With the third quarter in full swing (how is it July already?), we know many of our members and industry partners are already looking ahead to 2026, building out plans and strategies to stay ahead in a fast-evolving market. That’s why we’re bringing back Visit Orlando’s Industry Insights Forum — now as an elevated event to share educational, actionable information and industry trends to help plan for 2026 and beyond.

Join us on Wednesday, August 20 at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando from 7:30 a.m. to noon for a powerful half-day event that brings the travel and tourism industry together to dive deep into Orlando’s current economic and travel data as well as learn how to make smart decisions as you plan the remainder of your year.

This year’s forum will feature two dynamic keynote presentations: 

• In Monetary Masala, Anirban Basu, chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, explores whether the U.S. economy is headed for recession, or can America weather emerging trade wars, associated cost increases and uncertainty? Anirban will focus on U.S. and regional economic performance with an eye toward identifying emerging risks to what has been the world's most envied economy. He’ll explore variables of interest including: interest rates, employment growth, real estate valuations and a variety of leading economic indicators. 
   
• In Unlocking the Traveler's Mind: How Orlando Fits into Future Travel Plans, Maria Henson, senior director of market insights and research at Visit Orlando, uncovers the evolving behaviors and preferences of both U.S. and international travelers. Maria explores the key factors driving destination choices, the socioeconomic and geopolitical influences shaping travel plans, and the latest trends in leisure, business and group meeting travel. With a spotlight on Orlando, she’ll share actionable insights to fuel your strategic planning for 2025 and 2026.

Additionally, attendees will take part in interactive Learning Labs, led by Visit Orlando team members. These hands-on sessions will explore key industry trends and offer practical strategies to help you and your organization thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. They include topics on elevating meetings and events, leveraging influencers, practical tips to use AI, marketing communications strategy, hotel sales and using data to turn insights into action.  
 
From data-driven presentations to meaningful conversations, Visit Orlando’s Industry Insights Forum is your opportunity to gain valuable insights, connect with industry peers and leave prepared to finish the year strong and well positioned for the future.

Corporate tables are available for purchase. We look forward to seeing you there!

Visit Orlando Receives Harris Rosen Philanthropic Award

On July 9, Visit Orlando received the 8th Annual Harris Rosen Philanthropic Award, presented by the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce during the “Heart of I-Drive” Luncheon. Inspired by the legacy of renowned hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen, the award recognizes organizations that demonstrate a deep and lasting commitment to giving back. 
 
Visit Orlando was honored for its long-standing dedication to charitable initiatives and work, including Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining program — which has raised nearly $3 million for local nonprofits since 2009 — as well as year-round employee volunteerism and community engagement.  
 
On behalf of the entire Visit Orlando team, we’re thankful to receive an award named after Harris Rosen — someone who truly embodied the spirit of giving back and community transformation. When we lead with service, we don’t just strengthen the tourism industry, we help create a stronger, more connected community for all. Thank you, I-Drive Chamber, for this incredible honor!

Data & Trends

May 2025 TDT Collections

Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections received by Orange County for the May 2025 TDT collection period were $29,993,100. That represents a 5.7% increase compared to May 2024 and the highest May collections on record. The chart shows the monthly year-over-year dollar amount change in TDT collections since October 2022.

Orlando’s travel performance continued its upward trend in May 2025. Hotel occupancy rose to 69.2%, up 0.6% year-over-year, while hotel demand increased 2.6%, primarily driven by the addition of 2,500 hotel rooms to the market. The average daily rate climbed 4.7% to $198.20, up from $189.30 in May 2024. The Orange County Convention Center reported strong citywide attendance, fueled by major events including: Coverings (26,800 attendees), U.S. Chess (17,500 attendees) and SAP & ASUG Annual Conference (15,000 attendees). Short-term rentals in Metro Orlando also saw an increase in demand from May 2024 by 12%.

Weekly Hotel Metrics

Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending July 5, 2025, was 70.2%, down 2.6% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $188.02, up 3.3% from last year. Room night demand trailed last year by 0.8%. 

Across the Industry

Visit Orlando Awarded Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) Designation

Also on July 9, Visit Orlando was awarded the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) designation by Destinations International in recognition of the organization's commitment to industry excellence and meeting the industry standard for performance and accountability of destination organizations around the world. The announcement took place at the Destinations International Annual Convention. Visit Orlando has consistently achieved accreditation since first applying in 2008. Reaccreditation must be completed every five years.  

Destinations International is the world’s largest and most trusted resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards with more than 8,000 members and partners from over 750 destinations. The accreditation program requires a destination organization to successfully comply with a multitude of mandatory and voluntary standards that span a variety of performance areas to gain this momentous achievement. The standards cover nearly all aspects related to the management and marketing of destination organizations including governance, finance, human resources, sales, communications, destination development and research. 
 
This reaccreditation is a testament to Visit Orlando’s dedication to remaining a leading destination marketing organization and underscores our commitment to achieving our mission to inspire, promote and grow global travel to Orlando for economic and community benefit. 

Visit Orlando Engaged!

Visit Orlando Attends Visit USA Media Marketplace and Awards

Visit Orlando’s UK public relations agency attended the Visit USA Media Marketplace on July 1 in London to share Orlando news during 15 meetings. The team held productive conversations with journalists from top UK outlets, including The Sun, The Times, The Telegraph and National Geographic Traveller, as well as with content creators. In addition to networking with top-tier media, two pieces of Visit Orlando-supported coverage were shortlisted for the Visit USA Media Awards: one in the Broadcast Audio category for Holly Rubenstein’s The Travel Diaries, and another in the Consumer Magazine Feature category for Christine Faughlin’s travel review in Sainsbury’s Magazine.

In the News

Athletic Business: Orlando hosts world’s largest volleyball tournament, bolstering its hosting credentials for major events

GoodHousekeeping: 50 best affordable family vacation destinations in 2025

Tasty Chomps: Primo by Chef Melissa Kelly at JW Marriott Orlando wins Forbes Travel Guide’s 2025 Four-Star Award