Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights — the companion program to Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining®, presented by Orlando Health — returns Aug. 15 through Sept. 30, featuring exclusive offers that pair prix-fixe dining with dreamy overnight escapes at 20 Orlando hotels.

To support the return of Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights, Visit Orlando has implemented a strategic media campaign that runs Aug. 4 to Sept. 19 across paid social, search engine marketing, display and an out-of-home placement at Miami’s Brightline station. The campaign targets high-performing foodie audiences in Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville and South Florida.

Through Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights’ special offers, you can book an elegant suite at Caribe Royale Orlando and enjoy dinner at The Venetian Chop House or stay steps from Disney Springs at Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Springs Resort Area with 30% off and Magical Dining just around the corner. The Lake Nona Wave Hotel is also offering 20% off stays, with dining options like MICHELIN-recommended BACÁN or Garni Café.

And to help residents and travelers plan their perfect staycation, Visit Orlando has launched two supporting blogs: 

• Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Guide features MICHELIN restaurants, new additions, longtime favorites and an interactive map of all participating eateries. 
   
• The Cultural Pairings Blog, created with United Arts of Central Florida, highlights upcoming arts and culture events — from music and theater to festivals, art nights, film fests and free museum days.

Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a weekend staycation or a spontaneous night out, Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights makes it easy to extend the experience and explore more of the places, flavors and moments that make Orlando the most visited destination in the U.S.
 

Data & Trends

June 2025 TDT Collections

Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections received by Orange County for the June 2025 TDT collection month were $33,698,100. That is a 10.3% increase compared to June 2024. June 2025 collections were the highest June collections on record. The chart above shows the monthly year-over-year dollar amount change in TDT collections since October 2022. 
 
Orlando’s hotel occupancy in June rose 1.5% year-over-year to 73.5%, with demand increasing by an even greater margin of 3.4%. The average daily rate reached $196.70, reflecting a 4.2% increase from June 2024 ($188.70). Overall, June marked a solid start to the summer travel season, bolstered by the first full month of Universal Epic Universe being open and major events like the Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU) Junior Volleyball National Championship running for several weeks in June. 
 
Weekly Hotel Metrics

Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending August 2, 2025, was 66.6%, down 0.2% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $165.65, up 0.6% from last year. Room night demand surpassed last year by 1.7%.
 

Across the Industry

Insights From The U.S. Travel Summer Summit

Last week, I joined 200 of the travel industry’s top leaders for three days at the U.S. Travel Association’s Summer Summit, generating ideas, inspiration and connections. The discussions showcased U.S. Travel’s strategy and underscored both the challenge and opportunity ahead. Five clear takeaways emerged:

• Short‑term headwinds, long‑term opportunity. Chuck Todd (formerly NBC News) offered a candid view of today’s political and economic landscape: a roller coaster defined by public frustration, high economic anxiety and low trust in institutions. Americans are often voting against what they do not want rather than embracing what they do want. As is true with travel, Chuck spoke in detail about short-term pessimism, but a far more favorable long-term outlook.
   
• Meet the consumer where they are. Jeff Harmening (General Mills) reminded us that brands thrive by deeply understanding their customers: “At the end of the day, you have to make sure you are solving the right problem for the people you serve.” Consumers want comfort, familiarity and solutions that make life easier. For travel, that means simplifying the journey and delivering personal and meaningful experiences.
   
• Build for what is next. Bill Hornbuckle (MGM Resorts International), Wes Edens (Brightline) and Steve Hill (Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority) told us: Las Vegas thrives because it never stands still — transforming from a casino town to a resort hub to today’s sports and entertainment capital. That reinvention is powered by bold ideas and strong public‑private partnerships. Brightline’s high‑speed rail project is the latest proof: private investment paired with public support can drive year‑round travel, global attention and billions in economic impact.
   
• Loyalty comes from real connections. Michelle Poole (formerly Crocs) proved that bold, memorable moves build relevance and loyalty. Collaborations with unexpected partners — like Balenciaga or KFC — repositioned Crocs and sparked conversation: “When you bring two powerful brands together, you create excitement and storytelling that money cannot buy.” Lisa Holladay (TIGER 21) added that for luxury travelers, time and purpose are the ultimate currencies — and the brands that deliver aspirational, shareable experiences will earn loyalty across generations.
   
