Don't visit Oslo. That's what the city's new tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign declares.
13.06.2024 - 02:05 / insider.com / Ron Desantis
Central Florida's tourism district unanimously approveda $17 billion development deal with Disney that could mean a new era for the company's profitable theme parks.
Members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District's board of supervisors pushed through the landmark deal on Wednesday evening during a meeting at its Lake Buena Vista headquarters.
The deal comes amid a détente between Disney and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose administration took control of the local tourism district from the entertainment conglomerate last February. Disney had previously self-managed any development in the area with little government oversight.
The resulting legal battle between Disney and the DeSantis administration began in 2022 but ended this March when both parties agreed to a settlement.
"This is the day we have all been looking forward to," Board Member Brian Aungst said prior to the vote. "Walt Disney World is inextricably intertwined in the fabric of Central Florida."
After the vote, Board Member Charbel Barakat thanked DeSantis for his leadership, inspiration, and "tireless efforts" to reach a deal with Disney.
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The development deal, a version of which Business Insider reviewed, will allow Disney to spend billions of dollars on its Walt Disney World properties over the next 10 to 20 years.
It will also permit Disney to build a fifth major theme park and two minor theme parks — something Disney fans have fantasized about for years. Reddit boards and Disney-themed discussion forums have long speculated about the so-called "fifth gate," or a potential fifth theme park that would join the four existing locations.
Disney hasn't discussed how or when it could pursue the massive project, but fans have clamored for a villain-centric theme park in the past. Another popular idea was a Star Wars-based attraction, which came to life in 2019 when Disney unveiled Galaxy's Edge.
The development deal also authorizes Disney to add more rooms to its Central Florida hotel and expand its retail and restaurant space.
In return, Disney must award at least 50% of its related construction work to Florida-based businesses and fund at least $10 million toward "attainable housing projects." The company must also donate at least 100 acres of its land to the tourism district.
In a hearing last week, local businesses came out in support of the deal, which they view as an opportunity to grow the local economy and increase sales.
"The one thing we're sure of is that investment and reinvestment guarantee growth and excellence," George Miliotes, the owner and operator of Wine Bar George in Disney Springs, told board members. "So, when we see the billion-dollar number in front of the investment that's on the table, we
Don't visit Oslo. That's what the city's new tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign declares.
Amsterdam plans to start cutting the number of ships that can stop at its main port terminal over the coming years, its municipal government said Wednesday.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will launch a new flight between Portland, Oregon, and Amsterdam in October, replacing a flight from partner Delta Air Lines between the two cities.
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Geneva Tourism is delighted to unveil the inaugural Geneva Food Guide, produced in collaboration with Sébastien Ripari, a Geneva-born international gastronomic expert and food consultant. Developed to highlight Geneva’s authentic and diverse culinary culture, the Geneva Food Guide was launched at a high-profile press conference early this morning. Designed to be a trusted companion for locals and guests to the city, an initial 170 restaurants were tried and tested to select the very best of Geneva’s gastronomic offering, with the final edition of the Geneva Food Guide showcasing 60 recommended establishments personally tested and approved by Ripari. Providing visitors with an opportunity to discover Geneva’s diverse gastronomic scene, the Guide’s carefully curated recommendations will ensure that even the most discerning of foodies enjoy their stay in the city, with hidden treasures to suit every taste and budget.
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is proud to announce the launch of ‘No Barriers Reef,’ a pioneering initiative designed to make the breathtaking natural wonders of Belize accessible to every Belizean. This innovative project, which went live on Saturday, June 8, in honor of World Ocean Day, is a testament to Belize’s commitment to the appreciation and preservation of our oceans and natural heritage.
Balancing a local voice with a global perspective is paramount across all of Conde Nast Traveler's eight global editions. And we recognize that travel is one of the most encompassing industries in the world, influenced by endemic players including hotels and cruise lines, but increasingly, by fashion, design, wellness and more. As such, we are thrilled to announce our second-ever Global Advisory Board, comprised of thought leaders and tastemakers from a range of sectors, backgrounds and countries, to help direct our global brand on the issues influencing travel and travelers right now. Consider these experts, who range from inclusivity advocates to conservation pioneers, a lens through which we will continue to shape all our coverage on travel in the coming years. Our board members will engage in editor-hosted panels on topics including wellness in travel and global travel forecasts; participate in public-facing events; and guide our teams where appropriate. Learn about the 13 members, below. You may even recognize a few names from last year.
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