During this Thanksgiving season, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to represent a destination loved by residents and travelers around the world.
I’m incredibly grateful for the talented team at Visit Orlando, whose dedication and hard work make our successes possible. I want to extend my sincere thanks to our partners and members for their ongoing support in making our shared home Unbelievably Real—a community enriched by theme parks and attractions, unique experiences, outdoor adventures, a vibrant culinary scene and so much more.
Because of this support Orlando continues to be a top destination for travelers this holiday. AAA projects that nearly 80 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, with Orlando leading as the top domestic destination.
Additionally, Orlando was recently ranked among the 2024 Top Thanksgiving Travel Destinations by Allianz Partners USA., based on a study of over 750,000 travel itineraries.
Our data also points to a strong holiday season with Thanksgiving weekend leisure bookings for Orlando pacing 10% ahead of last year and leisure bookings for the Christmas–New Year’s holiday week tracking 8% higher than this time last year.
Following the Thanksgiving holiday, savvy travelers will be on the lookout for Black Friday and Travel Tuesday deals. To capitalize on this trend, we’ve launched Orlando’s Best Holiday Travel Deals, where residents and travelers can save up to 60% off theme park tickets, annual passes and hotel stays with limited-time offers. No matter the season, your Visit Orlando team is always looking for ways to keep Orlando top of mind for travelers.
Thank you again for your support of our organization and team. Whether you’re spending time with loved ones or celebrating a Friendsgiving, the entire Visit Orlando team wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Tourism Matters will resume on Friday, December 6.
WE SERVE: Making a Difference Together!
This week, the Visit Orlando team came together for our annual all-team volunteer event with our Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining partner, The Mustard Seed of Central Florida. Over four days, we had the privilege of supporting their mission to help families and individuals rebuild their lives after experiencing disaster or personal hardship.
Our team worked on a variety of tasks, from sorting donations and organizing household goods to assisting with furniture distribution and deconstructing mattresses—all while supporting The Mustard Seed’s commitment to environmental responsibility in Central Florida.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated, demonstrating the power of teamwork and our dedication to giving back to the community. Together, we made a tangible impact, helping to provide essential items to those in need. Let’s continue to make a positive difference, both in our community and beyond!
Celebrate Visit Orlando’s 2024 Milestones at the Year-End Celebration
I look forward to you celebrating Visit Orlando and the destination’s 2024 milestones at Visit Orlando’s Year-End Celebration on Friday, December 6, at the Hilton Orlando. At the event, we’ll also announce the funds raised for The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, introduce new board appointments and hold the official gavel exchange ceremony to transition the Board Chair role for 2025-2026 and more.
Data & Trends
Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending November 16, 2024 was 72.8%, which was down -2.2% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $194.58, flat to the same period last year. Room night demand trailed the prior year by -1.6%.
Across the Industry
U.S. Travel Association Fall Week: This week, I attended the U.S. Travel Association’s Fall Week in Washington, D.C., which included board meetings, the Future in Travel Mobility conference and the Hall of Leaders celebration. There was much discussion about how technology will shape the future of the travel experience, including the importance of biometrics throughout the airport process. The U.S. Travel Association remains focused on telling the story of how travel is essential to the U.S. economy, working on solutions for seamless travel and positioning the U.S. as the top travel destination in the world.
We ended the week by celebrating two inductees to the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders for their dedication and impact on the travel industry: former President and CEO of Brand USA and VISIT FLORIDA, Chris Thompson, and former President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bill Talbot. Congratulations, and thank you for all you have done for the travel industry and the communities you have served.
New IAB Guidelines Released: The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has released the Cross-Channel Measurement for Marketers Playbook, offering key strategies marketers need to solve some of our toughest challenges, including building a unified data strategy, simplifying attribution and navigating privacy complexities. The playbook provides actionable steps to help marketers improve results and was developed in partnership with the Measurement, Addressability & Data (MAD) Board. Visit Orlando’s Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Technology, Tim Megginson, is a representative of the board. Learn more.
