This fall, Orlando is full of vibrant food festivals, thrilling Halloween events and a wide range of local arts and cultural experiences for every traveler. To share with audiences in our top two markets, the United States and Canada, Visit Orlando launched fall campaigns under the Unbelievably Real brand.
U.S. Campaign: The third flight of our U.S. campaign began on Aug. 5 and inspires travelers to create unforgettable fall memories in Orlando. The campaign will run through Oct. 27 and includes always-on digital media, plus a mix of TV spots and out-of-home advertisements across 12 key markets, including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston and Atlanta. The campaign also features eye-catching billboards in National Harbour in D.C.
Canada Campaign: The fall flight of our Canada campaign launched on Sept. 2 and aims to drive travel demand for the rest of 2024 and early 2025. The campaign runs through Nov. 4 and targets the Ontario and Quebec markets with TV and out-of-home as well as digital display, online video, paid social and search engine marketing. New to the campaign, high-impact out-of-home ads are featured in Toronto's popular Distillery District, as well as the Canadian debut of the 3D Billboard at the Toronto Eaton Center, a busy shopping, dining and entertainment complex.
Visit Orlando team members celebrate a new record, 1,600 members!
Visit Orlando's New Membership Milestone!
Visit Orlando reached a new milestone with over 1,600 members! This growth reflects the value that businesses across the tourism industry find in being part of our organization’s membership. From theme parks and hotels to museums, parks, and service providers like photographers and florists, our diverse membership represents all corners of Orlando’s vibrant tourism ecosystem.
Visit Orlando is committed to helping members grow their businesses by connecting members at exclusive events, providing valuable industry-related insights and increasing exposure through our channels. Hear directly from our members how Visit Orlando helps their business thrive in this video.
July 2024 TDT Collections:Orange County's Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections received by Orange County for the July 2024 TDT collection month were $26,610,100. July 2024 collections were lower than July 2023 collections by $561,000 or 2.1%.
As expected, Metro Orlando’s travel performance was softer in July compared to last year. Hotel occupancy decreased by 3.1% to 71%, and Hotel Room Demand declined by 2.3%. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) softened by 2.2% to $174.16, down from $178.14 last year. July was also flat for the top 25 domestic markets, with U.S. occupancy slightly down, influenced by budget-conscious households taking fewer trips, higher-income households traveling abroad and the cruise industry's current popularity.
Hotel Metrics: Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending August 31, 2024, was 59.4% which was up 2.7% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $158.85, down 0.1% from last year. Room night demand surpassed prior year by 3.6%.
Around the Destination
Visit Orlando, U.S. Travel Association and Experience Kissimmee joined business leaders at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport for a 'Travel Works for America' Power Hour with Congressman Darren Soto.
Roundtable with Rep. Darren Soto: On Sept. 4, the U.S. Travel Association hosted its “Travel Works for America” Power Hour with Congressman Darren Soto at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport. This roundtable, held in partnership with Visit Orlando and Experience Kissimmee, brought together travel and business leaders to discuss the crucial impact of the travel industry on our communities. Erik Hansen, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the U.S. Travel Association, led the conversation, emphasizing key policy priorities, including reducing visitor visa wait times, streamlining customs processes and enhancing identity verification through technology. The event underscored the strength of collaboration. By addressing industry challenges and exploring new opportunities together, we can ensure that our region continues to prosper, enhancing the quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.
ICON Park CEO Chris Jaskiewicz, Visit Orlando’s Casandra Matej, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, Blue Man Group Managing Director Jack Kenn and several industry leaders attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Blue Man Group at ICON Park.
Blue Man Group Returns to Orlando: Blue Man Group announced its return to Orlando with a new home at ICON Park! The paint-filled groundbreaking ceremony included the three iconic Blue Men in their uniquely energetic and colorful style, crashing the event to announce that “Blue is Back”. The new 578-seat theater will be built from the ground up and is anticipated to open in late 2024. We can’t wait to once again experience Blue Man Group’s creative, engaging and unique brand of entertainment in our Unbelievably Real destination! Learn more.
Visit Orlando Engaged!
Knecht Reisen, a Switzerland-based tour operator group, visits Hilton Garden Inn Lake Buena Vista during a multi-city familiarization tour.
Knecht Reisen FAM: Visit Orlando hosted Knecht Reisen, a tour operator from Switzerland, for a familiarization tour (FAM). The group enjoyed experiences at Disney Springs, Pinstripes and Universal Orlando Resort, along with site visits to Hilton Garden Inn Lake Buena Vista and Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. FAM tours are a valuable tool that provides groups with unique opportunities to personally experience our destination, share their stories and collaborate further with Visit Orlando. Knecht Reisen prioritizes having their staff travel to destinations and experience the product firsthand, allowing them to offer customers insider tips and knowledge.
Visit Orlando’s Jasmin Hough presents the Lifetime Achievement Award for Film, TV, and Theater to Emmy Award winner Glynn Turman.
Orlando Urban Film Festival: Celebrating its 11th anniversary, the Orlando Urban Film Festival (OUFF) was held at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts this past weekend. OUFF is a "Movie and Music Showcase" that celebrates filmmakers and music producers by helping them expose their creative projects to public platforms. Visit Orlando’s brand marketing manager, Jasmin Hough attended on behalf of our organization and presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for Film, TV, and Theater to Emmy Award winner Glynn Turman. Turman had his first prominent acting role at the age of 12 in the original Broadway production of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun. He will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025.
Visit Orlando team members connected with clients and build relationships at the Texas Sales Mission.
Texas Sales Mission: Visit Orlando recently hosted 90 clients from pharmaceutical, third-party, association, citywide and corporate markets during a Texas Sales Mission in Dallas and Austin. Sales missions provide our team with access to meeting planners, help raise our brand’s exposure and increase our M&C market share.
