Last Friday, 50 lucky people hopped off a Spirt Airlines flight to start the vacation of a lifetime — and we were there to offer a warm Orlando welcome! Preparing for Global Meetings Industry Day Leading up to Global Meetings Industry Day April 7, we’ll be spotlighting the benefits of meeting face to face — and how it’s being done here in Orlando, the No. 1 destination for safe, successful, in-person events. Attending ANATO in Colombia We recently joined VISIT FLORIDA in Bogota at the Association of Colombian Travel Agencies (ANATO), networking with over 700 exhibiting companies and 26,700 industry professionals. Colombia’s largest tourism trade show was the ideal forum to drive overseas visitation by showcasing all that is new in our destination. U.S. Travel Association Recommends Updated Travel Advisories Following the CDC’s new guidance, the U.S. Travel Association has drafted a letter urging the Biden administration to replace pandemic-era travel advisories, requirements and restrictions. This letter outlined six recommendations to enable travel to resume fully and safely and, in turn, help the American economy accelerate its recovery. It was signed by the American Hotel and Lodging Association, Airlines for America and the U.S. Yesterday, the Transportation Security Administration announced it would extend by one month the current mandate (which had been set to expire March 18) for mask use on public transportation and in transportation hubs. 2022 MexTour Heading to Orlando Orlando’s reputation as a hotspot for sports continues to grow. On April 27, the 2022 MexTour will kick off at Camping World Stadium when Mexico faces Guatemala. This game is sure to draw a large crowd, as the Mexican national team regularly draws upward of 60,000 fans when it plays in the U.S. So, don’t wait — buy your tickets today! Another Strong Week for Lodging Sector Metro Orlando weekly occupancy for the week ending March 5 was 78%, down from last week’s pandemic-era high of 85.9% yet still one of the highest levels since March 2020. Average daily rate was $158.11, down from $169.21. This strong performance was supported both by leisure and group segments — and we have a lot to look forward to, with key source markets starting their spring break seasons this weekend and the HIMSS conference coming to town Monday. Around the Destination HIMSS Reception: This week, our destination services team partnered with the Orange County Convention Center to host a reception and concert at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for clients with the Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society. The HIMSS Global Conference & Exhibition is projected to attract 26,000 attendees March 14-18. onePULSE Foundation: Yesterday, Visit Orlando joined Barbara Poma, executive director of the onePULSE Foundation, and her team for a tour of the Pulse Interim Memorial. This impactful site visit included plans for the future of the National Pulse Memorial & Museum and Orlando Health Survivors Walk. Pace Center for Girls: Also yesterday, Danielle Hollander, our chief marketing officer, helped the Pace Center for Girls set SMART goals through her work on the Women United steering committee. In the News TravelPulse: Orlando is No. 1 domestic spring break destination Orlando Sentinel: Meet the James Beard Award semifinalists Blooloop: Area 15, immersive art and entertainment district, coming to Orlando in 2024 Orlando Weekly: The most anticipated restaurants coming to Orlando this spring Good Morning America Online: Advice for planning a post-COVID vacation TravelPulse: US Travel Association asks White House for help with leisure and hospitality jobs Orlando Sentinel: Orlando bids to host Army-Navy football game in 2027 Brand USA: Celebrating the 12th anniversary of the Travel Promotion Act GOAA: Innovative technologies enhance experience at MCO’s newest terminal
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