Visit Orlando was recognized as the corporate honoree at the 25th anniversary Golden Eagle Dinner benefiting the Central Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America, held April 9 at the Kia Center.

The event brought together more than 1,000 Central Florida community leaders in support of programs that prepare young people to lead with character, confidence and responsibility while strengthening communities across our region.

In the acceptance remarks, our message was rooted in Scouting: leadership isn’t a title — it’s a commitment. A commitment to be prepared, to serve others, to work as a team and to leave a place better than you found it. That’s why this recognition felt especially meaningful, and why I was proud to accept it on behalf of Visit Orlando — our 176 team members, 34 board members, and the more than 1,600 member businesses we represent.

When people hear “Visit Orlando,” they often think marketing, advertising and big numbers — so it was appropriate to highlight what tourism makes possible for our region. 

Orlando is the No. 1 travel destination in the country, and in 2024 we welcomed 75 million visitors. But as mentioned that evening, every January 1 our visitation goes back to zero, and that reset is humbling — because tourism doesn’t happen on autopilot. Every year, we earn every visitor again.

More importantly, those numbers translate into real lives and real outcomes. In one year, visitors spent nearly $60 billion in Central Florida — about $164 million every single day moving through our economy — supporting livelihoods across our region and more than 468,000 jobs tied to tourism’s reach.

One story shared has stayed with our team: a server on International Drive explained that when large conventions come to town — events Visit Orlando works years to bring here — he can make his entire month’s rent in one night. That’s tourism in real life: rent paid, stability and dignity.

Impact also means giving back intentionally. Since 2009, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health, has raised nearly $3.3 million for local charities. And in 2025 — our 20th year — we raised a record $398,000 to support Orange County charities, with the primary beneficiary focused on early childhood literacy.

Congratulations to our fellow honorees Sandy Hostetter of Lift Orlando and Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award recipient Herb Washington. We’re grateful for this recognition — and for everyone who believes in what tourism makes possible when it’s done with purpose, because leadership starts early, and when it’s built on service, it lasts a lifetime.

Celebrating 407 Day

Each April, 407 Day (April 7) highlights what makes Orlando special — our residents. At Tuesday’s Orange County Board of County Commissioners meeting 407 Day was recognized with a formal proclamation. Thank you to Mayor Jerry L. Demings and the Orange County commissioners for recognizing the impact of small businesses across our region.

Local business owners from Palmr Style, The Nauti Lobstah and Lobos Coffee Roasters joined the celebration, representing the creativity found throughout our neighborhoods. Visit Orlando Board Chair Barb Bowden shared the history of 407 Day and we celebrated alongside the Orlando Economic Partnership, whose work aligns with our shared goal of a strong local economy.

The message extended beyond the commission chambers through local media coverage, I joined Mayor Buddy Dyer for a fun conversation on the Real Radio Tom & Dan Podcast and local media outlets highlighted the celebratory day including, Fox 35, WDBO and WESH 2.

Data & Trends

February 2026 Travel Insights & TDT Collections

Weekly Hotel Metrics

Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending April 4, 2026, was 76.8%, up 10.3% from the same week last year. Room night demand surpassed last year by 11.5%. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for the week was $242.21, up 5.5% from last year.

Across the Industry

Cast Your Vote: Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards

Voting is now open for Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, an influential, traveler-driven ranking that helps shape where people choose to visit and stay. Orlando is nominated in the cities category. Participants can vote through the online survey and enter for a chance to win prizes.

Vote

Visit Orlando Attends AAU Sullivan Awards

Visit Orlando team members attended the AAU James E. Sullivan Award ceremony in New York City, a nationally recognized event honoring the most outstanding amateur athlete in the U.S. The ceremony and corresponding events brought together leaders from sports organizations, event owners and industry partners, creating valuable visibility for Orlando as a destination for major sporting events and national awards programs.

Our presence supported relationship-building with key AAU stakeholders and reinforced the destination’s commitment to attracting marquee events that drive visitation, economic impact and national exposure.

