We’ve done it again, Orlando! For the tenth time, Cvent named Orlando the No. 1 destination in their globally recognized No. 1 Top Meeting Destination in North America list.

To continuously earn the highest distinction from the industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider is truly an honor, as Cvent’s ranking is based on our destination’s exceptional ability to attract group business to Orlando through thoughtful event planner collaboration, distinctive experiential offerings and unique hotels and venues.

Our convention hotels and resorts were honored too with 20 being named to Cvent’s Top Meeting Hotels in North America with 16 hotels ranked in the Top 100 including one Top Ten placement.

This recognition is more than just an award. It keeps Orlando top of mind with planners when they’re choosing where to host their meetings and events. And that means more business, visibility and opportunities for our region.

It is also a testament to our entire region’s dedication to the meetings and conventions industry, fueled by our hotel and hospitality workers, theme parks and attractions, local businesses, vendors and culinary community.

We’ve already seen some outstanding media coverage on this honor, which I encourage you to read and share: Prevue and Smart Meetings.

Our destination continuously looks ahead to maintain our leadership position. The Orange County Convention Center's (OCCC) Grand Concourse Expansion will enhance our ability to host larger groups, allow more flexibility between the North and South buildings and make our destination even more appealing to new and returning business. In 2024, there were only four days without business at the OCCC, showing the need for the expansion, which will help us better layer business.

In just the past few months, the OCCC has seen record attendance at tradeshows and conventions. To keep that momentum going, your Visit Orlando team is staying focused on the strategies that deliver the biggest return, such as site visits that consistently yield the strongest results.

In fact, three out of every four site inspections we host lead to definite business. That’s why we’re constantly creating unique experiences that bring customers to Orlando for site visits to show them the true value of meeting here.

More investment means more growth and more opportunity for our entire community. With these exciting developments ahead, your Visit Orlando team will be there every step of the way, making sure the world continues to choose Orlando for their next meeting.

Honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we pay tribute to the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States. In Orlando, this celebration comes to life through stories, events and experiences that highlight the rich cultural heritage and vibrant voices of the AAPI community.

This year, Visit Orlando is spotlighting AAPI Heritage Month through a custom content feature on WashingtonPost.com, inviting audiences to "witness a different side of Orlando." The article follows Jasmine Kim—a small business owner, first-time mom and foodie who likes to travel—and her family as they explore the destination’s natural beauty while connecting with its AAPI history and culture.

Across Visit Orlando’s blog, social channels and broader marketing initiatives, we’re honoring the voices and contributions of the AAPI community. Highlights include a collaboration with Ricky Ly, founder of the award-winning TastyChomps.com, showcasing Orlando’s Chinatown and its area restaurants’ rich flavors, traditions and must-try eats. Additionally, through a partnership with Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life, we’re featuring performers Yuki Kawabata and Ayako Tagami, who share how they stay rooted in their heritage while performing in Orlando.

Prepare Today: Hurricane Season Begins June 1

With hurricane season approaching June 1, it’s not too early to prioritize emergency preparedness.

In Orange County, our businesses and local agencies have a strong track record of collaboration, ensuring a high level of advanced preparedness for severe storms. Our inland location often makes Orlando an evacuation destination for those located along the coast.

Visit Orlando works closely with the Orange County Office of Emergency Management and other community partners before, during and after a storm or other crisis that might impact travel to our destination. Our team helps ensure that the accurate status of our destination is communicated to key audiences. In addition, we closely monitor hotel occupancy in partnership with our member properties to provide status updates on availability for evacuees from coastal regions.

To kickstart your preparedness efforts, access Orange County Government’s Hurricane Safety Guide, which provides essential details for storm planning.

If you are a Visit Orlando member, be sure to email our member relations team at Membership@VisitOrlando.com to update your emergency contact information.

Additionally, you can stay prepared by committing to the following:

• Assemble an emergency kit that includes important legal documents, like insurance policies.
• Organize a list of proper supplies, such as flashlights, batteries and portable radios.
• Create a business continuity plan incorporating risks, potential impact, preparedness and response actions, roles and responsibilities, communications, testing and training practices.
• Keep a list of Orange County emergency shelters, including general population, special needs and pet-friendly shelters.
• Sign up for OCAlert.net to receive critical emergency information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.

Data & Trends

Weekly Hotel Metrics

Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending May 24, 2025, was 72.8%, up 8.6% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $202.61, up 10.5% from last year. Room night demand surpassed the prior year by 10.8%.

Around the Destination

Orlando Is the Best Summer Travel Destination

Orlando has been named the best metro area for summer travel in 2025, according to WalletHub. To determine the top summer vacation spots, WalletHub compared 100 of the most populated metro areas (or metropolitan statistical areas, defined by the U.S. Census Bureau) across six key categories: travel costs and hassles, local costs, attractions, weather, activities and safety.

Orlando earned points for its world-famous attractions and theme parks, along with affordable hotel rates and direct flights. WalletHub also noted Orlando’s high rankings in the number of water parks, boat tours, ice cream shops, coffee shops, shopping centers and spas—offering a mix of thrills and relaxation perfect for the summer season.

Visit Orlando Engaged!

British American Business Council of Central Florida

Visit Orlando participated in the British American Business Council of Central Florida’s (BABCCF) Travel Industry Power Lunch, an event focused on learning how this market is evolving and what it means for organizations across travel, hospitality and professional services. The British American Business Council of Central Florida helps businesses and professionals connect and grow in both regions.

I joined Adam Rogers, vice president of market management at Americas DNATA Travel Group and our own Phil White, travel industry sales director at Visit Orlando, for a panel discussion covering the importance of British travel to Central Florida, why Orlando continues to attract repeat visitors from the UK, marketing efforts to grow inbound tourism and travel trends from a tour operator’s perspective.

In 2024, Orlando welcomed 907,900 visitors from the UK, representing our second-largest international source market. This audience plans their travel more than eight months in advance and spends an average of 10 nights in Orlando. Adam shared that for the UK traveler, Orlando is up against fierce competition from the Middle East, Greece and Turkey, making Visit Orlando’s marketing efforts even more important than ever.

Visit Orlando Featured on Falcon’s Beyond's Experience Imagination Podcast

This week, I joined Falcon’s Beyond on their award-winning podcast Experience Imagination, where I shared insights on the positive impact of Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe opening, exploring the effect on the local economy and the power of the experience economy.

Experience Imagination takes listeners behind the scenes of the themed entertainment industry, featuring conversations with professionals who plan, design and build world-class destinations and attractions.

Thank you to Falcon’s Creative Group for the opportunity to discuss the tremendous impact a new theme park has on our tourism industry and the benefits to our local economy. When something new like Universal Epic Universe opens, the entire region benefits because visitors don't just go to one park—they stay in our hotels and resorts, dine at local restaurants, shop in our stores and explore other attractions.

In the News

Travel + Leisure: Insider Hacks to Make Your Next Walt Disney World Vacation Better

ClickOrlando.com: New site launches to amplify Orlando’s art, culture tourism amid funding uncertainty

Going Awesome Places (Canada): The Ultimate Guide To Orlando: Best Attractions, Eats & Experiences

Black Meetings & Tourism : Epic Universe Opening Puts National Spotlight on Orlando