Visit Orlando strengthened trade partnerships and engaged industry leaders during the recent Brand USA Travel Week South America in Rio de Janeiro. The four-day program brought together 33 U.S. destinations, tour operators, hotels and airline partners.

Visit Orlando participated in exhibitor enrichment sessions covering South American traveler trends, online travel agency dynamics, artificial intelligence and air service. Visit Orlando’s Chief Sales Officer Lisa Messina joined Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO David Whitaker, and leaders from Latin American online travel agencies for a panel discussion that explored how Latin America remained a stable overseas regions in terms of tourism to the U.S. and their affinity for U.S. destinations.

Over two full appointment days, Visit Orlando completed 60 one-on-one meetings with tour operators from across the region and gained direct exposure to Brazil’s media and diplomatic landscape. Activities included briefings and relationship-building meetings with O Globo and the U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro, reinforcing the importance of consistent market presence and media partnerships in supporting long-term travel demand.

The week concluded with a training seminar for more than 100 Rio de Janeiro travel agents, delivered alongside 20 Brand USA partners. The session provided frontline sellers with tools to support future visitation and bookings.

Date & Trends

Weekly Hotel Metrics

Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending March 21, 2026, was 85.3%, up 6.1% from the same week last year. Room night demand surpassed last year by 7.2%. The average daily rate for the week was $240.78, up 2.2% from last year.

Around the Destination

Food Drive Supporting TSA Employees

While we are hopeful a deal may be reached before Congress begins its two‑week recess, TSA employees continue to face delayed paychecks. To help support those impacted, Visit Orlando will host an onsite donation drop-off on March 31 and April 1, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at 6649 Westwood Blvd.

Gas gift cards ($10 increments) are especially needed, along with nonperishable food and essential supplies. Please look for the Visit Orlando van. Thank you to those who have already stepped up to support our TSA partners!

In addition, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority continues to accept donations at Orlando Executive Airport, 365 Rickenbacker Dr., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until further notice.

Help by donating:

• Nonperishable food items 
• Cleaning and laundry supplies 
• Diapers (all sizes) 
• Pet supplies 
• $10 gas or grocery gift cards

Orlando Welcomes the World for Road To 26 Soccer Matches

Visit Orlando team members Danielle Hollander, Kathy Brown, Wesley Costa and Patrick Yvars joined City Commissioners Bakari F. Burns and Roger Chapin, along with Florida Citrus Sports, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and Universal Orlando Resort, to welcome officials from the Colombia, Brazil and Croatia national teams ahead of the Road to 26 soccer matches in Orlando.

Visit Orlando has promoted the matches in the United States, Colombia and Brazil, using the events to further position Orlando as a sports destination. The public relations team hosted a press trip of 10 Colombian journalists to attend the match and experience Orlando’s offerings, and bring in an influencer for the Brazil match.

Orlando’s Road to 26 action began March 26, when Croatia defeated Colombia 2‑1. Croatia returns to Camping World Stadium on March 31 to face Brazil.

Learn more

Orlando Storm Kicks Off Spring Football Season

Spring football returns to downtown Orlando on March 29, as the Orlando Storm open their season at Inter&Co Stadium against the Columbus Aviators. Competing in the United Football League, the nation’s premier professional spring football league, the Storm adds to Orlando’s expansive sports portfolio. Support the team and the community by purchasing tickets and packing the stands for opening night.

Tickets

Visit Orlando Engaged!

Building Industry Connections at Pharma Forum 2026

Visit Orlando and six members showcased Orlando at Pharma Forum 2026, held March 22–25 in Boston. The Orlando team conducted 44 one-on-one appointments, leveraging the conference to connect with planners and suppliers in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. Organized by Informa Connect, Pharma Forum is a premier annual conference focused on meeting and event management, addressing regulations, compliance, AI and digital transformation and the future of pharma events through workshops, roundtables and leadership sessions.

Visit Orlando Engaged UK Media at London Marketplace

Visit Orlando’s UK PR agency, FINN Partners, attended TravMedia’s IMM media marketplace in London, March 9-10, meeting with 28 media and influencers from top-tier outlets, including The Times, The Independent and National Geographic Traveller. Conversations spotlighted Orlando’s family-friendly offerings, accommodations, outdoor adventures, cultural attractions and culinary scene, including Michelin-dining. The event strengthened existing relationships and forged new connections across national, regional and digital outlets, generating fresh storytelling opportunities and reinforcing Orlando’s appeal.

Connecting with Women Leaders Across our Community

This week was a busy one focused on celebrating and connecting with women leaders across our community.

I had the opportunity to speak at two leadership forums — Greenberg Traurig Women of the Boardroom and Orlando Women in Hospitality — connecting with women who are leaders in their careers, organizations and across our community.

In both conversations, I shared reflections from my own leadership journey, including lessons learned about authenticity, navigating challenges and staying grounded as responsibilities grow. We talked candidly about confidence, resilience and the importance of being present in each stage of your career. I also shared advice I wish I had heard earlier: keep your ambition, but don’t rush past the moment you’re in.

In addition, I joined community leaders at the Orange County Regional History Center’s Power Players Breakfast — Women in Central Florida Sports, recognizing the impact women continue to make across our region. The event helps to support the HERstory: Women in History Scholarship Fund. You can support our HERstory: Women in History Internship by giving through the United Arts Collaborative Campaign here.

Grateful for the conversations and the chance to learn alongside so many inspiring leaders.

In the News

Mommy Poppins: Spring Break 2026: 53 Fun Things To Do in Orlando with Kids

Report News (Mexico): Visit Orlando Launches AI-Powered Itinerary Generator for Travel Professionals

Irish Mirror: Orlando is even more Epic than ever!

Pip and the city (UK): Orlando Florida: Best activities for adults in 2026