Visit Orlando is warming up The Big Apple with an Orlando-themed family fun day and Orlando Skate Night at the Winter Village at Bryant Park in the heart of New York City.

The sunshine-themed celebration, happening this weekend, lets families experience some fun elements of an Orlando vacation as they skate to an Orlando Sunshine playlist, sip on hot cocoa and snap pictures inside an interactive Orlando Sun Globe.

They can also enter for a chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to one of Orlando’s world-famous theme parks — plus a Visit Orlando swag bag — by sharing photos and selfies on Instagram with the #VisitOrlando hashtag.

In addition, as part of our “Winter Doesn’t Exist” campaign running through March, a new advertising initiative includes a snow-covered message to find summer and the installation of heat lamps on the inside of Manhattan bus shelters.

Hire Summer Interns at No Cost

CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF) is encouraging Orlando businesses and organizations to influence the future workforce by adding student interns to their employee roster. CSCF’s Youth Program’s purpose is to curate local talent for high demand industries, help local businesses achieve their needs and cultivate growth in the Central Florida community. CSCF will cover students wages during the four-week paid internship.

As future leaders in the community, the program aims to prepare students to be workforce ready, help them gain hands-on experience in an industry of their choice and connect with industry professionals. Learn more and apply.

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Visit Orlando Hosts UK and Canada Media

This week our public relations team hosted a “Winter Sun UK/Canada Press Trip” to encourage media interest in promoting Orlando. Journalists represented organizations from six media outlets including Woman's Weekly, Scottish Sun and ELLE Canada. They experienced Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando’s local neighborhoods, arts and culture, shopping and outdoor adventures. They also dined at Michelin recognized restaurants. Media visits are an important way for journalists to experience first-hand why Orlando is “Unbelievably Real.”

Hotel Metrics

For the week ending February 4, 2023, Metro Orlando occupancy was 77.9%, up from 72% the previous week and up 10.2% when compared to last year. The average daily rate was $216.03, a 15.6% increase from last year.

Visit Orlando Engaged!

ARA Rental Show: The American Rental Association (ARA) hosted their “Rental Show – Women in Rental Breakfast” at the Orange County Convention Center. I want to thank the ARA for inviting me to share an overview of Visit Orlando and our destination, as well as my journey as a CEO in the industry. Also, congratulations on a successful event and we look forward to ARA’s return in the future.

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Member Meet-Up: Visit Orlando’s membership team hosted a sold-out Member Meet-Up at the Amway Center to unite and encourage connections with member organizations, and to cheer on the Orlando Magic.

Annual Dinner: Visit Orlando attended Orlando Economic Partnership’s (OEP) annual dinner celebrating Orlando’s growth, successes and future trajectory with top business and elected leaders of the community. Congratulations to the James B. Greene Award recipients for contributing to the success of our wonderful city.

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HSMAI Luncheon: The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) hosted their monthly luncheon this week. Visit Orlando national account directors, Joseph Kempa and Vickie Keliher, provided an update on Visit Orlando and some best practices for responding to leads.

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CFHLA Monthly Meeting: On Wednesday, Visit Orlando hosted a meeting between Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill (who represents District 5 which includes the Parramore, Rock Lake, Ivey Lane neighborhoods and the Mercy Drive corridor) and the CFHLA Government Affairs Committee. Thank you, Commissioner Hill, for your availability to discuss issues important to Central Florida’s hotel and lodging industry. We appreciate your dedication and expertise.

Casandra Matej's photo and signature for Tourism Matters