This week, Visit Orlando announced that the destination welcomed 6.13 million international visitors in 2023, an increase of 25% over 2022 numbers. The news was shared during a media event attended by over 300 domestic and international media at U.S. Travel Association’s IPW, the country’s largest travel trade show promoting international travel to the U.S.
Canada remains Orlando’s top international market, with more than 1.2 million visitors traveling to Orlando in 2023, the highest number from this market in Orlando’s history. The 2023 international visitation numbers represent 94% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels, with Canada, U.K. and Brazil remaining the top three international origin markets for Orlando.
Orlando’s international growth is a testament to the uniqueness of our unbelievably real destination, the support from our travel trade partners and our emphasis on strategic marketing initiatives to help drive visitation from our key international markets. Read more here: Visit Orlando Announces 25% Year-Over-Year International Visitation Growth in 2023.
Members of Visit Orlando's team and membership showcase Orlando at U.S. Travel’s IPW.
In addition to the media event, the Visit Orlando team, along with 18 members, showcased Orlando to buyers and media over three days with hundreds of appointments at IPW in Los Angeles.
Orlando-based musicians Live Hart and EK Collective performed at the media breakfast and a client event hosted in partnership with Experience Kissimmee, which brought together over 200 key clients from key markets around the world. Overall, IPW hosted 5,700 attendees, including 2,000 international buyers and media from nearly 70 countries.
Update: FAA Reauthorization Amendment
Many thanks to all who took action in support of the industry to oppose a Senate amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bill. This amendment aimed to restrict the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from utilizing automated facial matching technology at airport checkpoints. Thanks to over 3,000 letters sent to Congress from various corners of the country, the amendment was rejected without a vote, and the Senate has now passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. In the upcoming days, the legislation will undergo voting in the House before proceeding to the President’s desk for approval.
Register for Visit Orlando’s Travel & Tourism Event
Join us on Thursday, May 23, for Visit Orlando’s Travel & Tourism Event at the Orange County Convention Center. We're celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week and the 40-year anniversary of Visit Orlando membership. Phil Rosenthal, creator of "Everybody Loves Raymond" and host of the Netflix hit show, "Somebody Feed Phil," will join us as our keynote speaker. In a Q&A discussion with Ricky Ly, founder of the local award-winning Orlando multimedia food and travel guide, TastyChomps.com., Rosenthal will share stories from his recent episode filmed in Orlando and his journey from creating a hit comedy show to an internationally renowned culinary series in its seventh season.
Data & Trends
Metro Orlando's hotel occupancy rate for the week ending May 4, 2024, was 69.4% down -4% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $207.12, up 3.3% from the same week last year. Room night demand trailed prior year by -2.9%.
March 2024 TDT Collections: Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Collections for the March 2024 TDT collection month were $40,550,000. March 2024 collections were higher than March 2023 collections by $1.6 million or 4%. This is also the highest monthly collection ever.
Visit Orlando‘s efforts to promote spring travel included extending broadcast TV elements of our campaign to take advantage of live TV viewership during the holiday season with a “Give the Gift of Travel” message to push spring travel through advertising spots running during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, ABC’s Christmas Parade and NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center holiday special. We continued the momentum in the new year by expanding our Winter Doesn’t Exist campaign to target winter-weary U.S., U.K. and Canadian travelers to travel to Orlando.
Around the Destination
Industry Award: Visit Orlando was named a Top 100 Women-Led Businesses of 2024 by The Women’s Edge. This award celebrates the influential women leaders shaping our economies. The selection process evaluates workplace diversity, innovation, and customer impact to determine the rankings. We're thrilled to be among the esteemed organizations led by exceptional leaders, making meaningful contributions to our communities. View the full list of honorees here.
Spotlighting AAPI Businesses: To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we recently partnered with Ricky Ly, founder of the local award-winning Orlando multimedia food and travel guide, TastyChomps.com., highlighting Sampaguita Ice Cream & Desserts on Instagram. In the video, co-founder Marie Mercado discusses popular Filipino ice cream options, including the ube brownie sundae and halo halo. She also mentions that Orlando has amazing chefs propelling the city's culinary scene forward. Throughout May, we will feature more AAPI-owned businesses and eateries.
Celebrating a 20-year Milestone: This year marks the 20th anniversary celebration of UCF's Rosen College of Hospitality Management, who’s ascended to become the leading hospitality management program in the United States and ranks among the top five globally. At the International Drive Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon, Rosen College was honored, and Mr. Harris Rosen and Dr. Abe Pizam were presented with the 2024 I-Drive Chamber Innovator Award. We're immensely proud of Rosen's role in preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Economic Development Week: This week, the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) celebrated its Economic Development Week, showcasing the region’s vibrant economic landscape and ongoing growth in the region. OEP unveiled significant economic impact metrics and innovative initiatives highlighting seven years of substantial growth and investment to advance Broad-based Prosperity® in the region. Since its inception, the OEP has supported 185 business projects, the creation of more than 25,500 jobs and more, underscoring the critical importance of how economic development shapes the trajectory of the Orlando region. Learn more.
Visit Orlando Engaged!
Mexico Consumer Show: Visit Orlando brought Orlando to Mexico City during the popular Outlet Viaja y Vuela consumer travel show. Attendees took a virtual ride through Orlando on our traveling roller coaster, immersing them in our many attractions and experiences, only found in Orlando. Visit Orlando partnered with online travel agency PRICETRAVEL, which had dedicated travel agents located next to the roller coaster activation to assist with booking exclusive Orlando offers. Overall, Orlando was PRICETRAVEL’s top-selling international destination at the event.
College Visit: Visit Orlando is committed to helping shape the future of the hospitality industry by educating students on careers in the industry. This week, we welcomed students from the University of Northwestern Ohio, which offers a travel program covering all areas of hospitality. Members of the Visit Orlando team, including trade shows & events, visitor services, marketing and more, shared insights into Visit Orlando’s global marketing and sales efforts. As part of the students’ complete Orlando experience, they will explore Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, and Universal Orlando Resort.
Paws for Peace: Visit Orlando helped bring awareness of domestic violence challenges in our community by participating in the Harbor House of Central Florida's Paws for Peace Walk and Run. Paws for Peace was created in response to a nationwide survey, which revealed that 65% of domestic violence survivors delayed leaving their abuser out of fear their pets could be harmed. The event helped raise critical funding, ensuring that pets and their people remain safely united and cared for while in sanctuary at Harbor House of Central Florida. Visit Orlando took home several awards, including largest team, largest fundraising team and smallest puppy!
In the News
WFTV: Orlando international travel spikes
Prevue Meetings & Incentives: Michelin Stars continue to shine in Orlando
InPark Magazine: One epic year out
Asian Journal: Filipino restaurant Kaya receives Florida's first Michelin Green Star for sustainable gastronomy
