Visit Orlando

🎉Congratulations to Danielle Hollander, Visit Orlando’s chief marketing officer, on being named to Ragan’s Top Women in Marketing Awards, Class of 2025, in the Visionaries category! This year’s class includes professionals who are advancing bold strategies, delivering transformative campaigns and championing innovation within their organizations and beyond.     Throughout Danielle's 30-year career at Visit Orlando, she has led transformative initiatives that have helped shape the region’s tourism landscape, including the launch of the “Unbelievably Real” brand and Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health. Her strategic vision and innovative campaigns have helped elevate Orlando’s global reputation and contributed to the tourism community’s $92.5 billion economic impact. Danielle will be celebrated at the Top Women in Marketing Awards event in October.     Join us in celebrating Danielle!     #VisitOrlando #UnbelievablyReal #WomenInMarketing #TourismLeadership #RaganAwards Ragan Communications and PR Daily

Celebrating Orlando’s 150th Anniversary 🎉 This year marks a major milestone — the 150th anniversary of the City of Orlando. From its roots as a frontier town to its rise as a global destination, Orlando’s story is one of growth, creativity and community. At Visit Orlando, we’re proud to champion everything that makes the Orlando destination 𝘜𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭. To commemorate this historic anniversary, we’ve launched a special blog: “150 Ways to Celebrate Orlando’s 150th Birthday.” It’s packed with ways to join the celebration, including:  • Limited-time events like the Orlando Philharmonic’s anniversary concert and special exhibitions at the Orange County Regional History Center   • Classic Orlando experiences like airboat rides, Gatorland and Lake Eola swan boats   • Local favorites from hidden gem eateries to community festivals and cultural tours We’re also spreading the word through our website and social channels — helping residents and visitors alike discover all the ways to celebrate this unforgettable milestone. 🎈 Explore the full list and find your favorite way to join in: https://lnkd.in/ehhnFEJQ #Orlando150 #VisitOrlando #UnbelievablyReal #OrlandoAnniversary 

Behind every successful meeting in Orlando is a team working hard to stay ahead of the curve. Visit Orlando's meetings and conventions team came together for a summer strategy and educational session.    The full team — including citywide sales, in-house sales, business development, destination experiences, site inspection team and administrative support — aligned on goals and objectives, explored new venues and discussed topics ranging from industry trends and sales productivity to marketing messaging and competitive outlook. The overall purpose was to ensure each team member is working toward the same goal of driving valuable business to Orlando.    Meetings took place at unique venues throughout the community. Regional team members from key markets such as Washington, D.C. and Chicago saw how spaces like Judson’s Live at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona can be used as meeting locations. They also participated in local activities, team-building exercises and friendly competition that ended in donating sports equipment to the community.    The session concluded at the Orange County Convention Center, where everyone collaborated on future plans, including the much-anticipated expansion of the convention center. This is how we keep #Orlando at the forefront of the meetings industry — by staying connected, creative and community-focused. 💼🧡💙 

Last week, the Orange County Convention Center made history by hosting its first-ever parade during the 107th Lions Clubs International Convention. More than 7,000 attendees took part in the Parade of Nations, representing 158 clubs from over 130 countries. 🦁🌍    Visit Orlando played a key role in securing and planning the convention in just 11 months — collaborating with local Lions Clubs, hotels, venues, and the Kennedy Space Center to deliver a world-class experience for over 10,000 attendees.    This event not only showcased Orlando’s capacity for global events, but also brought meaningful short-term business to our community. July 10–17 was officially proclaimed Lions International Week by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings — recognizing the organization’s global impact and Orlando’s role in hosting it.    #VisitOrlando #OCCC #GlobalEvents #OrlandoMeetings #LionsInternational #ConventionSuccess #BusinessEvents

Visit Orlando’s Industry Insights Forum is back !    Join us on Wednesday, August 20 at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando for a powerful half-day forum designed to inform, inspire and prepare you for 2026 and beyond. Expect timely economic data, future-focused travel insights and practical strategies to help your organization stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.    “𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗮” — Anirban Basu, Sage Policy Group CEO, breaks down U.S. and regional economic trends, interest rates, employment, real estate and emerging risks    “𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱” — Maria Henson of Visit Orlando explores evolving traveler behavior and destination decision-making across U.S. and international markets     𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝘀 — Hands-on sessions led by Visit Orlando experts covering AI, influencer strategy, hotel sales, data insights and more 📅 August 20 | 7:30 a.m. – Noon  📍 Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando  💼 Corporate tables available    Learn more: https://lnkd.in/edUskAP2

