Did you know that LGBTQ+ travelers represent 5% of domestic visitation to Orlando? That’s nearly 3 million people a year, which translates to more than $2 billion in direct visitor spending.
As we enter June, we’re excited to celebrate Pride Month through several efforts that promote how Orlando is a fun, inclusive and welcoming destination.
- Our Pride Month blog provides a comprehensive list of local activities and Pulse remembrance events, as well as an interactive map of where everything will take place.
- We’re partnering with Edge Media Network on a dedicated campaign to promote spring and fall LGBTQ+ events and other reasons to visit Orlando. Digital display banners, custom articles and social takeovers will appear in key domestic markets.
- We’re teaming up with iHeartRadio to co-brand a float in the annual Chicago Pride Parade. Come Out With Pride and onePulse Foundation will appear on the float, along with Orlando content creators Sam and Jose.
- Our overall advertising campaign is true to our inclusive mission and vision, with LGBTQ+ imagery woven throughout our new global brand, Unbelievably Real.
For more about LGBTQ+ tourism in Orlando, check out our travel guide.
Nation’s Largest International Travel Trade Show Begins Tomorrow
Tomorrow kicks off the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center. We have multiple activities lined up across our destination for thousands of international media, buyers and other industry professionals to experience all of Orlando. We’re excited to be America’s host city welcoming back global travel on a grand scale, and this video shows how we’re rolling out the red carpet.
Lodging Sector: April TDT Collections Break Record
Reflecting the strength of our destination’s ongoing recovery, April collections of Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax came in at $34.6 million, the highest April on record and the second best month ever (trailing only March 2022).
TDT revenue, which originates from a 6% levy on short-term lodging, is a vital funding stream for the Orange County Convention Center, tourism promotion, and sports and cultural venues.
Hotel occupancy for April averaged 79.4% — slightly below April 2019’s 80.9% — benefitting from a strong spring break, Easter weekend and 12 citywide events at OCCC.
We anticipate this momentum to carry into summer, as hotel bookings for June (97%) and July (89%) are only slightly lower than 2019 levels. As for air travel, direct seat capacity to Orlando is trending just above pre-pandemic volume, with international not far behind.
Weekly hotel occupancy: Metro Orlando hotel occupancy for the week ending May 28 was 68.8%, down from 72.8% the previous week. Average daily rate increased slightly to $147.68.
MICHELIN Guide Stars to be Announced Thursday
On June 9, the first ever Florida MICHELIN Guide will be announced, featuring some of the finest restaurants from Orlando, Miami and Tampa. Stay tuned to find out which restaurants received one, two, or three MICHELIN stars — or the Bib Gourmand award.
Visit Orlando Eclipses 1,100 Membership Milestone
We’re excited to share that Visit Orlando has surpassed our 2022 goal of 1,100 members, representing companies large and small across our entire destination. The number now stands at 1,176 — a significant improvement from the pandemic-related declines we experienced the past two years. For more information about joining Visit Orlando, check out our membership website, download our membership brochure or email join@visitorlando.com.
Around the Destination
Tourist Development Council: This morning, CMO Danielle Hollander gave our quarterly update to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and the Tourist Development Council. During the presentation, she discussed the state of our industry, Visit Orlando’s upcoming activities and our new brand campaign for Unbelievably Real.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Visit: Last week, Visit Orlando’s destination experience team met with local agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. We delivered over 75 appreciation gifts and thanked them for serving as a friendly first point of contact for travelers. Thanks, CBP, for keeping our destination safe and secure!
Special Olympics USA Games: We’re happy to welcome the Special Olympics USA Games to Orlando June 5-12. Over 5,500 athletes and coaches will unite to compete in a variety of athletic events, including bowling, cheerleading, golf, soccer and more. View the complete competition schedule here.
2022 ZORA! Festival: The ZORA! Festival has returned to Eatonville, and this year’s theme is Celebrating for the Generations. The Outdoor Festival of the Arts takes place today through Sunday, with post-festival events later in June and October. Check out the full schedule here.
In the News
WESH: Visit Orlando launches campaign to beef up Orlando tourism
Orlando Sentinel: SunRail, Brightline, Central Florida get key federal rail grant
The Points Guy: Top family vacation destinations for 2022
Click Orlando: Orlando’s new packing district starting to take shape
Daily Beast: The best Florida theme parks are its outdoors