Visit Orlando is joining WTM London Virtual this year and is excited to share all that’s new in the Theme Park Capital of the World. Orlando has experienced widespread growth with major theme park openings such as the JurassicWorld VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando Resort. Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary celebrations began Oct. 1. Coming in 2022 are SeaWorld Orlando’s new Ice Breaker roller coaster in February and the world’s first Peppa Pig theme park at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
There is plenty going on beyond the parks too including new celebrity dining from Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips and Ole Red by country superstar Blake Shelton at ICON Park. Also new to Orlando this year is Orlando Slingshot™ and Orlando Free Fall™ – two world-record-setting attractions opening this December and Wild Florida doubled the size of its Drive-thru Safari Park this summer to be 170 acres with 4 miles of driving space now with 150 animals to see. Next year sees the opening of Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts; the facility achieves an N1 sound rating, the lowest level at which humans can detect sound.
There has also been booming hotel growth with brand new properties opening this year including the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, Lake Nona Wave hotel and the AC Hotel Orlando Downtown. Airlift continues to expand with new routes from Manchester to Orlando on Aer Lingus.
Showcasing at WTM this year will be Visit Orlando’s brand new ‘The Wonder Remains’ advertising campaign featuring brand new creative to recapture travellers’ imaginations and inspire them to visit The Theme Park Capital of the World when they are ready to travel.
The campaign, running through to 31 January, was developed to remind travellers that Orlando is still the place to play, explore, escape and create lasting memories with loved ones. 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.”
Visit Orlando plans to relaunch a new look Orlando Travel Academy in early 2022 – its online learning program created specifically for travel agents – to further support the trade in their learning development.