Chicago, USA – June 17, 2025 | At IPW 2025 in Chicago, the U.S.'s leading international travel trade show, Visit Orlando unveiled a compelling vision for the destination’s future. With insights from Danielle Saba Hollander, CMO of Visit Orlando, and Eric Marshall, Senior VP of Destination Sales for Universal Destinations & Entertainment, the press conference highlighted a record-breaking year for tourism, the opening of a brand-new theme park, luxury shopping and hospitality expansions, and the city's evolution into a global sports and culinary hub.

Orlando welcomes over 75 million visitors in 2024

Orlando closed 2024 with 75.3 million visitors, marking a 5.9% increase from the previous year, cementing its position as America’s most visited destination. International travel saw a strong rebound, totaling 6.5 million overseas visitors—a testament to Orlando’s unique value proposition and increased global air connectivity.

Top international source markets in 2024:

• Canada – 1.29 million (+2.7%)
• United Kingdom – 907,900 (+3.5%)
• Brazil – 697,200 (+0.2%)
• Mexico – 438,000 (+1.5%)
• Colombia – 343,000 (+13.6%)

Visit Orlando continues to expand its global reach with in-market representation in 12 countries, including recent additions in France, Spain, India, Chile, Peru, and Argentina. These efforts further position Orlando as a gateway to the U.S. for a diverse and growing international audience.

Epic Universe: a once-in-a-generation theme park debut

The much-anticipated Universal Epic Universe officially opened in May 2025—the first new theme park to launch in Orlando in 25 years. The park features five immersive worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.

Meanwhile, SeaWorld Orlando introduced Expedition Odyssey, a groundbreaking flying theater experience across the Arctic, and Walt Disney World unveiled new shows like The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. The highly anticipated new nighttime parade, “Disney Starlight, Dream the Night Away,” will premiere at Magic Kingdom Park in July, featuring characters from Encanto, Frozen, Peter Pan, and more.

Luxury shopping, Michelin-starred cuisine, and world-class accommodations

Orlando is undergoing a high-end retail transformation with the arrival of Moncler, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Balenciaga, Tecovas, and Alo Yoga in its premier shopping destinations. With international visitors placing increased value on premium experiences, this trend bolsters Orlando’s image as a sophisticated, multifaceted destination.

The culinary scene also reached new heights: Orlando is now home to 59 Michelin-recognized restaurants, including Sorekara, the first restaurant in the city to earn two MICHELIN stars, and Ômo by Jônt, awarded one MICHELIN star. Orlando is also home to 15 Bib Gourmand selections and 35 Michelin-recommended establishments.

On the hospitality front, Orlando added 2,600 new hotel rooms in the past year, featuring properties like Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, and Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which offers a direct entrance to Epic Universe. For families and large groups, the new Villatel Orlando Resort on International Drive offers spacious villas with immersive themed rooms. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin also completed a $275 million renovation, while Ramada Plaza by Wyndham underwent a $7 million full-property upgrade.

Orlando: an emerging global sports capital

Orlando is making headlines beyond tourism: it was named the #1 Sports Business City for Event Hosting by Sports Business Journal and one of the Top U.S. Cities for Soccer Fans by WalletHub.

In June 2025, Orlando will host key matches of the FIFA Club World Cup, including LAFC vs. CR Flamengo (June 24) and Juventus FC vs. Manchester City (June 26). The Orlando Magic continue to bring NBA excitement to international travelers, offering a front-row experience of elite basketball action.

Orlando Travel Academy: empowering global travel professionals

Visit Orlando's Travel Academy continues to grow as a top-tier resource for travel advisors, with updated certifications, multilingual modules, and sales tools designed to support the international travel trade. Advisors can access content tailored for the European, Canadian, and Latin American markets at OrlandoTravelAcademy.com.

With exceptional new attractions, rising international arrivals, and a commitment to luxury and innovation, Orlando reaffirms its position as a world-class travel destination. Whether it’s a family vacation, gourmet getaway, shopping spree, or a sports-focused trip, Orlando offers something extraordinary for every traveler—from Toronto to London, from São Paulo to Paris.