Around the Destination

Destination Update At I‑Drive Chamber Luncheon

On April 9 at the International Drive Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, I shared a Visit Orlando destination update on travel trends, performance and the outlook for our visitor economy—including growing interest tied to major global events like the FIFA World Cup (with one in five U.S. travelers open to traveling for it). I also highlighted our focus on data-driven marketing, partnerships and long-term planning to support sustainable growth, as we work together to drive visitation, economic impact and long-term success for Orlando’s tourism industry.

Additionally, Florida TaxWatch, with remarks from former Florida Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, presented a new study reinforcing the importance of protecting Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenues and keeping them dedicated to tourism promotion and tourism‑related investments. The research underscores tourism’s role as a primary economic driver that supports jobs, local businesses, and broader economic health across Central Florida.

Thank you to our board member Maria Triscari, president and CEO of the I‑Drive Chamber, for hosting and for the thoughtful engagement it sparked.

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England Men’s National Team To Play At Inter&Co Stadium

On June 10, Inter&Co Stadium will host the England men’s national team as it faces Costa Rica in an international friendly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Taking place Wednesday, June 10, at 4 p.m. ET, the match marks England’s first-ever appearance at Inter&Co Stadium, further reinforcing Orlando’s role as a destination for global sporting events and unforgettable fan experiences. 

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Visit Orlando Engaged!

Visit Orlando Engages Marriott GM Business Council

Visit Orlando engaged hotel leadership at the Marriott Central Florida GM Business Council meeting April 9 at The Ritz‑Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes Convention Center. Lisa Messina, Visit Orlando’s chief sales officer, shared insights on the future of travel demand and highlighted Visit Orlando’s role of events and partnerships in the meetings sector, including hosting ELX in February to showcase Orlando to global event decision-makers representing more than $3 billion in travel spend, 40% of whom had never met in Orlando. Lisa also outlined Visit Orlando’s three integrated meetings and conventions campaigns designed to reach C-suite decision-makers and planners, reinforcing Orlando’s competitiveness in the global meetings market.

Deepening our Partnership with Maritz Global Events

Visit Orlando strengthened its partnership with Maritz Global Events during a visit to the company’s headquarters in Fenton, Missouri, engaging senior leadership on opportunities to grow corporate meetings business. Visit Orlando’s Chief Sales Officer Lisa Messina and Intermediary Accounts Director Kalee Barnhardt shared destination updates in a press conference–style presentation with more than 20 leaders on-site and over 100 virtual participants.

The visit included a strategic business review focused on expanding market share within key corporate verticals, followed by discussions with Maritz leadership, including President and CEO David Peckinpaugh and Global Head of Business Events Solutions Jim Russell. Visit Orlando was the first strategic partner to meet with Maritz’s new president, reinforcing Orlando’s position as a trusted partner for high‑value corporate events.

The partnership with Maritz Global Events positions Visit Orlando to reach influential corporate meeting and incentive travel decision‑makers, supporting growth in key markets and driving high‑value business to the destination through strategic collaboration and direct engagement with Maritz.

UCF Rosen College: "The Reflective Leader" Course

I recently had the opportunity to join UCF’s “The Reflective Leader,” the capstone course of the Master of Science in Event Leadership program designed for working professionals, as a guest speaker. Drawing on more than three decades in the industry, I shared lessons learned around self‑awareness, communication and leading through change, and was energized by the thoughtful questions and high level of engagement from the students. I always value time with programs like this as a meaningful way to share knowledge, support career advancement and help shape the future of the events and tourism industry.

Reminder: Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, Presented by Orlando Health Nonprofit Applications Open

Nonprofit applications are now open for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health, an annual initiative supporting local restaurants while delivering meaningful benefits to our community. This year, donated funds will benefit organizations focused on accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring Orlando is a destination and community where everyone feels welcomed and supported.

The funds donated make a lasting impact. Earlier this week, Visit Orlando team members volunteered with Freedom Ride, one of our former Visit Orlando Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health beneficiaries, which provides therapeutic horseback riding and related programs for children and adults with special needs. Thanks to the donation, Freedom Ride was able to renovate and refurbish the main house at its new location.

Eligible nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply online by Friday, April 17. Questions about eligibility or the application process can be directed to Kristin Westover, director of community relations and external affairs.

Apply

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