As we plan to fall back this weekend for daylight saving time, I have good news to share on fall travel to Orlando. The latest Orange County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) results were released yesterday with September collections at $24.4 million. 

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TDT collections for the month were 48.6% above September 2021, $1 million over August 2022 collections and $17.4 million more than September 2020 earnings.

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.

While Hurricane Ian caused a decline during the last week of September, the healthy demand levels through the rest of the month, like Labor Day weekend, ensured an overall positive performance above 2019 levels. Also contributing to its success, leisure events including Rising 2022 and Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing 2022 helped generate positive room night impact.

In October, performance was boosted by Indigenous Peoples Day school break, several large groups at the Orange County Convention Center, the Come Out with Pride festival and our destination's numerous Halloween events.

Weekly Lodging Results: For the week ending October 29, 2022, Metro Orlando occupancy was 76.3% down from last week's 83.1% but much higher than the same week in 2019 (67.2%). Average daily rate fell to $159.93 from $167.76 last week but remains much higher than pre-pandemic rates ($121.07 for the same week in 2019).

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Orange County Residents Prepared to VOTE

In just a few days, Orange County residents can vote in support of the transportation sales tax referendum — an opportunity to generate $600 million annually for transportation projects in Orange County. The funding will enhance current infrastructure and create reliable services for our residents and travelers. In addition, 51% of the sales taxes — paid by travelers and tourists — will minimize the tax burden on residents.

Here's an official video to view the positive impact our destination could have by supporting the Move Orange County Forward campaign. To share educational resources and learn more, reference this toolkit. I encourage you to exercise your rights and vote.

Join Us for our Year-End Celebration

Visit Orlando's Year-End Celebration Luncheon is fast approaching! Don't forget to register and secure your spot at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando where we'll announce the Visit Orlando Magical Dining donation, celebrate our destination's success and more.
 
Contact our member recruitment manager, Kelly Kinney, to secure a corporate table.

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"Unbelievably Real" in Canada

To reinforce our region's new brand and drive travel demand for 2023, the second flight of our Canada campaign launched Oct. 31 and will run through December. The campaign will focus on Toronto and Ontario with TV, as well as digital display, online video, paid social and search engine marketing across Canada.

In addition, just in time for the busy holiday shopping season, high-impact out-of-home advertising will appear in Toronto's popular malls including Eaton Centre, Sherway Gardens, Fairview Mall, Markville Mall and Yorkdale.

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Around the Destination

Women in Successful Endeavors: This week, the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce's Women in Successful Endeavors held their monthly educational luncheon. This event focused on incorporating play into our daily lives and our VP of communications, Denise Spiegel, served on a panel to share ways locals can play in America's most visited destination.

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British Consulate: Visit Orlando, in partnership with Experience Kissimmee and Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, hosted a welcome event for His Majesty's Consul General Rufus Drabble representing the British Consulate.

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Employee Health Fair: Visit Orlando's Live Well committee hosted their annual Live Well Day for the entire staff to learn more about health and wellness. The Orlando Health mascot, SCRUBS, even made a surprise appearance. A special thanks to Orlando Health, the Official Health and Wellness Partner of Visit Orlando, and our member companies and partners that contributed to making our Employee Health Fair a success.

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Award-Winning Organization: Visit Orlando has been announced as a winner in the 2022 Stella Awards, receiving a gold medal as the best convention and visitor bureau and destination marketing organization (CVB/DMO) in the southeast region.