English Premier League action heads across the pond this July as Orlando hosts The Florida Cup 2022. Former EPL winners Chelsea and Arsenal face-off on 23 July in the Theme Park Capital of the World. The stateside derby is the grand finale of the Florida Cup with Arsenal also playing Orlando City SC (at Exploria Stadium, 20 July) for the first time. Whether visitors want to spectate and soak up the atmosphere or make sport an exciting part of their trip, here is a round-up of some of the top sport activities and iconic venues in Orlando. GOLF GOERS Both casual and competitive golfers will enjoy Orlando’s variety of golf courses. New for this summer is PopStroke, an entertainment venue with two 18-hole putting courses designed by Tiger Woods. Traditional golfers can enjoy Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, just one of numerous celebrated designer golf courses in the Orlando area, some featuring academies helmed by nationally recognized instructors. GAME, SET AND MATCH  In 2017, Orlando became the new home of American tennis, when the United States Tennis Association opened a USTA National Campus in the Lake Nona area of Orlando. The 63-acre complex has 100 courts (hard and clay) and is available for play to visitors. RUN WILD There are miles of trails, parks and paths in Orlando,. Loops such as the Orlando Urban Trail in downtown Orlando and the West Orange Trail in Winter Garden will take you on a scenic tour of parks, lakes and pretty streets. Or, run with your favourite characters to a castle backdrop through Walt Disney World® Resort at one of their four runDisney race weekends including 5k, 10k, half and full marathons. EX-UK DEALS BA is offering packages starting at 990 per person flying out of Gatwick 14 July with accommodation at Ramada by Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway. Thomas Cook is offering packages starting at 963 per person flying out of Gatwick 14 July with accommodation at Red Roof Orlando – Convention Center I-Drive. Find more sports information on VisitOrlando.com

  As one of the most sought-after destinations in the U.S., Orlando maintains its popularity as one of the top places for summer holidaymakers and promises an array of new experiences for visitors planning their next trip to the Theme Park Capital of the World. In addition to new attractions at Orlando’s theme parks, the destination is offering up even more new adventures ranging from a new golf entertainment venue from Tiger Woods to an alcohol-free speakeasy concept.   “Orlando is ready to welcome summer travelers with unforgettable new experiences,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO for Visit Orlando. “Whether you’re a theme park expert or a first-time visitor, there's always something new to discover in Orlando with a variety of new hotels, unique restaurants and one-of-a-kind attractions to explore and create new vacation memories.”   Continuous updates on what's new in Orlando can be found at VisitOrlando.com, the official visitor information source for the destination. On the website, visitors can also make an appointment for a complimentary, personalized one-on-one Vacation Planning Service with one of Visit Orlando’s vacation planning experts for advice and guidance on building the perfect itinerary.  

1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT’s first “other-world” showcase pavilion opens May 27, featuring a new storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.
2. Ice Breaker, SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster features four launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch with a 93-foot-tall spike with 100-degree angle, the steepest vertical drop in Florida.
3. Aquatica Orlando’s newest water slide, Reef Plunge, offers eye-catching translucent cutouts and rings with twists and turn though 330 feet of fiberglass. A vibrant array of marine life, Commerson’s dolphins, leopard sharks and a variety of other cold-water fish are also part of the new dynamic habitat.
4. PopStroke, a golf entertainment venue created in partnership with Tiger Woods, will offer a menu of handhelds and pizzas to enjoy from the indoor-outdoor dining room overlooking two 18-hole miniature golf courses. PopStroke even has an app to automatically keep track of scores on the course and is set to open in May at Waterford Lakes Town Center.
5. Take a short drive to explore Orlando’s local neighborhoods and experience The BANDBOX – Orlando, Central Florida’s first alcohol-free speakeasy cocktail tasting lounge and vintage shop, will open this summer at Ivanhoe Village in Downtown Orlando.
6. Immersion at London House, a new boutique restaurantby Chef Rikku Ó'Donnchü, features a tasting menu-only concept with a sensorial dining experience focused on science, climate change, sustainable farming and zero waste, where texture, scents and sounds are as important as taste.
7. The New York Beer Project,set to open this summer in Winter Garden, will resemble an indoor beer garden complete with a gastropub, sidewalk bistro and up to 20 craft beers on tap.
8. Three-time James Beard Award semifinalist and “Top Chef” contestant Chef John Tesar has brought his concept Knife Burger to the JW Marriott Orlando. Featuring a slightly more expanded menu than the original Texas location, the poolside restaurant offers classic, high-quality burgers as well as seafood burgers and salads, all made with the finest ingredients.
9. The Tuscan-inspired, 126-room ette Hotel Orlando opens in June near Disney World. Focusing on wellness as an alcohol-free property, the hotel offers culinary experiences in partnership with Michelin Star Chef Akira Back, along with The Spa at ette, with services for everyone from the modern minimalist to the unruly naturalist. 
10. AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista will offer a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness facility, inventive chef-tailored dining and signature cocktail service. The property is set to open June 2022.