Around the Destination
Orlando Pride Headed to NSWL Championship: After a win over the Kansas City Current in the NWSL Semifinals, the Orlando Pride is heading to the 2024 NWSL Championship! On Saturday, Nov. 23, at 8 p.m., they’ll face the Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City. There will be an NWSL Final Watch Party at Sports & Social Live at The Pointe on International Drive, where Pride fans can unite to cheer on the team. The party kicks off at 7 p.m. and will feature exciting raffles and amazing specials. RSVP here. Let’s come together to support the Pride!
Additionally, Orlando City will face Atlanta United FC this Sunday, Nov. 24, at 3:30 p.m. in the Eastern Conference Semifinal. Tickets can be purchased here.
Orlando's Downtown Development Board Recognition: Congratulations to the City of Orlando's Downtown Development Board (DDB) and Community Redevelopment Agency for receiving an award from the Florida Redevelopment Association in the Creative Project Funding and Redevelopment Partnerships – Large City category. This recognition celebrates their dedication to creating engaging, inclusive spaces in downtown Orlando.
In 2023, the DDB activated small, underutilized properties, transforming two key corner sites into vibrant art gallery plazas as part of An Ode to Third Places. At 30 S. Orange Ave., the site was reimagined with quick-build modifications, and Visit Orlando partnered with the DDB on a global mural campaign located at 1 N. Rosalind Ave. A multi-year collaborative effort turned the space into a beautiful gateway to Lake Eola Park, featuring the Achromatic Aria Fresco, which celebrates Orlando's diversity.
CANVAS Steering Committee: CANVAS is a cultural plan for Orange County and the City of Orlando aimed at strengthening cultural vibrancy throughout our region. The plan will create a blueprint for the continued growth of the arts and creative sectors and increased access to the arts for everyone over the next 10 years. Please consider taking this survey, which is open for responses until Jan. 31, 2025, and participating in the vision board. Additionally, there will be open-to-the-public Artist Sessions—community conversations to provide input on the CANVAS Cultural Plan for the City of Orlando and Orange County—on Dec. 9 in Winter Garden and Dec. 10 in downtown Orlando.
Visit Orlando Engaged!
Galaxy Vacations Mega FAM: Visit Orlando’s Travel Industry Sales Team conducted a training seminar at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Orlando for over 100 travel advisors across 14 Latin American countries during Galaxy Vacations annual Mega FAM. All participants obtained their Orlando Travel Academy certificate prior to traveling. The Orlando Travel Academy is an online training resource platform that provides travel advisors with an additional tool to boost their knowledge of Orlando.
Marriott International Convention Resort Network: Visit Orlando’s VP of Sales and Services Stephanie Naegele joined a panel with several Marriott executives at Marriott’s “Meet with Momentum” event held at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. The series is designed to provide meeting professionals with immersive, in-person experiences at Marriott’s top properties in the U.S. and Canada. These events showcase the latest innovations in meeting and event technology, local collaborations and new property developments that support in-person events. Participants in the “Meet with Momentum” events experience the host city through exclusive destination activities, tours of reimagined spaces, and introductions to new technology and sustainability initiatives. The program also includes networking opportunities, panel discussions and unique activities that highlight local culture.
BABC of Central Florida: Visit Orlando attended the inaugural meeting for the British American Business Council of Central Florida (BABC) at the National Entrepreneur Center in Orlando, supporting efforts across tourism and multiple sectors. The BABC is focused on helping businesses and professionals connect and grow throughout the region by encouraging trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Congratulations to Justine Assal, newly appointed British Honorary Consul for the BABC!
In the News
Meetings Today: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin breaks ground, $275 million renovation
Bungalower: New Tech Hub now open in downtown Orlando
Orlando Sentinel: AdventHealth, Orlando Health legacy hospitals receive A grades
Meetings Today: Why Meeting Planners Across Multiple Industries Are Choosing Orlando
