International visitors play a critical role in Orlando’s tourism success — staying longer, exploring more of our destination and generating greater economic impact for our community. That’s why connecting with global travel buyers and media is a key part of Visit Orlando’s strategy to grow visitation and sustain our destination’s long-term success.

This week, Orlando took center stage at U.S. Travel Association’s IPW in Fort Lauderdale, the travel industry’s leading inbound trade show. The event brings together destinations and travel brands with international buyers and media from around the world to drive future travel to the United States.

Representing Orlando alongside a strong delegation of 20 member organizations, Visit Orlando engaged in a week of appointments, media outreach and signature events designed to position our destination for continued global growth.

One of the most memorable moments of the week was Visit Orlando’s reimagined media breakfast, “Orlando Live,” which drew more than 350 international journalists.

Created in a late-night talk show format the program offered a fresh and engaging way to tell Orlando’s story to international media. Through live interviews and entertainment, the show highlighted the depth and diversity of the destination — from theme parks and sports to arts, culture and culinary experiences. 

The program featured executives from Orlando’s theme parks, the author of our destination cookbook, and special appearances by Orlando Magic legend Bo Outlaw and Stuff. The event also marked a standout moment with the international debut of “Brighter,” a new song inspired by Orlando and performed by Broadway star Michael James Scott.

Beyond the stage, Visit Orlando continued building media relationships and future story pipelines, pitching ideas to more than 40 journalists during a media marketplace that generated interest in coverage across key global markets.

On the business side, the team conducted 175 appointments with international travel buyers, helping drive future visitation and expand opportunities across priority markets.

The week concluded with Visit Orlando’s client event, attended by 150 clients, where show floor conversations continued. The event featured music from Orlando-based talent The Gerry Williams Band — led by a 25-year industry veteran — who also served as the house band for “Orlando Live.”

Together, these efforts highlight a clear strategy: combining strong partnerships, creative storytelling and global engagement to position Orlando as a leading destination for international travelers — and to drive the visitation and economic impact that benefits our entire community.

Orlando Ranks No. 1 For Meetings, Again

On May 19, Orlando was named Cvent’s No. 1 Top Meeting Destination in North America by the industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider. This marks the 11th time Orlando has topped the globally recognized Cvent Top Meeting Destinations list, which analyzes and ranks cities that stand out for their exceptional ability to attract group business to their areas through thoughtful event planner collaboration, distinctive experiential offerings, and unique hotels and venues.

Additionally, 14 Orlando area convention hotels and resorts were named as a Top Meeting Hotels in North America with 10 ranked in the Top 100. 

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Data &Trends

Weekly Metrics

Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending May 16, 2026, was 71%, up 13.3% from the same week last year. Room night demand surpassed last year by 13.7%. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for the week was $210.37, up 9.3% from last year.

Across the Industry

How To Watch The 2026 Michelin Florida Guide Ceremony

Orlando’s culinary spotlight keeps getting brighter. Since the launch of the first MICHELIN Florida Guide in 2022, the global recognition has helped elevate Orlando’s reputation as a must-visit dining destination, showcasing the creativity and diversity of our local culinary community. Today, Orlando is home to 58 MICHELIN-recognized restaurants, a testament to the impact of our destination’s chefs, culinary teams and restaurateurs.

Watch the 2026 MICHELIN Florida Guide Ceremony virtually on May 28 at 2 p.m. ET to see which restaurants across Orlando—and the state—earn this year’s coveted honors and celebrate another milestone for Florida’s dining scene.

View the ceremony live on Michelin’s YouTube channel.

Destinations Florida Board Meeting and Destination Marketing Summit

From May 13–15, Florida’s destination marketing leaders gathered in Palmetto for Destinations Florida’s board of directors meeting and Destination Marketing Summit at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. The board meeting brought together directors and industry peers to discuss emerging trends and the importance of collaboration at both the local and state levels. Visit Orlando was represented by Danielle Hollander, chief marketing officer, who serves on the Destinations Florida board.

