This week, we officially announced Visit Orlando’s first-ever destination cookbook: Orlando’s Kitchens: Recipes and Stories From Our Neighborhoods! Authored by award-winning writer Pam Brandon, who has penned more than 30 cookbooks, Orlando’s Kitchens celebrates the flavors and people that make our destination unbelievably real — from global bites in Mills 50 and iconic eateries on I-Drive to Southern staples, artisan bakers, urban farms and more.

This one-of-a-kind cookbook brings together more than 60 recipes from MICHELIN-recognized chefs, beloved local eateries and even celebrity names, all woven together with stories from Orlando’s diverse food scene.

For over 15 years, Visit Orlando has worked to raise awareness of our local food community on a global stage, from MICHELIN recognition to James Beard Awards and bringing Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil to Orlando. Now with this cookbook, we’re able to continue to showcase Orlando's diverse, creative and welcoming culinary story.

The cover features Chef Wendy Lopez of Reyes Mezcaleria and Chef Lordfer Lalicon of Kaya, plus dishes from Chayote Barrio Kitchen and Bull & Bear. The cookbook is arranged by districts with maps created by local artist Paige Fischer to guide readers through the neighborhoods of Orlando.

Orlando’s Kitchens will be available for sale before the end of the year, with more information coming soon on ways to purchase. Find the latest cookbook updates here.

Register for Visit Orlando’s Accessibility-focused Power Lunch

Join Visit Orlando for our next Power Lunch on Thursday, Oct. 23, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort. This session will spotlight our commitment to accessibility, beginning with the unique needs of neurodiverse and sensory-sensitive travelers — a group that represents 15 to 20 percent of the global population and one in five families in the U.S.

Orlando ranks as the No. 1 destination of interest for families traveling with sensory-sensitive children, presenting a powerful opportunity to lead with empathy and drive economic impact. Visit Orlando’s role is to educate and empower our members with the tools, training and resources needed to create welcoming, accessible experiences — and to position Orlando as a destination where every guest feels seen, supported and celebrated.

Hear practical insights into affordable staff training programs, sensory tools and environmental modifications that enhance guest experiences from Kathy Brown, Visit Orlando’s vice president of marketing, and Julian Maha, CEO and founder of KultureCity, a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing sensory accessibility for individuals with invisible disabilities, such as autism, PTSD, dementia and stroke.

Whether you're just beginning your accessibility journey or looking to expand your efforts, Visit Orlando’s Power Lunch will connect you with the resources and partners to help create a more welcoming experience for all visitors. The event is open to both members and nonmembers.

Data & Trends

Weekly Hotel Metrics

Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending October 11, 2025, was 69.9%, down 1.2% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $189.03, up 7.9% from last year. Room night demand surpassed last year by 0.6%.

Around the Destination

Media Event Spotlights 2026 ZORA!® Festival Season

Visit Orlando joined the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community (P.E.C.) on Oct. 15 to celebrate the unveiling of the 2026 ZORA!® Festival Season, themed “Hurston, History, and Heritage.” Running Jan. 7 (Zora Neale Hurston’s birthday) through Oct. 17, the season will feature signature events including the Outdoor Festival of the Arts (Jan. 30–Feb. 1), the academic conference “Entering the Zoraverse,” and HATitude Cultural Flair.

As a marketing partner, Visit Orlando is amplifying awareness through event listings, blog content, social media, newsletters and public relations efforts. This collaboration reflects our commitment to celebrating the diverse stories that make Central Florida unbelievably real — while supporting cultural heritage tourism, community pride and economic development in Eatonville.

Celebrating Central Florida’s Women Leaders

This week, the Women’s Executive Council hosted its annual Women’s Achievement Awards Gala at The Abbey in downtown Orlando. The inspiring evening celebrated outstanding women leaders across Central Florida while raising funds to support future scholarships for young women. This year’s honorees included:

• Ellen Winter, executive director of 4Roots Foundation – Community Champion Award
• Jennifer Wilcox, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Citrus Council – Generational Impact Award
• Sheryl Kurland, president and founder of Find Your Fabulosity – Heart of Service Award
• Dr. Margaret Newman Thornton, chief operations officer of OCA Inc. – Nonprofit Award
• Elizabeth Forrest, founder of Touched by Type 1 – Special Recognition

Visit Orlando is proud to support the Women’s Executive Council through an annual scholarship focused on advancing careers in hospitality, helping empower the next generation of women leaders in our industry. Congratulations to all of the honorees for their incredible contributions to our community and for inspiring others through their leadership and service!

Meeting Movers Inc. Hosts Annual Toy Drive

Meeting Movers Inc., a provider of transportation management services for meetings and conventions, is hosting its annual “Hospitality Helps” Toys for Tots Toy Drive on Thursday, Nov. 6 at Topgolf Orlando. In partnership with the Marines, this event invites our industry to come together to help bring holiday joy to children across Central Florida. If you’re unable to attend, you can still contribute by purchasing from curated Amazon and Walmart wish lists. RSVP by Oct. 27 to carthur@meetingmovers.com.

Visit Orlando Engaged!

Educating International Students on the Benefits of Tourism

Wesley Costa, Visit Orlando’s director of international marketing, recently met with students from Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP), a leading academic institution in Brazil, during an annual educational visit to Orlando. Led by Professor Victor Grinberg, the trip focused on leadership, creativity and hospitality. Wesley presented on the importance of international tourism and the role Visit Orlando plays in shaping global travel experiences. These sessions help inspire future tourism professionals and reinforce Orlando’s reputation as a welcoming, world-class destination.

Central Florida Communicators Fall 2025 Meeting

Members of Visit Orlando’s team attended the Central Florida Communicators Fall 2025 Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Dr. Phillips Academic Commons at UCF Downtown. This quarterly gathering brings together communications and community relations professionals from Orange County and a range of industries — including health care, travel and tourism and more — to network and share updates.

This fall’s meeting featured speakers Jon “JP” Peterson, park president at SeaWorld Orlando, and Racquel Asa, senior director of external affairs for the Central Florida Expressway Authority. Visit Orlando’s participation in these meetings helps ensure the organization stays aligned with regional priorities, amplifies its voice in key conversations and reinforces its commitment to collaborative leadership in the destination’s growth.

Showcasing Orlando to Colombia and Mexico Media

Visit Orlando’s public relations team recently hosted a group of journalists from Colombia and Mexico representing leading outlets, including ADN, El Universal, Alo, Fucsia, Travesías, Animal Gourmet and MexBest. The press trip offered the media professionals firsthand experiences to support future editorial coverage and storytelling about our destination.

Throughout their visit, the group explored Walt Disney World Resort’s theme parks, attended Drawn to Life, presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney, ziplined over alligators at Gatorland and competed at Main Event at Pointe Orlando. They also enjoyed shopping at Orlando Premium Outlets and explored several restaurants, including Morimoto Asia, Chima Brazilian Steakhouse and Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina.

Hosting international media is a vital part of our global strategy. These immersive visits help journalists share authentic stories with their audiences, strengthening Orlando’s reputation and inspiring travel from key markets across Latin America to Orlando.

In the News

Smart Meetings: IMEX America 2025 Guide

Orlando Shine: Visit Orlando taps award-winner Pam Brandon to pen new Orlando cookbook

NerdWallet: 6 Halloween destinations to treat yourself

Florida Today: Orlando International Airport ranks high for dining, shopping