Orlando, Florida, solidified its status as the premier travel destination in the United States by attracting 74 million visitors in 2022, according to Visit Orlando, the city’s official tourism association. Experiencing a remarkable 25% surge in visitors compared to the previous year, Orlando reaffirmed its position as the most-visited destination in America. He achieved an impressive 98% of its pre-pandemic (2019) levels.

The recovery of Orlando’s tourism industry during the past year was hailed as a pivotal milestone by Casandra Matej, the president and CEO of Visit Orlando. She credited the significant growth to a combination of factors, including pent-up demand from both domestic and international markets, the launch of a new international brand, and a steadfast commitment to strategic sales and marketing initiatives. Additionally, the constant introduction of new and immersive experiences in the city further bolstered Orlando’s allure for tourists.

In a momentous announcement during National Travel & Tourism Week, Visit Orlando unveiled impressive visitor numbers to an audience of over 900 tourism and community leaders. The revelation was met with great enthusiasm, highlighting the significance of Orlando’s thriving travel industry.

The success of Visit Orlando’s recent Unbelievably Real brand launch played a pivotal role in attracting visitors. The campaign was initially introduced in May 2022 to domestic travellers. An international marketing blitz followed it in key markets such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Peru. These comprehensive promotional efforts effectively reached 54% of Orlando’s target market households, resulting in a staggering $8 billion in additional future direct visitor spending. Remarkably, every dollar spent on media generated $359 in visitor spending.

Detailed analysis of the 2022 visitation statistics revealed that domestic leisure visitation fully recovered and achieved a new record of 61 million visitors. However, U.S. business visitation is still in the process of bouncing back, totalling 7.9 million visitors.

Regarding international visitation, Orlando managed to recuperate 75% of its pre-pandemic levels, attracting 4.9 million visitors abroad in 2022. Canada, the United Kingdom, and Brazil were among the top three international markets contributing to Orlando’s success. These countries sent impressive numbers of tourists to experience the city’s renowned attractions and entertainment offerings.

Canada emerged as a significant contributor, with 860,700 visitors, closely followed by the United Kingdom, with 809,000 visitors. Brazil, known for its love of adventure and fun, sent 575,000 visitors to Orlando. Mexico and Colombia contributed substantially, with 394,000 and 287,000 visitors, respectively.

Looking ahead to 2023, Orlando, the esteemed Theme Park Capital of the World, continues building on its success with an exciting lineup of new experiences for visitors. One notable addition is a cutting-edge, eco-friendly high-speed rail service connecting Orlando and Miami, offering tourists a convenient and sustainable transportation option. Orlando’s theme parks will also introduce thrilling attractions, including a diabolical family ride inspired by the popular Minions franchise and the world’s first surf coaster.

For more information about Orlando’s incredible offerings and to plan your visit, please visit VisitOrlando.com. Experience the magic and excitement that make Orlando the ultimate travel destination.

Written by: Matthew Thomas

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