This week marked a major milestone for our region with the grand opening of Universal Epic Universe—the first entirely new theme park in Orlando in 25 years. This moment isn’t just big for Universal—it’s big for all of us.

Congratulations to the entire Universal team on this incredible achievement and vision, innovation and many years of hard work that made it possible!

Major developments like this create a powerful halo effect across our destination. Visitors drawn to the new park don’t just stop there—they stay in our hotels and resorts, dine in our restaurants, shop in our stores and explore our neighborhoods, arts and attractions. As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats!

Recognizing the national spotlight on Orlando, Visit Orlando strategically partnered with NBC’s TODAY Show to showcase the broader story of our destination. With TODAY already in town to cover the Epic Universe opening, we worked with their team to produce a dedicated third-hour segment focused on activities to enjoy in addition to our theme parks.

The segment aired on May 22 and was filmed in Winter Park, one of our most unique and picturesque neighborhoods. It featured:

• Award-winning chefs from Four Flamingos, Se7en Bites and Mills Market
• Ecotourism experiences at Rock Springs with Get Up and Go Kayaking and Showcase of Citrus
• Arts and culture, with Broadway star and Orlando native Michael James Scott, best known for playing the Genie in Broadway’s Aladdin
• Orlando’s pro sports scene with the Orlando Magic and Orlando Pride
• Local business spotlight, from a local clothing brand to Corkcicle and Wondermade marshmallows—giving them national exposure that could drive immediate sales and long-term visibility

I also had the chance to meet TODAY anchor Dylan Dreyer at Boxi Park in Lake Nona and share what makes that space, and our destination, Unbelievably Real.

Overall, this partnership was a great example of how we’re leveraging big moments to tell a bigger story about Orlando and drive awareness and visitation for the economic and community benefit.

Data & Trends

Weekly Hotel Metrics

Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending May 17, 2025, was 62.4%, down 3.2% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $191.98, up 3.4% from last year. Room night demand trailed the prior year by 1.5%.

Orlando Employment Grew in April

The state labor report for April showed a small increase in the Orlando MSA’s overall employment from March’s report, with the addition of 1,600 jobs (+0.1%). The April unemployment rate in the Orlando MSA fell from March to 3.3% and remains lower than the Florida unemployment rate (3.5%). The Leisure and Hospitality sector in the Orlando MSA weakened slightly from March to April, losing 800 jobs, but it is up 2.7% from last year. Sectors within the Leisure and Hospitality industry:

• Food Services and Drinking Places grew by 0.3% from March to April and are up by 0.9% from last year.
• Arts, Entertainment and Recreation fell 0.9% from March to April but is up 3.9% from last year.
• Accommodations fell 0.4% from March to April but is up 4.2% from last year.

Across the Industry

Air France Launches New Nonstop Service Between Orlando to Paris, Expanding Global Connectivity

On May 21, Air France launched its new nonstop service between Orlando to Paris, operating four times weekly on the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900. Visit Orlando co-hosted a reception with Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Experience Kissimmee for the inaugural Air France flight.

With Orlando becoming Air France’s 18th U.S. destination and 25th across North America, this strategic expansion marks a major milestone for Florida travelers seeking a direct gateway to Europe. The launch not only enhances inbound tourism from France and beyond but also reinforces Orlando’s status as an internationally connected destination.

Around the Destination

Now Accepting Restaurant Applications for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining 2025

Restaurant applications are open for the 20th year of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health. Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining has grown into more than just a celebration of Central Florida’s culinary scene—it’s a powerful way for our community to come together and support our community. Through Visit Orlando, $1 from every $40 meal and $2 from every $60 meal served during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining benefit one or more local nonprofits that help people in need. Review the criteria and apply by Friday, June 6 to participate. Thank you for helping make Orlando a top dining destination and a community that gives back.

Visit Orlando Welcomes Mexico Sweepstakes Winner for Unforgettable Family Trip

This week, Visit Orlando welcomed Diego Montor and his family to Orlando as winners of a 2023 Mexico sweepstakes, which included flights with Volaris, a four-night stay at Rosen Shingle Creek, transportation, admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando, access to ICON Park attractions and a shopping certificate for The Mall at Millenia.

During their visit, Diego and his family expressed their appreciation for the experience, thanking Visit Orlando for its support throughout the visa process and prize coordination—and even bringing a gift from their hometown in Mexico. The sweepstakes ran Oct. 24 through Nov. 29, 2023, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery and was promoted through custom videos featuring Mexican influencer Ana Emilia and her mother, Angelica. Participants entered by answering five questions about Orlando on a dedicated landing page.

Visit Orlando Engaged!

Visit Orlando Engages 500+ Travel Professionals Across Three Cities in UK

Visit Orlando wrapped up a three-day UK training mission, connecting with more than 500 travel professionals through exclusive events with top retailers Hays Travel and TUI UK. The initiative marked a first-of-its-kind effort for Visit Orlando in the UK market, aimed at deepening destination knowledge and boosting sales confidence among travel agents. Events included a full day of education and entertainment at Hays Travel HQ in Sunderland, followed by interactive sessions in Manchester with over 80 TUI retail staff and a finale in London with more than 90 engaged agents. The events showcased strong collaboration, creativity and passion for Orlando, reinforcing the destination’s appeal and readiness to welcome international travelers.

Visit Orlando Hosted A&B Travel FAM Tour Boot Camp

Visit Orlando recently hosted a two-hour destination training session at Magic Village for 58 top wholesalers from Colombia, Mexico and Ecuador as part of the A&B Travel FAM Tour. During their seven-night stay, the group followed an immersive itinerary featuring visits to eight theme and water parks, a variety of local attractions, nine hotel and resort site inspections and dining experiences across the destination. All participants completed the Orlando Travel Academy prior to arrival, further strengthening their knowledge and enthusiasm for promoting Orlando as a premier travel destination.

Visit Orlando Hosts Outdoor Adventure-themed Press Trip

The public relations team hosted an outdoor adventure-themed press trip for the UK, Orlando’s No. 1 overseas international market, May 12–16. Five top-tier journalists attended from The National, Best Magazine, The Irish Sun, PinkNews and Reach PLC. Their visit focused on Orlando’s vibrant outdoor experiences and visits to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes, Gatorland, Revolution Adventures, Epic Paddle Adventures, ICON Park, West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades, Plant Street Market and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. While UK visitors are well-acquainted with Orlando’s world-famous theme parks, this itinerary was designed to highlight experiences beyond the parks—encouraging longer stays and broader exploration of the destination.

In the News

AP News: The Memorial Day travel rush is off to an early start

Northstar Meetings Group: Cvent Unveils 2025 Rankings of Top Meeting Destinations

CBS News: Universal Orlando's Epic Universe opens this week. Get a glimpse inside the new Florida theme park. 

Medium: From Paris With Love: Air France’s Triumphant Return to Orlando Brings French Flair to the Sunshine State

Yahoo: Every Restaurant In Florida With A Michelin Star