This week, Visit Orlando attended World Travel Market London, a premier global event for the travel and tourism industry, held Nov. 4-6, at ExCeL London. Recognized as one of the most influential gatherings for travel professionals, the show welcomed a record number of attendees, including 8,000 buyers and 4,000 exhibitors.

To set the stage for an impactful week, Visit Orlando partnered with the U.S. Embassy in London to host an appreciation reception for 95 trade clients and media on Nov. 3. During the event, Lisa Messina, Visit Orlando’s chief sales officer, personally thanked our partners for their ongoing support in selling and writing about our destination. She also highlighted Orlando’s strong connection to the U.K. — Orlando's top international overseas market.

At WTM, the Visit Orlando team conducted 75 trade and media meetings, including four media interviews. Our travel industry sales team met with key partners from the U.K., Ireland and Europe to explore new business opportunities and drive international visitation. Additionally, our public relations team connected with leading media outlets to share fresh Orlando story ideas and highlight the destination’s continued appeal to global audiences.

Joining us at the Visit Orlando booth were 13 hotels, attractions and transportation members who showcased their offerings, generated leads and secured deals for future business. Their presence helped amplify Orlando’s visibility on the global stage and reinforced the destination’s reputation as a top choice for international travelers.

Participating in WTM is a vital opportunity to strengthen relationships, secure new business opportunities and ensure Orlando remains top of mind for travel trade and media across key international markets.

Air Travel Update

Due to an emergency order issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration, flight activity at 40 U.S. airports — including Orlando International Airport — is being temporarily reduced in response to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This action is designed to maintain safety and support airports facing staffing challenges, but it may result in fewer arrivals and departures.

At this time, it’s too early to predict the potential impact to our destination’s travel performance. Visit Orlando continues to monitor the situation closely.

Travelers should check directly with their airlines for updates on delays and cancellations. For real-time information, passengers can download the Orlando MCO app to monitor security wait times, visit the National Airspace System Status website, or use the MyTSA app. Orlando International Airport remains fully staffed to assist travelers during this time.

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Food Drive

To support federal employees affected by the shutdown, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is collecting nonperishable food items and $10 gas and grocery gift cards. Donations can be dropped off at the Terminal C Departures Curb from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or at information booths in Terminals A, B, and C. The Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) is also accepting donations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 365 Rickenbacker Drive.

Data & Trends

September 2025 TDT Collections

Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections received by Orange County for the September 2025 TDT collection month were $26,025,300. That is a 1.1% increase compared to September 2024. The total collections for the fiscal year 2024-25 were $384.6 million, marking the highest annual collections ever. 

Weekly Hotel Metrics

Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending November 1 was 63.6%, down 7.4% from the same week last year. The drop in occupancy resulted in a 5.7% decline in the hotel demand. The average daily rate (ADR) increased 2% year-over-year, reaching $192.66. Despite the drop in occupancy, Orlando still outperformed both national and Florida averages in occupancy and ADR. 

Across the Industry

Visit Orlando Named Best DMO in 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards

Visit Orlando has been named the Best Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) in the 2025 Groups Today Readers’ Choice Awards — a recognition voted on by travel trade professionals, tour operators and travel planners across the country. With a reach of more than 33,000 industry professionals, Groups Today is a leading B2B publication focused on leisure group travel, making this honor especially meaningful.

This award reflects the strength of our partnerships and the trust our travel trade community places in Orlando as a top-tier group destination. We invite you to check out the latest issue of Groups Today to see Visit Orlando’s honor, along with other winners and finalists.

Around the Destination

Join Us for Visit Orlando’s Year End Celebration!

As we approach the close of another successful year, we are pleased to extend an invitation to Visit Orlando’s Year End Celebration luncheon – a time to celebrate the season, reflect on the year’s achievements, and enjoy meaningful connections.

We are honored to be hosted by Walt Disney World® Resort, offering a truly magical setting for this year’s celebration. We are equally delighted to share that following the luncheon, Walt Disney World Resort is extending an exclusive opportunity to remain in the park as their guest to enjoy the festive holiday cheer of EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays, presented by AdventHealth. A wonderful way to extend the spirit of the season and create lasting memories with your team and colleagues.

Visit Orlando’s Member Meet Up with the Orlando Magic!

