Visit Orlando is the only organization that represents our entire destination giving opportunities for global exposure to small businesses and unique neighborhoods. We recently partnered with Matador Network, a leading online travel publisher, to highlight the unique cultures and experiences only found in Orlando’s neighborhood districts.
Over a span of eight days, Matador captured footage, imagery and conducted interviews at more than 30 locations across Audubon Park, Mills 50, Ivanhoe Village, Thornton Park and Winter Garden. The project focused on showcasing the distinct character of each neighborhood to build awareness among travelers.
As a result of this production, Visit Orlando will have 40 new short-form videos, five longer-form videos and b-roll to continue promoting each of the neighborhood districts. The Matador network has also supported the content with distribution across their extensive platforms, reaching their audience of 10.2 million followers across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
This partnership will help us share with audiences worldwide the unique experiences in Orlando’s neighborhoods, encourage more visitors to explore these areas and strengthen our connection to the local community.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to bring these stories to life.
Hurricane Helene Update
With the threat of Hurricane Helene behind us, our thoughts are with the communities impacted by the storm. As a reminder, throughout Hurricane Season, Visit Orlando works closely with the Orange County Office of Emergency Management and other community partners before, during and after a storm. Our team helps ensure that the accurate status of our destination is communicated to key audiences. In addition, we gauge hotel occupancy to provide status updates on availability for evacuees from coastal regions. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team.
Orange County Convention Center: A Nearly $4 Billion Economic Impact
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) today announced it generates approximately $3.9 billion—including direct, indirect and induced impacts—annually in economic impact for the Central Florida economy, according to a new study by PFM Group Consulting. The group conducted its study based on data through 2023. This impact highlights the OCCC’s vital role in supporting about 1,200 local businesses—including hotels, restaurants and offices. Visit Orlando works collaboratively with the OCCC leading city-wide sales efforts to book meetings and events at the center. City-wide events use OCCC as their primary meeting space, and require room blocks with attendees staying at multiple hotels and offsite venues for smaller events throughout the show. This partnership is essential to maintaining our leadership position in the meetings industry, which results in significant economic impact for our community. Learn more.
Data & Trends
Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending September 21, 2024, was 69.1% which was up 5.4% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $192.20, which was up 7.7% from last year. Room night demand surpassed prior year by 6.2%.
Around the Destination
Ruth's Chris Steak House Winter Park
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining: This is the last weekend to enjoy Visit Orlando's Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health! As a reminder, $1 from every $40 meal and $2 from every $60 meal will benefit The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, which aids residents in recovery and environmental sustainability. Make your reservations at OrlandoMagicalDining.com and dine before the program concludes on Sept. 30.
L to R: Barb Bowden, CFHLA Board Chair, Visit Orlando Board of Directors and Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando; Visit Orlando’s Danielle Hollander, Casandra Matej and Lisa Messina; and Robert Agrusa, Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association
CFHLA Board Retreat: Visit Orlando was invited to present at CFHLA's Board of Directors retreat at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Visit Orlando's Chief Sales Officer Lisa Messina and Chief Marketing Officer Danielle Hollander joined me for a panel discussion covering everything from industry trends like AI and sustainability to the state of Orlando's tourism industry and our organization's key strategies for 2025, such as a leisure marketing focus on our highest producing markets, segment campaigns like culinary and outdoors. For meetings and conventions, high touch sales efforts and increased efforts on short term and need dates.
TDC Update: Visit Orlando provided a quarterly update to Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Eatonville Angie Gardner and the Tourist Development Council. During the presentation, we shared an update on our destinations' travel performance, provided an overview of key results to date from our summer campaign (which drove 333 million impressions and 2.4 million web sessions) and presented our 2025 budget.
L to R: Visit Orlando’s Sascha Voss; Fidel Gomez, Hope Community Center; AJ Eagle, Come Out with Pride; and Visit Orlando's Kristin Westover. Photo courtesy of Someillan Entertainment LLC.
Pride in Business Awards: Visit Orlando attended the Pride in Business Awards Gala organized by The Pride Chamber. The event honored our region’s LGBTQ+ and Ally business owners, professionals and community leaders. The winners were selected for their visible support of the LGBTQ+ community, exemplifying the highest standards and success in their profession and for promoting equity, diversity, equality and inclusivity in the workplace or in a professional capacity. Congratulations to the nominees and honorees!
L to R: Visit Orlando’s Dipika Hernandez and Adeta Gayah; and Ericka Dunlap, Miss America 2004
IACC Ashoka Gala: Last weekend, the Indian American Chamber of Commerce held its 14th annual Ashoka Awards Gala at the Four Seasons Orlando. The event celebrated the accomplishments of Indian American entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders. Attendees also enjoyed guest speakers, including dignitaries who shared personal stories, and live entertainment featuring traditional and contemporary Indian performances. Visit Orlando's Senior Director of Social Media and Content Adeta Gayah and Senior Manager of Public Relations Dipika Hernandez represented our organization.
Visit Orlando Engaged!
Visit Orlando‘s Ashley Mayo receives CVB Partner of the Year award from HPN Global.
CVB Partner of the Year Award: Congratulations to Visit Orlando’s Convention Sales Account Manager, Ashley Mayo, for winning the CVB Partner of the Year award from HPN Global, a leading site selection and venue sourcing company. This honor, voted on by HPN Global associates, highlights the trust they place in Ashley. As their go-to expert for Orlando destination knowledge and recommendations, Ashley has forged strong relationships with HPN Global, including co-hosting a familiarization tour earlier this year. We are proud of Ashley for this well-deserved achievement and look forward to continuing to create solid industry connections and partnerships that showcase our team's great work and shine a spotlight on our destination.
Visit Orlando hosts content creators at Caribe royale Orlando for social media fam tour.
Social Media FAM: Visit Orlando recently wrapped up its second social familiarization tour of the year, where nine content creators explored over 10 must-see spots, including Caribe Royale, Aquatica, Kava, Orlando Science Center, Pirates Dinner Adventure and Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. This event allowed the creators—including two families with young children—to experience and share Orlando experiences with their followers. In addition to engaging their own audiences, the content will be featured across Visit Orlando’s social media channels and marketing efforts, showcasing Orlando’s diverse voices and experiences and inspiring future visitors.