The meeting coincided with the 2026 Destinations Florida Destination Marketing Summit, the state’s largest annual gathering of destination marketing professionals and industry partners. The summit featured education sessions led by industry experts and included updates on VISIT FLORIDA’s plans to help destinations attract more visitors to communities across the state.

Around the Destination

Last Call: Restaurant Applications For Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Presented By Orlando Health 

Visit Orlando is accepting final restaurant applications for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining® presented by Orlando Health. Now in its 21st year, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining supports area restaurants while giving back to the local community. The program benefits one or more nonprofits with $1 from each $40 Dinner Option served and $2 from each $60 Dinner Option served throughout the event.

Participating restaurants gain regional and national visibility while helping advance Orlando’s culinary reputation and supporting organizations that assist people in need. Restaurants interested in participating must review the criteria and program requirements and complete the online application by May 29.  

Apply

American Association Of Orthodontists’ Annual Session

Earlier this month, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) held its 2026 Annual Session in Orlando, drawing record‑breaking attendance with over 12,500 attendees. The AAO planning team told Visit Orlando they “couldn’t be happier with the Orlando experience.” This feedback from meetings clients reinforces the commitment Visit Orlando and our hospitality partners bring to producing productive, memorable events for groups that choose Orlando for their meetings and events.

ZIPAIR to Resume Nonstop Orlando–Tokyo Flights

ZIPAIR will again offer nonstop passenger service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT), with three open passenger charter flights scheduled for Aug. 8, 13 and 18. Announced May 20 by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, the additional flights follow strong demand for the airline’s inaugural February and March service—the first nonstop open passenger charter operation between Florida and the Asia-Pacific region. Bookings open in mid-June. ZIPAIR operates from MCO’s Terminal C.

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Visit Orlando Engaged!

Orlando Economic Partnership Advocacy Trip in D.C.

This week, the Orlando Economic Partnership was in Washington, D.C., advocating for the priorities that will shape the future of our region’s economy and competitiveness.

Visit Orlando was part of the delegation that met with members of Florida’s congressional delegation and Senate leadership to discuss issues critical to Central Florida’s continued growth and success including support for our world-leading Modeling, Simulation and Training industry, federal funding for the Florida Semiconductor Engine, and key transportation initiatives like the Sunshine Corridor.

We appreciate the opportunity to meet with Senator Ashley Moody, Senator Rick Scott, Congressman Aaron Bean, Congressman John Rutherford, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Congressman Jared Moskowitz, Congressman Darren Soto, Congressman Maxwell Frost, Congressman Randy Fine, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Congressman Scott Franklin, Congressman Cory Mills, Congressman Mike Haridopolos and Congressman Daniel Webster to share the importance of continued investment in the Orlando region and the industries driving America’s future.

Strong partnerships and consistent advocacy are essential as we work to advance innovation, infrastructure, talent and economic opportunity across our region.

Ai Panel Explores Responsible Use

Visit Orlando participated in “AI at Scale: Growth, Governance, and Readiness,” an artificial intelligence panel hosted by Leadership Florida’s East Central Region. Tim Megginson, vice president of digital and data strategy, joined the conversation to discuss the responsible use of AI, including applications for personalization, content development and data governance.

Leadership Florida is a statewide organization focused on educating and connecting leaders through forums that encourage the exchange of perspectives and informed decision-making. Additional panelists included Dr. Ashwin Parkash of Orlando Health and Regine Bonneau of RB Advisory LLC, who shared insights on cybersecurity considerations related to AI readiness.

In the News

MDFunFam: Best Family Resort in Orlando

Northstar Meetings Group: Orlando Tops Cvent 2026 Meeting Destinations List

ConventionSouth: Orlando sets visitation record with 76.7 million visitors in 2025

Mix News Colombia (Colombia): Orlando Confirms Its Status as One of Soccer’s Biggest Stages This Summer

Panrotas (Brazil): IPW 2026: Visit Orlando highlights news from parks and main attractions of the destination