One of the favorite destinations for Colombians is Orlando-Florida, located in the United States, it is one of the world centers for amusement parks, for this reason, it is not surprising that Colombia is among the ‘Top 5’ of those who visit it the most. In an interview with Portafolio Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, spoke about the destination’s plans for this Halloween and Christmas season, in addition to the travel plans of Colombians.
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How many Colombian tourists does Orlando receive? How are we ranking compared to other countries?
Orlando remains one of the main tourist destinations in the United States. In 2023, the destination welcomed 6.13 million international visitors, a 25% increase over 2022 numbers.
While Canada remains Orlando’s top international market, with more than 1.2 million last year, we also saw solid increases in all of our top international markets, including Colombia, which saw a 5% increase with 302,000 visitors. in the country, ranking fifth.
How much does a Colombian tourist spend in the destination?
From Colombia, we see both families and adults traveling without children enjoying Orlando. Our latest data shows that the average expense per Colombian visitor per trip is $1,188, with the plane ticket and expenses at the destination.
However, we know that there are a wide range of vacation options to choose from, including budget and luxury experiences. What we do know is that Colombian visitors spend an average of seven days in Orlando, which is significantly longer than the average three-day stay of domestic travelers. This longer stay translates into greater spending per visitor, which generates greater economic benefits for the destination.
What destinations do Colombians go to most?
Orlando is the theme park capital of the world and we know they are among the options visitors consider when choosing a destination, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando. However, other activities in the city have been gaining popularity among visitors, such as visiting Icon Park, Kennedy Space or Legoland Florida.
Additionally, with 48 restaurants recognized in the 2024 Michelin Guide, Orlando continues to drive culinary innovation and position itself as a vibrant center for international cuisine, attracting food enthusiasts and enhancing the local dining experience.
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Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.
Visit Orlando.
What news do you have to tell?
For this year there are many new things to share. This summer, several attractions opened at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park. Tiana Bayou Adventure offers a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters of the animated film “The Princess and the Frog.” Visitors will tour the bay with Princess Tiana during the Mardi Gras season as she prepares to host a unique celebration for the people of New Orleans. Country Bear Musical Jamboree, an all-new show, features renditions of classic Disney songs, reimagined in country music genres. SeaWorld Orlando, celebrating its 60th anniversary, presents Penguin Trek, an immersive indoor and outdoor launch coaster where guests will ride snowmobile-inspired cars at a top speed of 43 mph, ending in the habitat of the park’s penguins.
Added to this is the new Dreamworks Land at Universal Orlando Resort in Universal Studios Florida. This new family area, inspired by DreamWorks Animation characters, features a family roller coaster called I Trolls Trollercoaster; multiple interactive play areas, including Shrek’s Little Ogre Swamp, Poppy’s Playground and Po’s Kung Fu Training Ground; character meeting areas and live entertainment.
And in accommodations we have the new Evermore Orlando Resort, which opened on January 1 as the city’s first beach-type property, with a 32,000-square-meter Crystal Lagoon and an artificial beach of more than 80,000 square meters with hammocks, cabins and recreational activities. Additionally, the Conrad Orlando, Hilton’s first luxury brand in the destination, opened on January 9 with 433 rooms, a spa, numerous dining options, including its exclusive rooftop experience, and meeting spaces.
Additionally, Blue Man Group will return to a new theater designed specifically for its signature multi-sensory performance in a new location at ICON Park in late 2024. The new space, with capacity for 500 people, will be equipped with the latest advances in acoustics, lighting and video.
What plans are there for the rest of the year?
In fall and winter, Orlando has a robust agenda for those who arrive attracted by the most recognized attractions, but the destination has much more to offer. For example, we are the heart of Halloween, a celebration that ranges from spooky soirees to fantasy-filled fun for children and adults.
One of the best-known events is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort, which run from August 30 to November 3. During this event, visitors will be able to enter 10 haunted houses, five horror zones, enjoy live entertainment and some of the most exciting attractions at Universal Studios Florida. There are options to enjoy this night that fit all budgets.
The same thing happens for the Christmas season. Not only the theme parks, but the city is full of options to enjoy the magic such as the lighting of the Christmas tree in Lake Eola or the activities carried out there to share the festivities.
In addition, this semester we will have top-level concerts for the remainder of the year. On the list there are Colombian artists like Camilo, who will be on stage on October 20 at the Kia Center.
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In Florida, in Orlando, the firm’s amusement park reopened in July with limited capacity.
EFE
How do you expect to close in tourists this year?
We hope that the figures continue to improve as has been happening in recent years, especially in markets of interest such as Colombia. Orlando continues to grow with frequent new experiences for visitors to enjoy from movie-inspired attractions to luxurious resorts and always be amazed.
We know that by 2025, Universal Orlando Resort will introduce its next revolution in theme park entertainment with the premiere of Universal Epic Universe; which promises an incomparable level of immersion and innovation, adding gastronomic options, 3 new hotels and shopping experiences, which will surely awaken the interest of Colombian travelers who already know the destination or who dream of coming for the first time.
Colombian travelers have many options for traveling to Orlando, with three airlines operating 43 daily direct flights to Orlando from five major cities: Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Barranquilla and Cali.
PAULA GALEANO BALAGUERA
Portfolio Journalist
