#IPW2023

 VISIT ORLANDO UNVEILS VISITATION NUMBERS, MICHELIN GUIDE UPDATES AND WHAT'S NEW FOR 2023 AT IPW

Visit Orlando, The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, announced exciting new updates from The Theme Park Capital of the World, at IPW in San Antonio. From visitation figures solidifying the destination's position as the most visited in the United States and the recognition of 46 restaurants in the newly updates MICHELIN Guide to a newly enhanced Orlando Travel Academy platform and a global trade agency appointment, Orlando continues to evolve as a premier travel destination. Additional updates available at VisitOrlando.com.

Orlando Announces 74 million Visitors in 2022

Visit Orlando announced a remarkable milestone with 74 million visitors in 2022, solidifying Orlando's position as the top travel destination in the United States. Experiencing a 25% surge in visitors compared to the previous year, Orlando showcases its resilience by achieving 98% of pre-pandemic (2019) visitation levels. The destination's success can be attributed to its new international brand launch, effective sales and marketing strategies, and the continual creation of unbelievably real experiences. Domestic leisure visitation hit a record-breaking 61 million, while U.S. business visitation is still in the process of recovery. Internationally, Orlando welcomed 4.9 million visitors, marking 75% of pre-pandemic levels. Notably, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Brazil emerged as the top three international markets for Orlando.

MICHELIN Guide Recognizes 46 Orlando Restaurants

On May 11, 2023, the MICHELIN Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa was updated, with inspectors announcing the addition of 13 new Orlando restaurants as well as a MICHELIN Sommelier Award for Benjamin Coutts of the One-Michelin-Star Soseki Modern Omakase. Michelin's recognition of 46 Orlando restaurants, including four starred venues, 11 Bib Gourmands and 31 Recommended, confirms what locals have known all along — that Orlando has an exceptional culinary community. Per Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guides, inspectors found that Orlando had very much to offer food and wine enthusiasts, with talented chefs and their committed teams creating culinary experiences matched only by the destination's amazing attractions.  

Orlando's New Openings for Summer 2023

Several new additions and attractions are coming to Orlando theme parks. SeaWorld Orlando is launching Pipeline, the world's first "surf coaster" that simulates a dynamic surfing launch and "wave jumping" motions. Universal Orlando Resort introduces Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast, an interactive blaster game set in a new Minion Land. Walt Disney World features TRON Lightcycle/Run, a high-speed coaster based on the movie "TRON: Legacy," and the opening of Roundup Rodeo BBQ, a Toy Story-themed table service restaurant. Peppa Pig Theme Park offers Breakfast With Peppa, a limited-time character dining experience, and LEGOLAND Florida debuts Go Xtreme, an adrenaline-pumping stunt show.

Beyond the parks, Luminary Nights on the Green at Luminary Green park showcases the new Orlando sign in a mesmerizing show with projection animation and lights set to music. Dezerland Park Orlando presents new family-friendly attractions like a Virtual Reality (VR) Arena and a Laser Tag Maze. Gatorland introduces Croc Rock, an interactive adventure with climbing, ziplining and a swing bridge. At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the All Systems Are Go Edutainment Experience combines "Peanuts" characters with NASA's history. Brightline, a new high-speed rail service, begins offering trips from Orlando to Miami this summer.

New Additions to Online Training Platform  

Visit Orlando is set to enhance its online training resource, the Orlando Travel Academy, (orlandotravelacademy.com) in June. This E-learning platform serves as a comprehensive tool for travel advisors, offering on-demand sales planning resources accessible on any device. The upcoming updates include the introduction of the Orlando Travel Academy in German, catering to a wider audience, as well as the addition of a new specialization module called "Value to VIP." This interactive chapter focuses on creating memorable experiences for every budget, spanning from luxury to a value perspective. Graduates of the Orlando Travel Academy, known as "Certified Orlando Experts," gain access to exclusive offers, such as complimentary attraction tickets and airline perks. Visit Orlando aims to continuously provide travel advisors with the best resources and tools to support their clients' needs and budgets while showcasing the diverse attractions and experiences Orlando has to offer.

AVIAREPS Named for Visit Orlando's International Global Trade Representation

Visit Orlando has announced the appointment of AVIAREPS as its global trade sales representative in key markets, including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and project work in Canada. AVIAREPS will also cover secondary markets such as Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway and Finland. The collaboration aims to increase visitor numbers and awareness of Orlando in these regions by tailoring trade concepts to individual markets. AVIAREPS will support sales strategies, provide in-market training, and keep the travel industry updated on Orlando's performance. The partnership complements Visit Orlando's efforts to drive international visitors through focused sales initiatives. With its strong presence in Europe and Latin America, AVIAREPS will offer a coordinated and localized sales approach. Travel professionals can find additional resources on Visit Orlando's travel trade site, VisitOrlando.com/trade.