitch Mitchem, CEO of HIVE Interactive, will deliver a keynote on how AI is shaping industries and empowering individuals. For corporate table purchases, email Kelly Kinney.

Media Event Celebrates FIFA Club World Cup 2025^TM In Orlando

A special photo and media opportunity took place on April 9 to celebrate and commemorate the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup coming to Orlando this summer. The event, held at Camping World Stadium, included a presentation from FIFA Delegation President Gianni Infantino, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Greater Orlando Sports Commission President and CEO Jason Siegel. During the event, Gianni shared that Orlando is the only U.S. city to host FIFA World Cup matches in two different stadiums—Camping World Stadium and Inter&Co Stadium—with teams from at least five different continents. He also announced a $1 million contribution to the City of Orlando to support community soccer projects for kids.

Residents and travelers will have an opportunity to see the trophy in person during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ Trophy Tour: Orlando Stop at ICON Park on April 25 from 5 to 7 p.m

Orlando Collected Exhibit Now Open 

This morning, Mayor Buddy Dyer, Mayor Jerry Demings, and city and county commissioners gathered at the Orange County Regional History Center for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Orlando Collected, a special exhibition honoring Orlando’s 150th anniversary.

The exhibit features 150 rarely seen items from the archives of the Historical Society of Central Florida, highlighting the city’s rich and diverse history. Curated with help from local historians, organizations, and community members, Orlando Collected offers a unique look at the people and moments that shaped Orlando over the past 150 years. The exhibit is part of a year-long celebration filled with events and activities for residents to connect with Orlando’s past and contribute to its future.

I-Drive Chamber Luncheon—Orlando International Airport Updates 

This week, the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce held its April general monthly meeting at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. The chamber brings together its members and attendees to learn from guest speakers who inform and educate on developments within the International Drive Resort Area, as well as challenges related to the tourism industry. Vickie Jaramillo, Chief Development Officer at Orlando International Airport (OIA), was the featured presenter sharing key OIA updates.

Visit Orlando Engaged

Visit Orlando Hosts Content Creators 

Our 2025 social media FAM brought together 10 creators and their families for four days in Orlando—capturing content that spotlights the destination for their social platforms and for Visit Orlando. The group stayed at the Conrad Orlando and Evermore Resort and enjoyed adventures throughout our destination including: Fun Spot America, Leu Gardens, Restaurante Crocante, Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, Revolution Adventures, Luxe Water Sports, The Mall at Millenia, Pointe Orlando’s new Pointe Live, and more.

Collaborating With Mom Content Creators At Icon Park 

To kick off the Mom 2.0 Summit, the largest mom influencer conference in the U.S., held in Orlando this year, Visit Orlando hosted a select group of 10 influential mom content creators at ICON Park on April 3. This unique activation aimed to engage Orlando’s core audience of moms outside the traditional conference environment, offering them an immersive experience at some of Orlando’s most visually captivating attractions. From SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and Madame Tussauds to The Orlando Eye and Museum of Illusions, the group explored, captured, and shared their #UnbelievablyReal moments across their social channels.

Brightline Hosts Event To Launch Loyalty Program 

Brightline announced its first-ever loyalty program, Brightline Rewards, which recognizes and rewards guests for every trip they take and every dollar they spend. The loyalty program is designed to attract first-time guests and incentivize Florida residents and repeat riders, which represent 66% and 72% of ridership, respectively.

To launch the program, Brightline hosted an event at the MiamiCentral Brightline Station for national and state travel industry leaders and partners, and included a panel discussion, Travel in the Sunshine State, hosted by former NBC News and Today Show Correspondent Kerry Sanders. Danielle Hollander, Visit Orlando’s chief marketing officer was a panelist along with representatives from Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Discover the Palm Beaches, Visit Lauderdale, and Experience Kissimmee. Each leader provided insight, insider tips and news from their destinations for the remaining spring and upcoming summer travel seasons. Danielle also shared that Brightline has been an asset to our community, strengthening in-state connectivity benefiting both Florida residents and visitors from around the world. 

In The News 

USA Today: 10 Florida hotels made for couples getaways

NerdWallet: How to Plan Smarter and Save More On Summer Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

Travel Times (Mexico): Orlando: growing destination for international tourism

BizBash: 9 New Venues in Orlando/Central Florida for Spring 2025 Meetings and Events

WKMG: Orlando Collected exhibition opens as part of 150th anniversary celebration