This Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) History Month, Visit Orlando is spotlighting the Mills 50 District and the AAPI entrepreneurs who helped shape it. As part of our Orlando For All initiative, we partnered with BuzzFeed and on a long‑form video, available May 4, exploring Mills 50’s evolution into a unique dining destination.
The video follows creator Inga Lam and her brother, Skyler. as they explore Mills 50’s next generation AAPI business owners — those carrying on family restaurants or launching new concepts. The video will be distributed across BuzzFeed's A*Pop and Tasty social channels, and the campaign will run through Aug. 31.
Additionally, we’re partnering with content creators to spotlight AAPI‑owned restaurants across our destination, including Kaya, Sampaguita, Norigami and Izuki Sushi. The effort will also introduce the story behind Mills Market and creator Kyla Jones will tap into the matcha trend by sharing her favorite spots around Orlando to enjoy the popular drink.
VisitOrlando.com’s dedicated AAPI travel guide and consumer blogs highlight the month-long celebration, AAPI history and culture, Orlando’s Chinatown, AAPI restaurants and more. Together, these resources invite both residents and visitors to explore and engage with AAPI culture across the destination.
Gearing Up For National Travel & Tourism Week
Next week, communities across the country will recognize National Travel & Tourism Week, celebrating the essential role travel plays in America’s economy, workforce and way of life. The 2026 national theme, Postmarked: Essential, underscores a simple truth: Travel is not optional — it’s fundamental. Every trip, every visitor and every experience created leaves a lasting mark on communities nationwide, driving opportunity, economic growth and connection.
The week also includes Global Meetings Industry Day on May 6, which recognizes the positive impact meetings and conventions held in Orlando have on our local economy, community and workforce development. We encourage you to use these toolkits to share what travel and tourism mean to you and your organization:
- U.S. Travel Toolkit – Highlights the national importance of travel and National Travel & Tourism Week.
- Tourism Benefits You Toolkit – Focuses on real stories from real people and how tourism helps make Orange County a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
- Global Meetings Industry Day Toolkit (May 6) – Designed for those connected to meetings, conventions and events.
America 250: Orlando Welcomes A National Milestone
For generations, Orlando has been a place where American families come together to create shared memories shaped by imagination, innovation and quality time. As the nation marks 250 years of independence, Visit Orlando is anchoring our destination in this milestone by inviting travelers to celebrate through experiences rooted in tradition and travel.
Through our America 250 landing page, we're encouraging families to plan trips that blend nostalgic fun with distinctly American experiences. The page includes an America 250 events catalog highlighting themed events, limited-time offers, military discounts and itinerary ideas, while offering residents and visitors a meaningful way to participate.
The campaign will drive near-term leisure travel while also creating long-range reasons for groups to choose Orlando years in advance — connecting the destination’s past, present and future through shared experiences.
Data & Trends
Weekly Hotel Metrics
Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending April 25, 2026, was 78.7%, up 7.4% from the same week last year. Room night demand surpassed last year by 8.1%. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for the week was $233.15, 4.4% from last year.
Across the Industry
Industry Leaders Spotlight Orlando’s Growth And Global Reach
Maria Triscari, Visit Orlando board member and president and CEO of the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce, was featured in Capital Analytics Associates, a business publication that covers major economic and industry trends through interviews with market leaders.
Maria reflected on a landmark year for Orlando’s International Drive corridor, highlighting the opening of Universal Epic Universe, the Orange County Convention Center’s expansion and the importance of transportation and infrastructure in supporting the area’s long-term success.
It was a pleasure to also speak with the publication about Visit Orlando’s expanding global reach through new air service, international marketing efforts and more diverse storytelling. The interview also explored how destination marketing is evolving to highlight experiences with accessibility, sustainability and international growth shaping long-term strategy. Read and listen to the interview here.
Around The Destination
Now Open: Orange County Cultural Tourism Funding And Film Incentive Program
Orange County is now accepting applications for two funding opportunities: the Cultural Tourism Funding program and the Film Incentive Program. Both programs were made possible because of the Tourism Development Tax; funds collected from visitor stays to our destination.
Facilitated by United Arts of Central Florida, the Cultural Tourism Funding program supports cultural nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations producing events in Orange County that strengthen our destination’s cultural identity, present high-quality arts and cultural experiences, and promote tourism.
Orange County’s Film Incentive Program is open to eligible film, television and commercial productions planning to film in Central Florida. The program is designed to attract high-impact productions, support high-wage jobs for local creative professionals and showcase the region’s diverse locations to global audiences.
Blue Man Group Opens At Icon Park
Blue Man Group opens today in a new, custom-built theater beneath The Orlando Eye at ICON Park. This is the first-ever venue designed specifically for the Blue Man Group. Known for its live, multi-sensory format, the show blends music, comedy and audience interaction to engage guests of all ages.
Visit Orlando Engaged
Highligting Influencer Strategy To National Industry Audience
On April 30, Visit Orlando presented to the EPRI Communications Council, a national group of energy and utility communicators, on our organization’s influencer strategy. Amy Rodenbrock, senior public relations manager, shared Visit Orlando’s experience and best practices in the influencer space, with a focus on authenticity, impact and effective partnerships. The invitation reflects how our influencer marketing efforts are resonating as a leading example beyond the destination marketing sector.
Spanish Media Press Trip Spotlights Orlando
Visit Orlando, in partnership with Brand USA, hosted a high-level Spanish media press trip April 22–26 aimed at building awareness in Spain as an emerging international market. The itinerary included Winter Park locations: the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, along with lunch at The Chapman. The group also stayed at Walt Disney World Swan Reserve and visited ICON Park. The press trip highlighted Orlando’s local neighborhoods, arts scene and range of distinctive visitor experiences.
Paws for Peace 5K
Visit Orlando team members, along with family, friends and pets, participated in Paws for Peace, a 5K walk benefiting the pet kennel at Harbor House of Central Florida’s emergency shelter. The fundraiser supports food and supplies for the pets of domestic violence survivors escaping unsafe situations. We fielded a 30-person team, recognized as both the event’s largest team and top fundraiser, raising over $1,500.
In the News
Meetings Today: Florida Catches the Food Hall Wave
Southern Living: 15 Stunning Places In Florida Only A Local Would Recommend
The Travel Book Club: Indie Bookstores We Love: The Romance Edit
Best Magazine (UK): Explore Orlando!
Telegraph (UK): Slip away from the theme-park crowds in Orlando's spectacular 'Lake District'
El Pais (Colombia): Orlando Beyond Disney: A Guide to Activities, Prices, and Hotels for Families and Friends During the World Cup
