As an ever-growing destination, Orlando is full of fun and adventure for all. And, making our destination even more appealing, new and exciting experiences are coming in 2023!
From top theme parks and attractions, hotels and resorts, fine dining, nightlife, arts and culture, entertainment and more, these new "Experiences to See” adds to the many reasons to visit Orlando.
National media outlets are also sharing how Orlando is a top choice for 2023, noting, "Orlando is the destination to visit in Florida — and 2023 is going to be a banner year for the city” and “There are many good reasons to keep your eye on Orlando as we head into 2023.”
A recent Wall Street Journal story called Orlando one of the most in-demand travel destinations for U.S. Travelers in the first quarter of 2023.
In addition to these experiences, our team at Visit Orlando will continue to work hard to promote all aspects of our destination to tell the complete story of how Orlando truly is Unbelievably Real.
Orlando's Most Loved Animal Takes Flight
Frontier Airlines recently unveiled a new plane at Orlando International Airport (MCO) featuring SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium’s Ted the Turtle. Together with Visit Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando and Frontier Airlines partnered for an in-terminal flight celebration to promote animal conservation and visitation to the Orlando region.
You may remember our promotion in 2021 to pick Orlando’s Most Loved Animal. SEA LIFE Orlando’s TED the Turtle won garnering the most votes from consumers resulting in the honor of the animal’s likeness to be featured on a new aircraft. Learn more here.
iHeart Pride Radio Program and Pride Getaway Playlist
During the month of December, Visit Orlando is the exclusive destination sponsor of Pride Radio — an LGBTQ+ lifestyle and top 40 radio network on iHeart media. The program includes Orlando-featured brand spots and custom vignette reads by local radio personalities Jerry Houston and Sondra Rae promoting their favorite Orlando attractions, dining, arts and LGBTQ+ events.
Plus, listeners will find a curated Orlando Pride Getaway playlist which will be promoted in iHeart’s Pride Radio channels along with social amplification to position Orlando as a top LGBTQ+ destination. This is part of our year-round multicultural campaign.
Visit Orlando's International Efforts
To drive international visitation in 2023, we've been engaging our consumers, travel professionals and media with training events, media desk sides and conducting FAM’s to highlight our destination. Here are a couple recent activities:
Canada Mission: Visit Orlando's travel industry sales, marketing and public relations teams joined forces Dec. 5-8. In partnership with Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and others, our travel industry sales team presented Orlando Live! — a series of innovative, interactive in-person training events — to more than 250 travel advisors.
A VIP event attracted top clients from Canada’s leading tour operators and the training events created buzz in the trade press, with five stories including Travelweek and PAX Nouvelles.
The marketing and public relations teams conducted a series of appointments, which included Canada’s top broadcast networks and meetings with media to discuss destination developments and story ideas leading into 2023.
Mexico and Brazil Press Trips: Our public relations team also hosted 13 media and influencers from Mexico and Brazil to garner social and traditional media coverage in the coming weeks and months. The itineraries highlighted outdoor adventures, MICHELIN Guide restaurants and neighborhoods including Winter Park, Downtown Orlando and Ivanhoe Village.
Hotel Metrics
For the week ending November 10, 2022, Metro Orlando occupancy was 75.3%, up from last week’s 67.9%, but slightly lower than the same week in 2019 (77%).
Average daily rate was $155, unchanged from last week, and remains higher than pre-pandemic rates ($132 for the same week in 2019).
Around the Destination
National Dog Show: The Orange County Convention Center is full of tricks and treats, with a recording breaking 5,385 dogs this year, competing at the American Kennel Club’s National Championship by Royal Canin.
I-4 Billboard Project: The Corridor Project Billboard Exhibition, curated by Pat Greene, and presented by Orlando Health, will return to our region in January for its second year. Artwork from 30 artists will be featured along the I-4 corridor to highlight creativity, culture and arts of our community. There will be an in-person exhibition and public opening to unveil the artwork presented on billboards.
Visit Orlando Engaged!
Don Quijote Awards: Visit Orlando attended the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and Prospera's annual Don Quijote Awards. The awards recognize successful businesses and individuals who have demonstrated the qualities exemplified by the classic literary character of Don Quijote: visionary and courageous dreamers who have taken risks to achieve their goals and improve Central Florida. Congratulations to the honorees!
IAEE: Visit Orlando represented our destination well this week connecting with key players in the exhibitions industry at the International Association Exhibition of Events’ (IAEE) Expo! Expo!
In the News
Yahoo: Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining raises over $180,000 for Central Florida organizations
The Points Guy: Why Orlando is the best domestic destination of the year
Orlando Business Journal: Orlando scores high among Florida's big cities for LGBTQ+ equality
Travel + Leisure: 23 best things to do in Orlando with kids
