Visit Orlando partnered with Expedia Group to host an Industry Insights Forum at UCF's Rosen College of Hospitality Management, attracting over 300 attendees. The forum provided attendees with a holistic and unique perspective of the travel industry and our destination, equipping participants with actionable insights to drive their business forward.

During the general session "Orlando Market: Navigating Current Travel Trends," Expedia shared new research on traveler intent showing that globally, traveler searches increased by 25% quarter over quarter and outlined several trends impacting travelers' behavior, including:
 

• Set-jetting – Travelers are finding inspiration from popular TV shows and movies for their next getaway.
• Tour Tourism – Concerts serve as an excuse for traveling to a specific destination, with 40% of respondents more likely to travel to watch a concert than last year.
• Vibe Check – A hotel’s mood and feel have started weighing into traveler decisions, with the word “vibe” up by 1090% in reviews.
• Go-ccasions – Travelers are looking at many different reasons to take a trip together beyond the family vacation or honeymoon, with celebrations like first date anniversaries, job promotions or even puppy moons cited as reasons to travel.
• Gen Gen AI – In 2023, only 6% of respondents planned to use generative AI to plan their next trip, while in 2024, half of respondents noted interest in using AI for trip planning.

You can find more detailed insight within the Unpack ‘24: The Trends in Travel report from Expedia Group.

In addition to Expedia’s presentation, Visit Orlando’s Market Research & Insights team shared an update on Orlando’s performance this year so far. We’ll share highlights from that presentation in next week’s edition of Tourism Matters.

Elevating Orlando’s Dining Scene Through Tripadvisor Partnership

Visit Orlando continues to elevate our destination’s culinary scene with tours targeting foodie travelers. We partnered with Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform, to promote new Orlando epicurean branded trips and the growing dining scene following the recent Michelin announcement. The campaign takes users on a flavorful journey through Orlando and includes three distinct epicurean trips:

• Somebody Feed Phil Tour to Orlando’s must-try eats based on the Orlando episode of Netflix’s popular hit series “Somebody Feed Phil.” A great example of the Jet-Setting trend.
• MICHELIN Meals Tour to Orlando including options from premium dining to casual eateries.
• Food Challenges Tour to take on Orlando’s best food challenges for the culinary adventurer, exploring our destination's drive-ins, bars and grills.

The Orlando Epicurean Tours will be promoted on Tripadvisor’s digital and social channels in the U.S. and Canada from May through July to incorporate Orlando’s diverse culinary offerings into their summer travel planning.

Data & Trends

Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending June 22, 2024, was 73.3% which was down 1.5% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $200.11, which was up 3.4% from last year. Room night demand trailed prior year by 0.8%.

Across the Industry

CBP Expansion of Facial Biometrics at the Port of Vancouver: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to test new technology and processes at our borders to secure and streamline travel and trade. Recently, CBP and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority partnered to introduce facial biometric technology for cruise passengers departing from the Canada Place terminal. This new technology will provide a fast, secure, and convenient experience for passengers embarking on a cruise. This collaboration and development is a significant step as CBP continues to strengthen border security while facilitating travel and trade. Read more.

Around the Destination

50th Anniversary Celebration: Congratulations to Rosen Hotels & Resorts 50 years since opening its doors on June 24, 1974. Over the past five decades, Rosen Hotels & Resorts has tremendously impacted Central Florida’s hospitality industry, providing millions of travelers with exceptional vacation experiences and service.

Rosen Hotels & Resorts brought together its team, industry professionals, community members and city officials to celebrate the milestone. Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings declared June 24, 2024, as “Harris Rosen Day”; Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 6 Commissioner Bakari F. Burns proclaimed June 24, 2024, as “Rosen Hotels & Resorts 50th Anniversary Day”; U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost (FL-10) presented a Congressional Record; and Orlando Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome recited a dedicated poem to attendees. Learn more here. 
 
New District 5 City of Orlando Commissioner: This week, Shaniqua "Shan" Rose was sworn in at the Oath of Office Ceremony as District 5 Interim City Commissioner. District 5 comprises Parramore, Rock Lake, Ivey Lane, the Mercy Drive corridor and more areas. The Oath of Office event reaffirms an elected official’s commitment to faithfully perform the outlined duties according to the District City Commissioner's role within the City of Orlando. On behalf of Visit Orlando, we congratulate Shan Rose and look forward to the great work she, Mayor Buddy Dyer and all the City of Orlando Commissioners are doing to elevate Orlando and its diverse neighborhoods and districts for residents and travelers. Watch the Oath of Office Ceremony here. 

New Seasonal Airline Service: Delta Airlines has announced a new seasonal, winter service between Orlando and London’s Heathrow Airport, operating from October 26, 2024, to March 29, 2025. The flight will run four times weekly on an Airbus A330-900neo, featuring Delta One Suites and Delta Premium Select cabins. Learn more.

Visit Orlando Engaged!

Loch Haven Art Tour: Visit Orlando's marketing, public relations and visitor services teams attended United Arts' pilot Loch Haven Art Tour. Launching in August, this will be the second walking art tour the organization introduces this year for locals and travelers to experience. Led by knowledgeable guides, the Loch Haven Art Tour will showcase contemporary artistry and explore the destination's history and evolution. The walking tour includes stops at the Orlando Museum of Art, Mennello Museum of American Art, Mills Gallery and Ten10 Brewing & Virginia Ave. Learn more here.

Visit USA Media Marketplace in London: To promote Orlando in the UK, Orlando’s top overseas market, Visit Orlando’s UK public relations agency attended the Visit USA Media Marketplace in London, holding meetings with eight media representatives. Visit Orlando was one of 43 U.S. tourism exhibitors and engaged in meaningful discussions with key journalists from top UK publications, including National Geographic Traveller, The Independent and The Times. We also connected with high-quality content creators to promote Orlando and identify potential editorial and press trip opportunities.

In the News

Orlando Parenting Magazine: 12 awesome things to do labor day weekend with kids in Orlando

ConventionSouth: Evermore Orlando Resort welcomes Fred Sawyers as managing director

Hotel Management: Wyndham Orlando Resort introduces AI bartender experience

Orlando Weekly: Seven Orlando parks rank among TripAdvisor’s ‘Best of the Best Things to Do’ in the country

Click Orlando: Blue Man Group returning to Orlando. Here’s where to see shows