Casandra Matej travel tips

Orlando, the Theme Park Capital of the World and No. 1 Travel Destination in the U.S., continues to embrace new and returning visitors in 2024 with more than two dozen new experiences. The destination — where winter doesn’t exist — is brimming with new possibilities for dream vacations, from movie-inspired attractions and a launch coaster with snowmobile-style cars to a cabaret-style music venue tucked inside a stunning performing arts center and a luxury beach-like resort with an 8-acre crystal lagoon.

San Francisco Travel Association, the official destination marketing organization for the city and county, has named Anna Marie Presutti as its president and CEO – the first female to lead the organization.

Orlando, the Halloween Vacation Capital, invites visitors to celebrate the spooky season with a record 93 days of frightful and family friendly events. Highlights include the nation’s largest horror convention, extended theme park Halloween events, haunted botanical gardens, kid-friendly trick-or-treat trails, an all-new Halloween drone show, and adults-only horror-themed performing arts shows and even a Beetlejuice themed brunch. 

Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, January 25. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

The marketing budget for one of the largest tourism boards in the U.S. is about to get a $15 million trim. The Orange County Board of Commissioners approved a proposal on Tuesday to reduce the amount of money that goes to Visit Orlando.

Visit Orlando may see a cut to its $100 million budget – one of the largest destination marketing budgets in the United States.

Orlando prepares for an enchanting holiday season as the destination’s theme parks, attractions and hotels dazzle visitors with nearly 60 days of festive fun. From all-new theme park events featuring Hollywood glam and heart-warming character dining experiences to shimmering light spectaculars and reimagined live performances, visitors can enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with a full lineup of holiday happenings to celebrate the season.  “November marks the start of a joyful holiday season in Orlando, featuring new experiences and cherished signature events that capture the magic of the destination and create treasured holiday memories with the entire family,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.

Orlando is gearing up for an extraordinary autumn filled with Halloween thrills and fall festivities. With 93 days of frightful scares and family-friendly fun at theme parks and attractions, savory culinary experiences and vibrant cultural celebrations throughout the destination, Orlando presents an exceptional lineup of fall events for visitors of all ages. “From experiencing a taste of our dining scene at a discounted price to the Halloween thrills that you can only find in the Halloween Vacation Capital, Orlando offers something for every traveler this fall,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO for Visit Orlando. “Lively local events, ranging from our local LGBTQ+ pride celebration to our Hispanic heritage celebration, round out the diverse offerings.”