During IPW 2026, Casandra Matej presented Orlando’s strategic vision to international media, highlighting the destination’s strong tourism performance and its position as one of the world’s leading travel hubs.

The Visit Orlando executive announced that Orlando welcomed a historic record of 76.7 million visitors in 2025, reflecting sustained growth compared to the previous year and further consolidating the city as a global tourism powerhouse.

“Orlando is a destination built on big reveals, constant evolution and authentic experiences that keep visitors coming back again and again,” Matej said during her presentation.

Of the total number of visitors, 6.3 million were international travelers, with key markets including Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Mexico. Internationally, Orlando outperformed the overall U.S. tourism average, recording only a 2.4% decline compared to steeper drops experienced by other destinations across the country.

Matej emphasized that a full recovery of international tourism is projected for 2026, driven largely by the continued expansion of air connectivity.

Orlando currently offers new routes from Dublin, London Heathrow, Manchester, Lisbon, Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Madrid, Querétaro and Tokyo, including the first direct flight between Florida and Japan operated by Zip Air.

“More flights mean more opportunities for new markets to discover Orlando,” she stated.

The CEO also highlighted that beyond its world-famous theme parks — including the recent opening of Universal Epic Universe — Orlando continues evolving into a complete destination offering high-end gastronomy, culture, sports and diverse urban experiences.

She also pointed to major infrastructure investments and the arrival of large-scale international events, including activities linked to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and future global sporting competitions.

“Orlando is not just a place you visit; it’s a place you rediscover,” Matej concluded.