2 min read February 2023 — With the hospitality industry growing and Orlando being known as a top destination for families and business conferences, the city is ready to fulfill the demand for those traveler accommodations.
The Orlando hospitality industry is experiencing a boom in demand and new developments. Last month, Visit Orlando released figures showing leisure and meeting-related bookings were up 17% year-over-year, although no exact booking numbers were disclosed. With new hotels and resorts opening their doors and existing ones undergoing major renovations, this trend is set to continue with several notable projects in the works and an optimistic outlook for the hospitality industry.
The downtown hotel market is expected to bounce back after a turbulent couple of years due to the pandemic. While there are still challenges ahead, new hotel openings like Cambria Hotel Orlando Universal Blvd signal strong demand. The upscale accommodation is just one mile from Universal Studios Orlando and three miles from the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).
One of the key drivers of this recovery is the return of convention business to the area. The OCCC, which is the second-largest convention center in the country, has played a critical role in bringing travelers to the region. While Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is still holding off on a $605 million expansion to the convention center, industry insiders say that the pipeline of future events looks strong for the proposed center.
“We are very excited to see the return of convention business to the Orange County Convention Center,” said Brian Comes, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Orlando, in an interview with the Orlando Business Journal. “It’s a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to driving demand for our hotels, and we’re optimistic that this trend will continue into 2023.”
To stay competitive, many hotels in the downtown area are investing in technology to enhance the guest experience and streamline operations. The Hyatt Regency Orlando, for example, recently introduced a new mobile app that allows guests to check in, order room service and even unlock their rooms using their smartphones.
Other hotels are focusing on their unique selling points to stand out from the competition. The Aloft Orlando Downtown leverages its central location and proximity to major attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios.
The Orlando International Airport is also seeking for more hotel additions and expansions. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which oversees and operates Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport, approved a request for proposals for hotel development consulting services, according to airport documents at the beginning of 2023. According to the Orlando Business Journal, the consulting costs are between $400,000-$500,000 over a two-year term. This decision would present new opportunities for construction projects and job creation in the area. With the development of new hotels, Orlando would attract more visitors, ultimately increasing the demand for services and job opportunities as well as enhance the overall travel experience for passengers landing in the region.
