Throughout the pandemic, we’ve described our destination’s economic recovery as a slow, steady process, marked by small victories in the larger context of very difficult times. Along these lines, I’m happy to report some positive news from our lodging, airline and entertainment sectors.
For the second straight week, Metro Orlando's hotel occupancy registered its highest rate (35.7%) since mid-March, and average daily rate also saw one of its best weeks in seven months, rising to $86.66.
Helping to fuel this upward trajectory, Orlando International Airport reported its busiest week since the beginning of the pandemic, screening nearly 230,000 people at security checkpoints. Compared to last month, the airport has also seen a 29% increase in flights.
Finally, we’re excited to see some great momentum downtown, as evidenced by yesterday’s reopening of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, as well as the announcement of its six-month outdoor Front Yard Festival, which kicks off in December.
Looking ahead, we know our industry continues to face a long, challenging road. But we also know that Orlando is resilient, and I'm encouraged that these signs of progress give us hope for a better tomorrow.
Small Cities Mean Business: Our convention sales team interacted this week with key meeting planners, suppliers and event-industry experts during Connect Small Cities at the Orlando World Center Marriott. The educational conference and tradeshow brought planners from small cities for two days of career-boosting education, pre-set appointments and quality networking.
Training Travel Advisers: Our travel industry sales team recently promoted our destination’s enhanced safety measures and offerings to 270 travel advisers in Colombia during a series of webinars with ANATO Mayorista and the Association of Travel Agents. A special thank you to participating members: Universal Orlando, Kennedy Space Center, Icon Park, Mall at Millenia, Florida Mall, Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin and Gatorland.
Advertising Opportunities: Our newly redesigned Florida resident e-newsletter, delivered to consumers actively engaged with Visit Orlando’s marketing channels, is focused on driving visitation for later this year and early 2021. Several advertising opportunities are available for November’s edition. For more details, contact Terri.Dougherty@VisitOrlando.com.
Business Travel Survey: As Orlando’s economic recovery continues, airlines operating out of Orlando International Airport need your input to help gauge our region’s outlook for business travel. Please take a moment to complete this confidential, 12-question survey. Group Meetings: A recent survey showed 16% of American travelers have a group meeting trip planned between now and the end of 2021, up from 11% in May. Trust in both fellow attendees and event organizers, as well as enhanced safety measures, resulted in the increase. The report also showed that 1 in 4 travelers have participated in a virtual conference or group meeting and were satisfied with their experience. Read more Holiday Travel: As we look to close out 2020, 28% of Americans expect to take a holiday trip this year. For those who do, driving will continue to be the predominate mode of transportation. Read more Stay safe, everyone. George Aguel
President & CEO
