Today marks the beginning of 407 Day, a hometown celebration that returns this year with a twist incorporating Central Florida’s long time second area code 321 extending the festive offerings from a single day to a full two weeks. The celebration features exclusive deals, special events and a chance to support local businesses and show hometown pride.
In collaboration with Orange County Government, The City of Orlando, Orlando Economic Partnership and Visit Orlando, we’re introducing a digital passbook filled with coupons, promotions and savings from local businesses and organizations.
You can explore more than 50 offers, including specialty cocktails at local restaurants, discounts on staycations and even glowing bioluminescent tours. You’ll also find deals from LEGOLAND Florida Resort, The Orlando Ballet, The Showcase of Citrus, The Florida Mall and more.
Plus, there will be free festivals, live performances, and sporting events happening throughout Orange County, ensuring plenty of ways to celebrate. To view the complete list of savings, go to the Visit Orlando Blog to access the mobile browser-friendly platform.
Additionally, residents and visitors can check out the Unbelievably Real mural in downtown Orlando at the corner of Orange Avenue and Pine Street or at the main entrance of The Florida Mall.
I encourage you to join in the celebration of 407 Day by showing your hometown pride, exploring local businesses, spreading the word and sharing your experiences on social media with the hashtag #407Day.
Accepting Nonprofit Applications For Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining 2025
Applications are now open for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health. Every Fall, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining supports area restaurants and gives back to our local community with one dollar from each $40 meal, and two dollars from each $60 meal, donated to one or more nonprofits.
This year, donated funds will support organizations that advance early childhood development and learning, as well as provide scholarship opportunities that increase access to quality education.
All applications must be submitted by noon on Friday, April 11. Click here to learn more about nonprofit eligibility requirements. Contact Kristin Westover with any additional questions.
Data & Trends
Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending March 15, was 75.7% down 10.6% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $237.09, down 2.5% from last year. Room night demand trailed the prior year by 10.3%.
Across the Industry
Visit Orlando Nominated In 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Visit Orlando and the Orlando destination has been nominated in the 32nd annual World Travel Awards. The awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Our nominated categories are:
- North America's Leading City Break Destination 2025: Orlando, Florida, USA
- North America's Leading City Destination 2025: Orlando, Florida, USA
- North America's Leading Tourist Board 2025: Visit Orlando
Voting is currently open and will close on June 22, 2025.
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board Announces New CEO
This week, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) board members selected Lance Lyttle as the next CEO. Lyttle will oversee Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two key gateways to Central Florida. Orlando International is among the nation's Top 10 airports, with a passenger volume exceeding 57 million, while the Executive Airport provides vital general aviation access to the region.
Lyttle will be responsible for leading a multi-billion-dollar capital improvement program aimed at enhancing both airports. We congratulate Mr. Lyttle and look forward to his leadership as CEO, contributing to GOAA, the travel and tourism industry and our destination.
Around the Destination
Register For Visit Orlando’s Travel & Tourism Event
Register for Visit Orlando's Travel & Tourism Event on Thursday, May 8, at the Orange County Convention Center. We'll celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week, recognizing our industry’s critical role in powering economies, communities and connections. The event will also include an industry update and offer great networking opportunities with professionals, business leaders and community members.
The event features a performance by Blue Man Group and a keynote on artificial intelligence (AI) by Mitch Mitchem, CEO of HIVE Interactive. Mitch will discuss how AI is shaping industries and empowering individuals.
To purchase corporate tables, email Visit Orlando’s senior member sales manager, Kelly Kinney.
Sign the Central Florida Pledge
The Central Florida Pledge, launched last year by Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, is a community-driven initiative to combat hate and discrimination. The pledge encourages residents to treat everyone with kindness and respect, especially those with whom they disagree, and to support individuals facing threatening incidents. It also fosters a network of “community first responders,” everyday people committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all. We encourage everyone to join the movement.
Celebrating Women in Sports Presented by City of Orlando
The Orlando Pride is hosting Celebrating Women in Sports, presented by the City of Orlando, at Inter&Co Stadium on March 26 at 6 p.m. The event will highlight professional growth during Women's History Month and feature a panel discussion with women who are leading the way in sports. The Orlando Pride is also offering special packages that include tickets to both the "Celebrating Women in Sports" event and the Orlando Pride vs. San Diego Wave game on Saturday, March 29, at 12 p.m. Secure your tickets today.
Visit Orlando Engaged!
Ragan Social Media Conference
Ian Suarez, Visit Orlando's social media senior manager, was a panelist at the Ragan Social Media Conference at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort. The panel Tidying Your Tech Toybox: Selecting the Most Efficient Social Media Management Tools for Your Business focused on choosing the right tools to improve social media management, from scheduling to reporting and video production.
Ian shared insights on evaluating the strengths of different social media management platforms and how to streamline your tech stack—the combination of tools and software your team uses to manage operations—by eliminating redundancies. Key takeaways included collaborating to identify the most effective resources for your team, simplifying your tech stack to focus on those that support your social media goals and knowing when to ditch tools that no longer work. The session also offered tips on maximizing the use of the tools you already have.
Orlando Magic Watch Party in Brazil
This past Sunday, the Orlando Magic hosted a Watch Party in Brazil, bringing basketball fans together for an exciting night. Visit Orlando supported the event, joining key tour operators, influential media and trade partners to strengthen relationships, boost brand visibility and inspire future travel to Orlando. Fans cheered on the Magic, who made a comeback after trailing by 13 points in the first half. With the game on the line in the final minute, Paolo Banchero hit a jumper to put Orlando ahead 104-103, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Visit Orlando Hosts Lifestyle & Fashion Magazine Media
Visit Orlando recently hosted a journalist and photographer from Brazil’s top lifestyle and fashion magazine, Marie Claire, for an exclusive 4-night, 5-day experience. The trip highlighted Orlando’s dynamic food scene, vibrant neighborhoods and unique theme park attractions. Along the way, the guests enjoyed luxurious spa treatments, top-notch accommodations at the Alfond Inn and Conrad Orlando, and a mix of relaxation and adventure.
The magazine’s print edition reaches 618,000 readers, with over 2.8 million unique visitors online, making this an excellent opportunity to showcase Orlando’s diverse offerings. The itinerary included visits to Walt Disney World, Disney Springs and the Drawn to Life show, as well as Winter Park’s Scenic Boat Tour, Park Ave and East End Market. The group also experienced Orlando's dining scene at DOMU, AVA MediterrAegean and Jaleo, along with a drive-by tour of major sports venues.
In the News
Little Kid Big City New York: Fun Things to Do in Orlando with Kids—Beyond the Theme Parks!
WKMG: Florida Citrus Sports seeks funding to host Jacksonville Jaguars in Orlando for 2027 season
Orlando Business Journal: Breeze Airways adds Key West flights from Orlando airport
MSN: I live in Florida. Here are 5 things everyone should do in Orlando that have nothing to do with Disney or Universal.
Clase Turista (Mexico): Orlando, the city to experience sports all year round