Enterprise Florida, Inc.'s voted to award $10 million in funds to support the Miami and Orlando bids to be selected as U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The funds will support the cities' planning and operational needs in hosting fans during the tournament. It would support security, transportation and other infrastructure needs, with $5 million grants going to the Greater Orlando Sports Commission and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.   Read full story

Latest data shows Florida tourism is booming. Q3 (July to September) 2021 estimates by Visit Florida recorded 32 million visitors to Florida, which is up .3% from 2019 and 60% from last year. It was virtually all domestic visitors during the quarter although borders have now reopened. Orlando International Airport posted the highest passenger traffic during the quarter with 5.3 million flyers, up 200% from 2020.   Read full story

Sunny Orlando is calling UK holidaymakers to escape the frigid temperatures this festive season. Special festive events abound in the most visited destination in the US especially at Orlando's trio of major theme park resorts. "We're excited to welcome UK visitors back, just in time to experience Orlando's holiday festivities," said Casandra Matej, Visit Orlando president and CEO. "New events at the theme parks, unique shopping experiences throughout the destination and exclusive travel offers make it a perfect time to plan a winter sun holiday to Orlando."   Festive Christmas Celebrations Walt Disney World Resort Beginning 8 November, Disney Very Merriest After Hours will debut at Magic Kingdom Park. Running for 24 select nights through 21 December from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., the separately ticketed, after-hours holiday event will bring festive food and beverage offerings, dance parties, night-time spectaculars and ]Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.' The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (26 Novembers to 30 December) takes guests on a global celebration with costumed performances, seasonal food throughout 11 World Showcase nations, along with sights, sounds and flavours of the season celebrated by various cultures. Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom feature festivities starting 12 Nov. including exclusive holiday character dining and festive night-time illuminations.   Universal Orlando Resort. Grinchmas at Universal's Islands of Adventure (13 November - 2 January) will bring holiday joy to Seuss Landing with The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a live retelling of the classic tale starring the Grinch. Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (13 November - 2 January) will bring festive decor to both Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. Guests can cap off their evening in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade to enjoy The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle - a spectacular transformation of Hogwarts castle with a stunning projection. Universal's Holiday Experience featuring Macy's Balloons (13 November - 2 Januaty) is a festive walk-through experience bringing Universal Studios' guests closer to larger-than-life Macy's balloons and colourful Christmas floats, including characters from Shrek, Madagascar and Despicable Me, along with Santa.   SeaWorld Orlando During SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration (12 Nov. - 2 Jan.), over three million sparkling lights will shine throughout the theme park. Festivities include live performances, seasonal food and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer, and entertainment like the Winter Wonderland on Ice.   Beyond the theme parks Celebrate the magic of the holidays outside the theme parks from tree-lighting ceremonies to long-running holiday traditions infused with arts and culture. The Dazzling Nights outdoor holiday event at Harry P. Leu Gardens, running 19 November - 9 January features a three-quarter-mile interactive holiday experience with epic lighting installations, themed photo moments, live entertainment and more. From 5 November to 24 December, ICON Park will transform into a magical winter wonderland. To kick off the celebrations, ICON Park will host its first tree-lighting ceremony on 1 December with an impressive 40-feet-tall Christmas tree visible from International Drive The 35th annual Festival of Trees transforms the Orlando Museum of Art into a glittering wonderland, filled with sparkling trees, gingerbread houses, vignettes and stunning decor for all ages. The festival - taking place 13-21 Nov. - will also host daily musical performances and delightful programs for all ages throughout the week.   Ring in the New Year The New Year's Eve Dinner at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa's Sear + Sea features a gourmet meal and rooftop terrace boasting nightly views of both theme park fireworks, which typically provide an extra-large NYE display. Downtown Orlando's Wall St. Plaza area features multiple themed bars linked by an open-air courtyard, for an annual New Year's Eve Block Party with lightshows, dance parties and a big countdown to 2022. On New Year's Eve during SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, spectacular music and a bold fireworks display will send a wave of welcome to the New Year ahead. On International Drive, Mango's Tropical Café and Tapa Toro are among numerous venues hosting celebrations with unique entertainment and live music.   Holiday Shopping Experiences Holiday shopping in Orlando promises not only open-air shopping centers perfect for browsing in the Florida winter sunshine, but also unbeatable deals. Shopping beneath palm trees under the Florida sunshine doesn't get any easier than a trip to the outlets. With two distinct locations, the Orlando Premium Outlets is the place to snag discounted merchandise from designer- and brand-name outlet stores like Armani Exchange, Burberry, lululemon, Prada, Coach, Tory Burch and more. For a more luxurious shopping experience, the stylish and sophisticated Mall at Millenia offers everything from the latest Apple gadgets to international high-end retailers. With more than 150 stores, the center also offers valet parking, personal shopping services, and currency exchange services. Winter Park's Park Avenue offers 10 tree-lined blocks of brick streets, historic buildings and a mini-version of Manhattan's Central Park. Visitors will find everything from local boutiques to shops selling fine wines to the latest fashions.   Exclusive Orlando travel deals Travelers can book via Visit Orlando's preferred travel partners to take advantage of some of the most attractive Orlando travel deals for upcoming winter sun travel.   21 Nov. 2021: Orlando holiday deal from TUI Holidays TUI Holidays is offering rates starting at £799 per person for seven-night stays at Rosen Plaza Hotel, a short drive from area theme parks, starting 21 November. For bookings, visit www.tui.co.uk or call 0871 231 4691. 30 Nov. 2021: Orlando holiday deal from Virgin Holidays Virgin Holidays is offering rates starting at £841 per person for 7-night stays from 30 Nov to 7 Dec at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, located inside Universal Orlando Resort property. For bookings, visit www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0333 305 1409. 1 Dec. 2021: Orlando holiday deal from Virgin Holidays Virgin Holidays is offering rates starting at £729 per person for a 10-night stay from 1-11 December at Coco Key Hotel & Water Park, located on International Drive, just minutes away from theme parks and shopping malls. For bookings, visit www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0333 305 1409.   Visit Orlando's UK website, VisitOrlando.com for the latest travel information and tools to make winter sun holiday planning easier.

