Gearing up for National Travel & Tourism Week – May 19-25
Sunday marks the start of National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW), the annual commencement of the industry’s critical role in powering economies, communities and connections. To showcase how Visit Orlando is helping our economy, member companies and area residents, we have several activities and events on tap.
Monday, May 20: Visit Orlando will share activity updates, including a new campaign focused on how Tourism Benefits You, to several regional and diversity chambers of commerce during an event at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts.
Wednesday, May 22: We will recognize and thank frontline employees at U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Transportation Security Administration, as well as the Tourist Oriented Policing Squad first responders of sectors five and six.
Thursday, May 23: We will host our annual Travel & Tourism Event at the Orange County Convention Center with an official proclamation from Mayor Jerry L. Demings. During the event, we will celebrate the 40-year anniversary of Visit Orlando membership, and Phil Rosenthal, creator of "Everybody Loves Raymond" and host of the Netflix hit show, "Somebody Feed Phil," will join us as our keynote speaker.
Friday, May 24: To end the weeklong celebration, we’re holding a Visit Orlando staff appreciation event as our team members are our most important asset, and they are critical to driving success to advance the Orlando brand.
To learn more about NTTW, including how you can join us in promoting it across your network, check out this toolkit from the U.S. Travel Association.
Data & Trends
Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending May 11, 2024, was 75.7% which was up 18.6% from the same week last year. This was at least partially driven by NPE: The Plastics Show at the Orange County Convention Center pushing I-Drive hotel occupancy up 25% versus the same week prior year. Room night demand was also significantly above the prior year (19.8%).
The average daily rate for the week was $212.49, up 8.6% from the same week last year.
Across the Indsutry
FAA Reauthorization: The House and Senate voted to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024, which is a critical step towards modernizing the air travel system. The bill will now be moved to the President’s desk for final passage. The five-year reauthorization includes:
- Increased air traffic control staffing
- Investments to modernize air traffic control technology
- Expanded workforce development grants for pilots, mechanics and manufacturers
- Increased funding and flexibility for airport improvement grants
The effort to pass the Act successfully blocked an amendment to the FAA bill that would have limited the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) use of facial recognition technology, undermined national security and slowed checkpoint screening. We are so grateful for those of you that helped advocate on behalf of the tourism industry to block the amendment. Learn more.
Visa Milestones Support U.S. Economy and Global Ties: The U.S. Department of State provided an update on how they’re facilitating travel, promoting people-to-people ties and bringing economic benefit to local communities and key sectors across the United States. In the first half of fiscal year 2024 (October 2023 to March 2024), the U.S. Department of State issued a record number of nearly 5.2 million nonimmigrant visas, more than in any previous year over the same period. International visitors have in recent years contributed as much as $239 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supporting an estimated 9.5 million American jobs, including the travel and tourism industry, which is crucial for U.S. job growth.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of State issued nearly 4.1 million B visitor visas (and border crossing cards) for tourists and temporary business travelers worldwide, particularly in countries like Mexico, India and China. To keep up with high demand, they are using new technologies and simplifying processes while ensuring security. This helps strengthen U.S. global connections and economic health. Read more.
Around the Destination
