Mark your calendars for Visit Orlando’s Travel & Tourism Event on Thursday, May 7, at the Orange County Convention Center.

Held during National Travel and Tourism Week, the annual event brings together industry professionals, business leaders and community partners to celebrate tourism’s role in Central Florida’s economy and quality of life.

This year’s program spotlights the people and partnerships and progress that help our destination thrive and why travel remains essential to our region’s economic vitality. We’ll also unveil Orlando’s 2025 visitation results, along with a few special surprises.

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman will join us to share insights on travel’s role in economic growth and how U.S. Travel is supporting the industry’s future.

RSVP now to be a part of the celebration!

Register

Nfl Names Orlando Temporary Home of the Jaguars for 2027

The NFL has approved Camping World Stadium as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ temporary home for the 2027 season, bringing national exposure and new economic opportunity to our region.

This is a big win for Orlando. Hosting an NFL season in Orlando builds on the momentum of our sports tourism success and is expected to boost visitation and support businesses across our destination. With convenient airport access, a range of accommodations and a welcoming community, Orlando is ready for a season of big crowds and game-day energy.

Thank you to Florida Citrus Sports, the City of Orlando, Orange County government and our partners for bringing this opportunity to our destination.

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Data & Trends

Weekly Hotel Metrics

Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending March 28, 2026, was 77.5%, up 1% from the same week last year. Room night demand surpassed last year by 2.1%. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for the week was $248.48, up 5% from last year.

Across the Industry

Destinations International CEO Summit

Tourism is changing fast, and informed leadership matters more than ever. This week, I joined destination leaders from across the country at the Destinations International CEO Summit, held March 30-April 1 in California, for conversations on the tourism industry’s changing needs.

The forum covered workforce challenges, organizational culture and personal resilience, offering ideas we can bring back to better serve our partners, visitors and communities. AI continues to be a hot topic on how the DMO community is embracing, and using it to make real change within their organizations.

Thank you to Destinations International President and CEO Don Welsh and the Destinations International team for convening a valuable forum for collaboration.

Some takeaways: 

• AI in Action: AI adoption requires pursuing two parallel tracks: individual empowerment (giving team members the tools to save time) and organizational enablement (automating workflows and operational processes).
• Global Travel Demand: Canada is experiencing record demand amid geopolitical shifts, as travelers are redirecting from other destinations. Canada is seeing new air routes from Australia, Asia, South America and Europe.
• Community Value: It takes collaboration in our communities to address complex challenges and opportunities. The value of DMOs in our communities goes beyond economic impact to encompass community pride and brand ambassadorship.

It was great to hear from Longwoods International that the sky is not falling when it comes to Americans wanting to travel. Travel has converted from a want to a need. People want to reconnect, relax and rewind, and they can do that through travel. Travelers are reducing spend, not canceling trips.

Even with increased costs of gas and oil, road trips are dominating travel plans, with 40% of American travelers saying their main activity will be a road trip. Ninety-one percent of American travelers have plans to travel in the next six months — and what better place than Orlando? Ultimately, travel demand remains resilient.

Around the Destination

UCF Rosen College Reimagined

UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management unveiled Rosen College Reimagined on March 23, transforming the former library and bookstore into a centralized student hub with student services, study areas and gathering spaces that support collaboration and learning.

The space introduces the CFHLA Concierge Desk, a new on-campus resource connecting students with hospitality professionals. The desk will support mentorship, career exploration and real-world industry engagement.

Congratulations to UCF Rosen College on this transformative investment and helping future hospitality professionals build skills, relationships and careers right here in Orlando.

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Regional Leaders Convene to Shape Orlando’s Future

The Orlando Economic Partnership hosted its 2026 Regional Leadership Conference on March 27 at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, convening business and community leaders to align around the region’s long-term economic growth. Presented by Universal Orlando Resort, the conference focused on advancing Orlando’s 2045 vision, with discussions centered on innovation, creative capital, and—critically—regional connectivity.

A key takeaway was the role transportation and mobility will play in sustaining our growth and tourism economy. Leaders highlighted upcoming investments, including expanded I‑4 express lanes extending into Polk County, the evolving future of SunRail, and the addition of the Sunshine Corridor, which will strengthen connections between tourist districts, the airport and employment centers.

Downtown Orlando is also poised for transformation, with plans to revitalize the former Orlando Sentinel site and convert key streets from one-way to two-way to improve access, walkability, and economic activity. It was great to connect with partners across the region and reflect on how these collective efforts support Orlando’s long-term success.

Visit Orlando Engaged!

Visit Orlando Hosts Colombian Media Ahead of Colombia vs. Croatia Showdown

Visit Orlando hosted journalists from major Colombian outlets during Road to 26 to boost Orlando’s visibility ahead of major international sporting events. Media members from El País, Win Sports, Noticias RCN, La FM and Blu Radio attended the Colombia vs. Croatia match, spotlighting Orlando for fans and future travelers. The itinerary included an Orlando Solar Bears game, Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney, and visits to Universal Orlando Resort. The group stayed at Conrad Orlando and Meliá Orlando Celebration and visited Evermore Orlando Resort, underscoring Orlando’s world-class experiences beyond game day.

Orlando’s Sports Scene Gets the Spotlight With Brazilian Influencer Lucca Maciel

Visit Orlando hosted Brazilian sports influencer Lucca Maciel during Road to 26 to showcase Orlando’s sports scene, global appeal for major events and year-round fan experiences to his nearly 8 million social media followers (TikTok and Instagram). He attended the Brazil vs. Croatia match and also took in an Orlando Magic game and an Orlando Solar Bears matchup. His visit included Universal Orlando Resort and other area attractions, including Pointe Orlando and Topgolf, highlighting sports tourism as a key and growing segment among Brazilian travelers.

In the News

National Geographic Traveler: Searching for sunshine? Here's your essential guide to visiting Orlando

TravelPulse: Beyond Theme Parks: Discovering Quieter Side of Orlando

Reader’s Digest: 4 Super Fun Things to Do in Orlando That Don't Involve Disney

Southern Living: I'm An Orlando Local—These Are The Hidden Gems Not To Miss

SPORTbible (UK): With over 100 screens, this bar is the perfect place to watch the 2026 World Cup