Orlando is kicking off December in championship style, hosting three major college football bowl games and building momentum for the FIFA World Cup 2026. These marquee events underscore our city’s reputation as a premier sports destination and create powerful opportunities to drive visitation to our region.
The action begins Dec. 17, with the 2025 StaffDNA Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium, televised on ESPN at 5 p.m. The game will be between the Old Dominion Monarchs and the South Florida Bulls. Now in its 11th year, the Cure Bowl has raised an impressive $6.35 million for cancer research since 2015. It’s the first of three postseason matchups that will put Orlando in the national spotlight.
Next up, the Pop-Tarts Bowl takes the field Dec. 27 at 3:30 p.m., followed by the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31 at 3 p.m., celebrating its 80th anniversary. Both games will air on ABC and also take place at Camping World Stadium. Teams for all three games will be announced Sunday, Dec. 7.
Visit Orlando encourages fans to “Come for the Game, Stay for More Fun,” transforming football weekends into memorable getaways. The promotional strategy leverages a multi-channel approach, including e-newsletters, web and blog content, owned social media, content creation, publicity, paid media and public relations, with timing and tactics tailored to key moments such as team announcements and major event dates. Integrated efforts promoting extended visits with themes like “Plan Your Bowl-Cation” and “Orlando Thrills Await.” all anchor to Plan an Action-Packed College Football Getaway in Orlando.
Looking ahead, excitement is building for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, and the match schedule has been revealed. There will be 104 games featuring 48 teams across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. With matches set for Miami and Atlanta, Visit Orlando is leveraging this global event to inspire soccer fans to plan Orlando getaways. Through targeted messaging, we’re positioning Orlando as the perfect “moment in between” for travelers heading to or from World Cup host cities.
Through a dedicated landing page, Soccer & Vacation Magic in Orlando, travelers can discover world-class attractions, vibrant dining and unforgettable experiences that make Orlando the ultimate destination to complement their World Cup journey. Additionally, the page offers insider tips and inspiration to help fans turn game days into vacation days.
As we close out the year, these initiatives highlight how Visit Orlando continues to champion our region as a dynamic hub for sports tourism and set the stage for an exciting 2026!
TSA to Charge $45 for Travelers Without Real ID Starting Feb. 1
Beginning Feb. 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require travelers without a Real ID, passport or other approved identification to pay a $45 fee for identity verification through its new Confirm.ID system. This verification lasts for 10 days, meaning travelers without compliant IDs could face repeated fees if they fly multiple times during that period. TSA warns that this process may lead to longer wait times at security checkpoints, as travelers answer personal questions to confirm their identity before proceeding.
Orlando International Airport is one of the busiest in the nation, welcoming millions of visitors annually. While TSA reports that 94% of passengers already have Real ID or other acceptable forms of ID, the remaining travelers could experience delays and added costs — potentially impacting visitor satisfaction and travel logistics for our destination. TSA encourages travelers to upgrade to a Real ID at their local DMV to avoid fees and confusion.
Check your ID now to avoid surprises. If your driver’s license doesn’t have a black or gold star in the upper right corner, it’s not Real ID compliant. Visit your nearest DMV to upgrade and skip the $45 fee and extra wait times at the airport.
Data & Trends
October 2025 TDT Collections
Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections received by Orange County for the October 2025 TDT collection month were $33,928,000. That is a 15.1% increase compared to October 2024. The chart above shows the monthly year-over-year dollar amount change in TDT collections since October 2023.
Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate in October trailed last year slightly by 0.3%, settling at 70.9%. Room demand rose 1.4% due to the increase in hotel inventory. The average daily rate (ADR) for Orlando hotels was $204.07, an 8.3% increase from the previous year. Metro Orlando short-term rentals saw demand jump 14%, though ADR fell 7%.
The final month of Halloween festivities and the continuation of a nationally recognized food and wine festival were among the many reasons leisure visitors came to Orlando in October. On the meetings and conventions side, key citywide events driving October group performance included Printing United Expo 2025, the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting 2025 and IBM TechXchange Conference 2025.
Tourist Development Tax collections fund ongoing tourism promotion to drive future visits and improvements that serve Orange County residents. These improvements include upgrading venues such as the Orange County Convention Center and Camping World Stadium, supporting local arts organizations and attracting special events that contribute to the community’s economy.
Weekly Hotel Metrics
Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending Nov. 29, 2025, was 63.2%, down 1.2% from the same week last year. Room night demand surpassed last year by 0.8%. The average daily rate (ADR) for the week was $177.84, up 1.9% from last year. The Thanksgiving holiday period (Wednesday through Saturday) trailed last year’s holiday period very slightly for room demand (-0.9%), but ADR grew by 2.4%. Orlando’s occupancy rate and ADR surpassed both the national and Florida averages.
Across the Industry
GOAA Stakeholder Briefing Re: CBP and Airport Modernization
Visit Orlando, along with key community partners, recently heard from Diane J. Sabatino, executive assistant commissioner for CBP’s Office of Field Operations, and other CBP leaders about the agency’s Airport Modernization Strategy. The initiative is transforming the international arrivals experience through advanced technologies such as biometric identity verification and streamlined officer workflows — enhancing security while creating a faster, more seamless process for travelers. Orlando International Airport is leading the way with innovations including Biometric Exit pilots and the recent launch of Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) for U.S. citizens. These efforts position MCO as a national model for tech-enabled travel and operational excellence.
