Orlando is Most Visited Destination in the United States, Ask the More than 50 Million Who Visited in 2010
Sunday, May 29th, 2011Orlando made more than 50 million visitors smile last year and remains the most visited destination in the United States. Tourism officials released visitation figures for 2010 earlier this month and research indicates Orlando, Florida, attracted 51.455 million visitors, a 10.5 percent increase from 46.6 million in 2009.
Whoa! That’s a lot of people! Luckily, there is a wide variety of activities to do in Central Florida so it doesn’t seem like 50+ million visitors.
To attract visitors throughout 2010, Visit Orlando initiated new marketing campaigns in its top feeder markets - the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Brazil - reinforcing the tagline, “Orlando Makes Me Smile.” A new meetings and conventions marketing effort touted Orlando as the destination “Where Inspiration Meets.” Visit Orlando also showcased the destination’s offerings to thousands of tour operators and travel professionals at numerous key travel industry trade shows throughout North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia and was instrumental in driving additional air service to Orlando from domestic and Central and Latin America carriers.
New York City, which has a goal of reaching 50 million visitors by 2012, welcomed 48.7 million in 2010 while Las Vegas, an Orlando rival for conventions and meetings business, welcomed 37.3 million for the same year.
Riding high on Universal Orlando Resort’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Sea World’s new ‘One Ocean’ show, Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ revamped Star Tours, and LEGOLAND opening Oct. 15, 2011, it’s pretty safe to say visitors will continue to vacation in Central Florida and Orlando this year. Who knows, maybe Orlando will break another visitation record in 2011.
Image Source: SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT/Jason Collier





