Orlando becomes first US destination to top 55 million
Orlando had another record attendance year and says it became the first destination in this country to welcome 55.1 million visitors, making it the most visited destination in the US.
Total domestic visitation (business & leisure) accounted for a 7.5% increase over 2010 and a record for any US destination; international travel totaled 3.8 million, an increase of 3.5% from 2010.
"We are known worldwide as the top family destination and we continue to be a top choice for inspiring meetings," said Paul Tang, chairman of Visit Orlando.
How did they do it? He cited families and the improved meeting market.
New marketing campaigns also helped. A new meetings and conventions marketing effort focused on the "influencer" in making decisions.
Visit Orlando also showcased the destination’s offerings to thousands of tour operators and travel professionals at numerous key travel industry trade shows throughout North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. The destination also initiated new marketing campaigns domestically co increase tourism during slower periods such as May-June and Mid-August-September.
Canada continues to be Orlando’s number one international market breaking the 1 million visitor mark for the first time, an increase of 5.7%, followed by the United Kingdom (767,000).
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026