Visit Orlando secured two major broadcast opportunities that spotlighted the destination nationally and internationally: “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and the Canadian Global News’ “The Morning Show.” These broadcasts showcased the breadth of experiences that make our destination Unbelievably Real, increasing Orlando’s visibility during the spring travel period and inspiring future visitation.
On “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” travel expert Emily Kaufman — known as The Travel Mom — highlighted Orlando as a “no brainer” getaway destination on National No Brainer Day. She shared her family’s multigenerational stay at Evermore Resort and surprised one audience member with an Orlando vacation that included experiences at ICON Park. The segment reached more than 1.3 million viewers and reinforced Orlando’s appeal for family travel.
In Canada, “The Morning Show” is airing a six‑week series Feb. 19 to March 26. Entertainment correspondent Morgan Hoffman is exploring Orlando’s newest attractions, entertainment, resorts and dining — encouraging Canadians how to skip winter and head to sunny Orlando.
The partnership will expand further with an early‑April episode takeover in the “Best of TMS” show, branded social content and a viewer sweepstakes for a Universal Orlando Resort vacation, expected to deliver more than 20 million impressions across platforms.
These opportunities support Visit Orlando’s mission to inspire, promote and grow global travel to Orlando while delivering economic and community benefit. We will continue to secure strategic media opportunities and compelling storytelling platforms that elevate our destination.
Food Drive Supporting TSA Employees During the Partial Government Shutdown
A partial government shutdown is affecting employees across the Department of Homeland Security, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff at Orlando International Airport. Despite the lapse in federal funding, TSA employees continue to serve our community and welcome visitors with professionalism and dedication.
In response, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is hosting a collection drive to provide essential items for TSA employees and other impacted federal workers during this period.
Help by donating:
- Nonperishable food items
- Cleaning and laundry supplies
- Diapers (all sizes)
- Pet supplies
- $10 gas or grocery gift cards
Drop-Off Locations and Times
Orlando International Airport – Terminal C Departures Curb
March 6–9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additional days may be added as needed
Orlando Executive Airport (ORL)
365 Rickenbacker Dr., Orlando
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until further notice
We are also working to offer a centralized donation drop-off location at the Visit Orlando office to make it easier for members and partners who wish to participate. We will share more information as soon as details are finalized, or you can reach out to Kristin Westover. In the meantime, if you or your organization are able to contribute now, we encourage you to use the GOAA drop-off locations listed above.
Data & Trends
January 2026 Travel Insights & TDT Collections
Weekly Hotel Metrics
Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending Feb. 28, 2026, reached 79.5%, up 3.4% from the same week last year. Room night demand increased 4.5% year over year, while the average daily rate rose to $225.56, a 4.2% increase.
Across the Industry
Celebrating Excellence at the Big Orange Awards
Congratulations to John McReynolds and the team at Universal Orlando Resort, who were recognized at the 2026 Big Orange Awards, presented by the West Orange Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 28 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The annual event brings together leaders from across West Orange to recognize individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact in the community.
John received the Chair’s Award, and Universal Orlando Resort was named Big Business Member of the Year — honors that reflect their commitment to excellence and their positive impact across our region.
Congratulations to all who were recognized for their positive impact across West Orange.
Around the Destination
Tourist Development Council Presentation
Today, Visit Orlando Chief Operating Officer Charles Harris presented the organization’s first‑quarter update to the Orange County Tourist Development Council, providing Mayor Jerry L. Demings, Mayor Buddy Dyer, Mayor Angie Gardner and council members with an overview of destination performance and strategic priorities.
The update highlighted Orlando’s strong 2025 tourism performance, with year‑over‑year growth across key indicators. Citywide convention attendance increased 20%, average daily hotel rates rose 4%, and Tourist Development Tax collections were up 8%, reflecting sustained demand across both leisure and meetings travel.
Charles also highlighted recent events hosted in Orlando that support future business development, including Event Leaders Exchange (ELX), which brought global heads of events to experience the destination firsthand, and Florida Huddle, VISIT FLORIDA’s signature international trade showcase, which welcomed record attendance and strengthened Orlando’s connections with key global markets.
The presentation also addressed Visit Orlando’s marketing efforts, including the continued impact of the Winter Doesn’t Exist campaign, as well as upcoming initiatives tied to major moments ahead — from a busy summer of soccer connected to the FIFA World Cup to America’s 250th anniversary — positioning Orlando to capture demand during a highly competitive travel period.
Visit Orlando Engaged!
OEP Leadership Orlando Class – Tourism & Hospitality Session
The Orlando Economic Partnership’s (OEP) Leadership Orlando Class 109 gathered March 5 at SeaWorld Orlando for a Tourism and Hospitality Session Day focused on the role our industry plays in supporting the region’s long-term success. Leadership Orlando is the largest community leadership program in the Southeast, offering business and civic leaders a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our region and the role they play in its future.
Through a panel discussion, Visit Orlando Chief Operating Officer (COO) Charles Harris, Visit Orlando board member and President and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association Robert Agrusa; and President and CEO of GO Sports Jason Siegel highlighted how tourism strengthens the region’s economy, fuels opportunity and supports long-term growth.
The session referenced elements of the OEP’s Orlando 2045 Regional Vision, underscoring tourism’s role in supporting that vision. Visit Orlando’s COO Charles Harris shared several key takeaways on how Visit Orlando and tourism contribute to its success:
- It often starts with a single visit — a childhood vacation, convention or a sporting event — that creates an emotional connection and sparks interest in returning to study, work, invest or build a life in Orlando.
- Our marketing positions Orlando as welcoming and innovative, strengthening the region’s reputation well beyond tourism.
- A strong visitor brand fuels opportunity, supporting workforce growth, entrepreneurship and long-term economic development.
Expanding Market Engagement to Drive German Visitation
Visit Orlando participated in TravMedia’s International Media Marketplace (IMM) in Germany on March 2 as part of ongoing efforts to grow awareness of the destination and inspire future travel from the German market. Working with our new German PR agency, FINN Partners, Visit Orlando held over 20 meetings with national, regional and trade media (including WELT am Sonntag, DPA, ZDF and ARD/MDR), helping position Orlando with German audiences ahead of future travel planning.
Conversations focused on fresh narratives for 2026 and beyond, with strong interest in positioning Orlando beyond theme parks through new attractions, culinary experiences, outdoor adventure, culture, neighborhoods and hidden gems. The marketplace also provided insight into German media priorities, travel trends and editorial planning, helping inform future storytelling and partnership opportunities.
Insights from Destinations International’s 2026 Marketing & Communications Summit
From Feb. 24–26, Destinations International convened marketing and communications leaders from destination organizations in Cleveland for its annual Marketing & Communications Summit. This year’s theme, A New Era for Destination Storytelling, explored how shifting traveler expectations, emerging AI technologies and rapid societal change are reshaping how destinations connect with audiences. The summit provided us with valuable insights and strategies that help strengthen how we promote our destination, support the tourism economy and contribute to our community’s long‑term success.
Key takeaways from the summit included:
- Give travelers the right number of choices. Columbia University psychologist Sheena Lyengar shared that too many options overwhelm audiences, while too few can limit engagement. Research points to three to seven choices as the optimal range when presenting itineraries, experiences and travel options.
- Authentic content beats perfection. Even as AI continues to shape content creation, audiences remain drawn to human, authentic storytelling — imperfections included.
- YouTube's role continues to grow. As the world’s second-largest search engine, YouTube increasingly rewards longer‑form (5+ minutes), educational and authentic video content, with watch time — not views — emerging as the most meaningful metric.
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