Visit Orlando members are invited to a special Member Meet Up on Monday, Nov. 10, as the Orlando Magic take on the Portland Trail Blazers. This exclusive event offers a chance to connect with travel and tourism professionals from across Central Florida, celebrate our collective impact and enjoy an evening that highlights the value of membership. Visit Orlando serves as a connector, educator and champion — tailoring benefits to support every sector and helping drive meaningful results for our region. Let’s come together to cheer on the Magic and the momentum we’re building for Orlando’s future.

City of Orlando Downtown Tour

As part of Visit Orlando’s ongoing neighborhood familiarization series, team members from across the organization joined City of Orlando representatives for a tour of downtown Orlando, spotlighting some of the district’s hidden gems with potential appeal to visitors and media audiences alike. Stops included Judson’s Live at the Dr. Phillips Center, The Plaza Live, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Sparrow Wine Bar & Lounge — joined by Mayor Buddy Dyer and city officials — Luminary Green Park, Art² – À La Cart with a stop at Phat Ash Bakes, the Orange County Regional History Center, CityArts, the Floral Odyssey mural and the Discover Downtown store.

Mayor Demings’ Annual Toy Drive Returns to Support Local Families

The season of giving is here! Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings has officially launched the 15th Annual Holiday Toy Drive, to bring joy to families in need during the holidays. Since 2011, Orange County Government has collected nearly 97,000 toys for kids and teens, all made possible by the generosity and kindness of our community. All donations stay local, benefiting Orange County’s youth and family agencies. Visit Orlando encourages our partners and residents to participate and help spread holiday cheer to families.

Ways to Give

SHOP ONLINE: Purchase a gift online from the virtual toy store by Monday, Dec. 1. All purchases will be shipped directly to the holiday warehouse.

DONATE IN PERSON: Drop off new, unwrapped toys by Monday, Dec. 8. Find a nearby location by using the interactive map.

FOX 35 SHOP & DROP: Join FOX 35 at Walmart on E. Colonial Drive on Dec. 5, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a festive day of shopping and giving.

Visit Orlando Engaged!

Shaping The Future of Tourism

Destinations Florida hosted its Board Meeting and Annual Meeting at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, bringing together destination marketing organizations (DMOs) from across the state to share insights and shape the future of Florida tourism. Danielle Hollander, Visit Orlando’s chief marketing officer, serves on the board of Destination Florida and represented the organization, joining peers for discussions on emerging trends and the importance of collaboration at both the local and state levels.

The event featured a VISIT FLORIDA marketing update from Bryan Griffin, president and CEO, and Brett Laiken, chief marketing officer, highlighting current campaigns and industry metrics driving visitation. A key session, “The Future of Destination Marketing in Florida,” invited candid dialogue on how DMOs can adapt to new challenges while continuing to deliver economic impact for their communities. The industry updates highlighted the incredible growth throughout the state, including new and expanding convention centers, hotels, airport terminals, sports stadiums and artificial reefs.

The Lifeboat Project Raises Awareness for Human Trafficking Survivors

Visit Orlando attended The Lifeboat Project’s Yacht Rock Gala, an organization committed to raising awareness about human trafficking and supporting survivors of abuse in Central Florida. The event raised funds to assist in providing essential services, including housing, food, clothing, healthcare, mental health counseling, education and workforce reintegration. Since its inception, The Lifeboat Project has worked with more than 300 survivors and trained over 10,000 residents and law enforcement personnel to recognize the signs of trafficking and remain vigilant.

In 2023, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health donated $269,272 to charities that serve survivors, including organizations that shine a light on the dark realities of human trafficking. Since that donation, The Lifeboat Project has been able to hire a case manager, purchase two vehicles to provide transportation for survivors, and begin construction on a safe house.

Visit Orlando Participates in Downtown Field Day

The Visit Orlando team was proud to take part in the Orlando City District’s 3rd Annual Downtown Orlando Field Day this week, a high-energy event filled with spirited competition, community fun and camaraderie. Visit Orlando placed fourth out of 31 teams at the event, which was held in the heart of downtown and brought together organizations from across the region, representing a wide range of industries. The event included classic throwback games like sack races and relay runs, all while celebrating the vibrant spirit of our city. We’re grateful for the opportunity to represent Visit Orlando and share the fun with the Orlando community.

In the News

Orlando Magazine: Editor Letter for November: An Ode to Orlando Dining

Time Out: The Alfond Inn Review: Is This The Chicest Hotel In Orlando?

USA Today: Where to stay for a vacation everyone in the family will love