Orlando Recognized Among Top Destinations in Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Awards
Visit Orlando, along with several of our destination hotels, resorts and partner CVBs, has been recognized in the 2025 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Awards. These awards spotlight the top destinations and venues in the hospitality industry that consistently deliver exceptional service, innovation and overall excellence — qualities that make Orlando a leading choice for meeting professionals.
This honor reinforces why Orlando has been Cvent’s No. 1 meetings destination for ten consecutive years. With world-class facilities, diverse venues and unmatched hospitality, planners can count on Orlando for productive, memorable events of any size. Congratulations to Conrad Orlando, Evermore Orlando Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, VISIT FLORIDA and Experience Kissimmee for also being honored in the Platinum Choice Awards.
Around the Destination
Mayor Demings’ Annual Toy Drive
The deadline to donate in person to Mayor Demings’ 15th Annual Holiday Toy Drive is quickly approaching! This initiative brings joy to families in need during the holidays. Since 2011, Orange County Government has collected nearly 97,000 toys for kids and teens, thanks to the generosity of our community. All donations stay local, benefiting Orange County’s youth and family agencies. Visit Orlando encourages partners and residents to act now and help spread holiday cheer before the deadline passes.
Donate in person: Drop off new, unwrapped toys by Monday, Dec. 8. Use the interactive map to find a nearby location.
Mayor Buddy Dyer Highlights Downtown Orlando's Evolution at The 2025 State of Downtown
Visit Orlando joined community partners at City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s annual State of Downtown address, held at the Kia Center. Mayor Dyer announced a landmark development deal for the former Orlando Sentinel site, a 20-acre parcel at N. Orange Ave. and E. Colonial Drive, set to become a vibrant mixed-use district featuring a walkable city park. This transformative project underscores Orlando’s commitment to smart growth and a thriving downtown core.
The event also featured a panel discussion on the city’s future, where local leaders — including Jennifer Evins, Visit Orlando board member and president and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida, and Jason Chin, James Beard-recognized restaurateur and owner of several acclaimed Orlando restaurants — shared insights on economic development, innovation and community engagement. Mayor Dyer emphasized the city’s strong leadership and engaged community as key drivers behind downtown’s evolution. Watch the full address here.
UCF Rosen College Earns No. 1 U.S. Ranking, Climbs to No. 2 Globally for Hospitality Education
Congratulations to UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management for earning the top spot in the U.S. for hospitality programs and research for the sixth consecutive year and climbing to No. 2 globally in the Shanghai Global Rankings. This achievement reflects Rosen College’s commitment to “preparing students with industry for industry.” Orlando serves as a living classroom, offering hands-on learning through three required internships that immerse students in real operations and prepare them to navigate the demands of the industry. Many graduates now serve in leadership roles at organizations such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Destinations & Experiences, Marriott and Loews Hotels, among many others.
I-Drive Chamber Reception Honors Rep. Rita Harris
On Dec. 3, the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a reception honoring State Representative Rita Harris and bringing together the Chamber’s Board and industry leaders committed to advancing Central Florida’s tourism industry. Representative Harris, who serves Florida House District 44, represents the I-Drive corridor — home to major attractions, the Orange County Convention Center and countless hospitality businesses. Engaging with leaders like Rep. Harris helps ensure our region continues to prioritize workforce development and strengthen the talent pipeline that keeps Orlando a top destination for meetings and leisure travel.
Visit Orlando Engaged!
Teneo Global Summit Brings Industry Leaders to Orlando
From Nov. 18–21, the Teneo 2025 Global Summit took place at Caribe Royale Orlando, bringing together more than 250 customers and Teneo representatives for several days of education, entertainment and networking. Orlando-based member hotels, including Caribe Royale, Universal Orlando Resort, Lake Nona Wave Hotel and Rosen properties, showcased exceptional hospitality and creativity throughout the event.
Teneo Hospitality Group, a leading luxury hotel representation firm, connects meeting planners with premier hotels worldwide. Hosting this summit in Orlando strengthens relationships with key decision-makers in the meetings industry, driving future group business and reinforcing our destination’s reputation as a top choice for meetings and conventions.
Visit Orlando’s Global Marketing Committee Meeting
This week, Visit Orlando’s Global Marketing Committee held the last of four quarterly sessions this year at the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. The Global Marketing Committee acts as a strategic partner, advising on initiatives spanning brand integration, social media, content, communications and digital marketing to advance organizational goals. During the meeting, committee members discussed success and best practices from the year, as well as key upcoming opportunities like the FIFA World Cup 2026™, America 250, Visit Orlandos’ first-ever destination cookbook and more.
Central Florida Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Visit Orlando was honored to join the Central Florida Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce (CFBACC) in celebrating its 25th anniversary at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This milestone event highlighted the strong and growing ties between Central Florida and the Brazilian community, an important market for our destination. Brazil remains one of Orlando’s top international visitor sources, and partnerships like these help us deepen relationships, foster cultural exchange and drive economic impact. Congratulations to the CFBACC for cultivating meaningful connections over the years and for continuing to strengthen the bond between Brazilian and American communities in our region.
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