Michelin and Visit Florida together revealed an expansion of The Michelin Guide, with the announcement of The Michelin Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa. "Michelin Guide inspectors look forward to discovering the culinary landscape in Miami, Orlando and Tampa," said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides. The inaugural edition for Guides to Miami, Orlando and Tampa will be announced in 2022. The new restaurant selections will join Michelin's selection of top rated hotels in Florida, curated by Tablet Hotels, the hotel experts at the Michelin Guide. "Visit Florida, along with our destination partners, Visit Orlando, Visit Tampa Bay and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, are thrilled to partner with Michelin to develop a Michelin Guide to further establish Florida as a world-renowned culinary destination," said Dana Young, President and CEO of Visit Florida. "This gives Florida the opportunity to highlight the dynamic and unexpected culinary adventures the Sunshine State has to offer."

Virgin Atlantic will resume flight operations to Orlando and Las Vegas on the 8 November, the same day that the US borders reopen. Connections between the Big Apple and the north of England are also receiving a boost, with flights between Manchester Airport and New York also resuming. Services to Orlando will depart daily from both London Heathrow and Manchester. The route is currently the most booked across Virgin Atlantic's global network. To meet increased demand, the airline will deploy the newest, largest plane in its fleet, the Airbus A350-100 from 8 -14 November on its London Heathrow to Orlando route. Las Vegas flights will operate daily from London Heathrow on the airline's Boeing 787-900, with daily services from Manchester to New York resuming on an Airbus A330. Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said; "Our customers are ready to begin their US adventures, therefore it's only right that we offer them the opportunity to fly as soon as we can." The airline offers unlimited free date and flight changes for new bookings as part of a series of enhancements to give added flexibility to customers in uncertain times. The rebooking horizon has been extended for all customers until 30 April 2023, giving a broader window of time to reschedule plans if needed.

Visit Orlando has hailed the decision to open US borders again to foreign travellers. The White House announced vaccinated foreign tourists will be welcomed back in November subject to testing and contact tracing requirements. The destination marketing organisation is particular pleased to see the imminent return of UK tourists, a major source market for Central Florida. "We are thrilled by the news about our borders reopening to the UK - our top international overseas market," said Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando. "Knowing there is a huge pent-up demand for Orlando holidays, we are ready to safely welcome back international visitors to the Theme Park Capital of the World." It is perfect timing for Visit Orlando following the launch of its 'The Wonders Remain' marketing campaign, which rolled out earlier this month in the UK. The multichannel strategy includes national television, paid social and SEM. Specific resources are available for travel professionals, including the Orlando Travel Academy, collateral, sales aids and itinerary planners, which can be found on Visit Orlando's trade site, VisitOrlando.com/trade.

Destination marketing organisation Visit Orlando recently launched a 2021 autumn/winter campaign targeting UK travellers. 'The Wonders Remain' campaign rolled out on 1 September in the UK and will run through 31 January 2022. It seeks to recapture travellers' imaginations and inspire them to visit when transatlantic leisure travel resumes. The multichannel strategy includes national television, paid social and SEM. "Our goal with this new campaign is to bring Orlando to life for those who are dreaming of and planning for their 2022 holidays," said Casandra Matej, president & CEO of Visit Orlando. "There is huge pent-up demand for Orlando, and after a very challenging year for the travel industry, this campaign will help increase sales and revenue opportunities for our trade partners." The campaign's call-to-action drives consumers to Visit Orlando's UK website, VisitOrlando.com, for the latest travel information and tools to make holiday planning easier. Consumers are encouraged to book via key travel partners such as Virgin Holidays, BA Holidays, TUI and Ocean Florida. Specific resources for travel professionals, including the Orlando Travel Academy, collateral, sales aids and itinerary planners can be found on Visit Orlando's trade site, VisitOrlando.com/trade. Visit has representation in more than a dozen countries around the world.