✨ Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health, is back — and it’s bigger than ever! From Aug. 15 to Sept. 30, enjoy 3-course, prix-fixe menus at over 160 restaurants across Orlando, priced at just $40 or $60 (plus tax and gratuity). Now in its 20th year, the program brings more to the table:  • A record-breaking 160+ participating restaurants!  • 24 new additions and 15 MICHELIN Guide-recognized restaurants.  • A portion of every meal supports the REED Charitable Foundation, helping end the literacy crisis through accessible educator training.   • More than a dozen hotels offering Magical Nights package deals. Whether you're discovering a new favorite or returning to a beloved local gem, this is your chance to support Orlando’s culinary community and give back — one delicious meal at a time. Explore menus and make your reservations now at OrlandoMagicalDining.com! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eAWnYaRY #MagicalDining #VisitOrlando #SupportLocal #DineWithPurpose #OrlandoRestaurants #REEDCharitableFoundation #20YearsOfMagicalDining

🎉 Visit Orlando has been awarded the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) designation by Destinations International — recognizing our commitment to industry excellence and meeting the industry standard for performance and accountability of destination organizations around the world.     Charles Harris, Visit Orlando’s chief operating officer, accepted the award at the Destinations International Annual Convention.    ✅ We’ve proudly maintained accreditation since 2008, with reaccreditation required every five years.    🌍 Destinations International is the world’s largest and most trusted resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards with more than 8,000 members and partners from over 750 destinations.    👏 This reaccreditation affirms Visit Orlando’s position as a leading destination marketing organization and supports our mission to inspire, promote and grow global travel to Orlando for economic and community benefit.    “Visit Orlando is a leader in the Destination Management industry, consistently maintaining accreditation for nearly 20 years," stated Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. "The relevance of destination organizations has never been more vital to the economic vitality of the places Destinations International members serve, and this industry accreditation is a benchmark for quality and performance."        #VisitOrlando #DestinationMarketing #TourismExcellence #Orlando #DestinationsInternational    Stephanie Naegele  Jacklyne Schottmiller (Ramos) Danielle Hollander Misty Goff Denise Spiegel

🌟 Visit Orlando Receives the 8th Annual Harris Rosen Philanthropic Award! 🌟    On July 9, Visit Orlando was honored with the 8th Annual Harris Rosen Philanthropic Award, presented by the International Drive Chamber of Commerce during the “Heart of I-Drive” Luncheon. Inspired by the legacy of renowned hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen, this award recognizes organizations that demonstrate a deep and lasting commitment to giving back.    Visit Orlando was recognized for its long-standing dedication to charitable initiatives, including the Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining program — which has raised nearly $3 million for local nonprofits since 2009 — as well as year-round employee volunteerism and community engagement. 🌟💖    We’re thankful to receive an award named after Harris Rosen — someone who truly embodied the spirit of giving back and community transformation. When we lead with service, we don’t just strengthen the tourism industry, we help create a stronger, more connected community for all. Thank you, I-Drive Chamber, for this incredible honor! 🙏🌍    Photography 📸: Brion Price (first two photos)

For meeting and event planners, attendee experience matters — and so does value. In Visit Orlando’s ‘Budget-Friendly Orlando: 30+ Things to Do for $30 or Less’ blog, we've curated a list of affordable activities perfect for extending the attendee experience without extending the budget. With many attendees watching costs more closely, offering affordable options can boost satisfaction and help orchestrate a unique event for all groups. From scenic locations like Lake Eola Park to interactive attractions like the Museum of Illusions - Orlando and ICON Park, these ideas are ideal for pre- or post-event leisure activities. 📘 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e6Qcjbc5 #EventPlanning #VisitOrlando #MeetingsInOrlando #AttendeeExperience #BusinessEvents The Orlando Eye by Merlin Entertainments Attractions at Dezerland Park Orlando Museum of Art Gatorland K1 Speed

When meetings choose Orlando, our Destination Experience team helps make them Unbelievably Real.    Visit Orlando’s destination experience team serves as local experts around the destination, working directly with meeting planners to build attendee excitement, ensure the event runs smoothly and connect them with the right local resources to make their event a success. Their hands-on support helps create memorable experiences that keep groups coming back. 🙌    Most recently, the team traveled to New Orleans to promote the upcoming International Dairy-Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) 2026 convention, which will bring 10,600 attendees to Orlando. They also hosted a site visit for the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (AAPM&R), ahead of their 2026 event.    From pre-promotion to on-the-ground support, we're proud to help events thrive in Orlando. 🌟    #OrlandoMeetings #VisitOrlando #ConventionSuccess #EventExperience #TeamOrlando #MeetingsThatMatter