• Welcoming the world should not be this hard. Thorsten Lettnin (United Airlines) reinforced what we know too well: year-long visa waits, high fees and inconsistent entry processes are sending travelers elsewhere. With the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, U.S. Travel is pressing Washington to expand the Visa Waiver Program, fully staff our embassies and halt unnecessary new fees — making it easier and more welcoming for international visitors to come to the U.S.

Orlando Magic Earns NBA Team International Strategy Award

The Orlando Magic won the NBA Team International Strategy award, which recognizes the team with the best International Team Marketing Program strategy and partner platform. Visit Orlando and BSTN, a German streetwear brand, partnered with the Orlando Magic to host a unique viewing party in Munich, Germany, that celebrated our collective commitment to engaging local fans.

With featured giveaways, an interactive Visit Orlando zone, influencer appearances, live broadcast look-ins and a special visit from NBA legend Rashard Lewis, the event laid the groundwork for future engagement with the German market. This recognition reflects how strategic partnerships and immersive experiences can strengthen Orlando’s presence in key international markets and inspire future travel.
 

Around the Destination

Register for Visit Orlando’s Industry Insights Forum

Don’t miss Visit Orlando’s Industry Insights Forum on Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. This half-day event brings together industry leaders for expert keynotes and interactive learning designed to help you close out 2025 strong and prepare for 2026. 
 
Hear from Anirban Basu, chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, on emerging economic risks and performance trends, and Maria Henson, Visit Orlando’s senior director of market insights and research, on the forces shaping travel decisions and destination demand. Plus, dive into hands-on Learning Labs led by Visit Orlando team members covering everything from AI and influencer strategy to hotel sales and data-driven marketing.  
 
Register today to gain actionable insights and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving tourism landscape. Visit Orlando members can now save $10 if registered by Aug. 14.

 Fireside Chat with National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner Jessica Berman

On Aug. 4, Visit Orlando joined the Orlando Pride and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) for a fireside chat at Inter&Co Stadium featuring NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. The event brought together regional leaders for networking and a panel discussion with Orlando Pride President of Business Operations and Visit Orlando board member Jarrod Dillon, and Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter.

Visit Orlando’s Chief Marketing Officer Danielle Hollander attended on behalf of the organization. The conversation highlighted how women’s professional sports are shaping Orlando’s identity and driving new opportunities for collaboration. These moments help strengthen the destination’s visibility and reinforce the value of tourism in building community and economic momentum.

Orlando Hosts Ninth Consecutive Arnold Palmer Invitational Junior

Orlando’s role as a world-class sports destination was on display as the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard Junior returned to Bay Hill Club & Lodge, July 29–31, for its ninth consecutive year. Thanks to our partnership with Greater Orlando Sports, this 54-hole golf event brought to our destination together 78 elite junior golfers, ages 12–19, from five countries and 17 states — including 20 AJGA champions and 25 college commits. 
 
Events like these not only celebrate athletic excellence but also strengthen our region’s reputation for hosting high-caliber youth sports. They drive economic impact, inspire future talent and showcase Orlando’s commitment to sports tourism. Congratulations to Clark Mason of Saint Petersburg and Iris Lee of Orlando for their standout wins in the Boys' and Girls' Divisions.
 

Visit Orlando Engaged!

Global Marketing Committee Meeting at Judson’s Live

This week, Visit Orlando’s global marketing committee convened at Judson’s Live, the live entertainment venue at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, for its quarterly meeting. This group serves as a thought partner to Visit Orlando’s team, helping guide programs across marketing, brand integration, social media, content and digital strategy — all aligned with Visit Orlando's organizational goals. During the meeting, committee members discussed business forecasts for the rest of 2025 and impacts of geopolitical issues, and reviewed creative and 2026 strategic direction, including key events like the FIFA World Cup and America 250.

In the News

Orlando Sentinel: Commentary: Tourism leaders give back to communities
 
Wanderlust (UK): 7 of the top cultural experiences in Florida
 
Wine Enthusiast: 10 Bucket-List Chef’s Tables for Wine Lovers
 
Family Vacationist: 7 best Orlando water parks for all ages