This week, Visit Orlando, in partnership with the Orange County Convention Center, attended PCMA’s Convening Leaders Conference in Columbus, OH.
“Team Orlando” coordinated a presentation focused on our region’s global brand, “Unbelievably Real,” that kicked off a session for more than 3,300 attendees.
Our team also hosted meeting professionals at an industry luncheon, networked with clients and conducted interviews with key trade journalists.
PCMA is the largest organization for association planners, and the conference creates a lasting impact in the meetings and conventions discipline throughout our industry.
Read more about PCMA Convening Leaders.
Orlando Featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show and TODAY
Working closely with two national travel experts, Visit Orlando secured two national TV segments in one week, keeping Orlando top of mind for travel planning in the new year:
- The Kelly Clarkson Show: Guest hosted by Howie Mandel, the show featured national travel expert, The Travel Mom, sharing Orlando highlights beyond the theme parks including hang gliding at Wallaby Ranch, The Beer Spa and Michelin dining. During the segment, an audience member won an “Unbelievably Real” trip to Orlando. The show airs in 213 U.S. markets and seven Canadian markets.
- TODAY with Hoda and Jenna: National travel expert, Dayvee Sutton, shared unexpected activities in Orlando including Beer Spa, the sculpture garden at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel and footage of Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. The national TV segment reached an estimated 1.3 million viewers.
Hotel Metrics
For the week ending January 7, 2023, Metro Orlando occupancy was 71.3%, up 22.7% from the same week last year. The average daily rate was $196, up 21% from last year.
Around the Destination
Hospitality Hall of Fame: Visit Orlando board member, Barbara Bowden, will be inducted into the Rosen College of Hospitality Management’s Hall of Fame in February. As a 2023 inductee, Barbara will be celebrated, along with two other industry professionals, for leading and innovating within the hospitality industry. Read more.
Grand Openings: This week, two Experiences to See in 2023 celebrated grand openings. Fringe ArtSpace, operated by Orlando Fringe in downtown Orlando, is a year-round performing arts venue that will include two theatre spaces for concerts, pop-up events, workshops and more. Also, Legoland Florida Resort debuted Pirate River Quest, which takes its passengers on a journey and friendly treasure hunt through uncharted waters.
Transportation Expansion: This week, Brightline unveiled a first look inside the upcoming Orlando Station. Located at Orlando International Airport, the Brightline Orlando train station will connect 170 miles of track from Central Florida to south Florida. Learn more.
Visit Orlando Engaged!
Delegation Meeting: Yesterday, I had the chance to speak to our Orange County state legislators about the importance of tourism marketing and the vital role VISIT FLORIDA plays. When travel thrives, so do we. In fact, the revenue generated by tourism saves every Florida household more than $1,500 a year on state and local taxes.
We support the continued funding of VISIT FLORIDA so we can work together to achieve our mission of becoming the most visited, welcoming and inclusive destination in the world. Legislative session begins March 7 and we will provide weekly updates on issues that impact our industry.
Elon University: Visit Orlando hosted a group of undergraduate students from Elon University this week helping them to learn more about Orlando's tourism industry and our role in marketing the destination.
In the News
Meetings Today: Visit Orlando's Casandra Matej unveils new meetings experiences for 2023, from PCMA Convening Leaders
Orange County Government: Orange County leads the way in creating “EPIC” ESOL pilot for International Drive hotel employees
TravelPulse: Orlando reveals 23 new experiences for visitors in 2023
Bungalower: Mayor Dyer recorded a new greeting for the airport
Northstar Meetings Group: Universal moves to build rail stop in Orlando's tourism hub