As we approach #WorldTourismDay, a day to celebrate and foster awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political, and economic value, I want to shine a light on our Orlando community. 

As a proud Orlandoan, local business owner, member of the City of Orlando Public Arts Advisory Board, past President of the Central Florida Association of Women, President of the Orlando Young Professionals, and frequent contributor to FOX 35 News Orlando, I have seen the significant growth that Orlando has experienced, ranking it the second fastest-growing of the 30 largest U.S. cities. Spurred by job opportunities, affordability, and diversity, Orlando has welcomed many new full-time residents and businesses but has never lost its charm for those who are only visiting. 

Pre-Pandemic

Before the pandemic, the Orlando area welcomed more than 75 million domestic and international visitors on an annual basis but was reduced to half of that during 2020. The reopening of Orlando’s Disney World, Universal theme parks, and SeaWorld, even with reduced capacity, has brought people back to our city by domestic car travel and international flights. Though it is easy to focus only on the iconic theme parks, Orlando has a lot to offer beyond the roller coasters and characters. 

Our beautiful weather and abundance of outdoor space create a wide variety of social activities and adventures for families, couples, or friends, no matter what your interests are. You could attend a concert at the Dr. Philips Center of the Performing Arts, go to sporting events at the Amway Center, such as Orlando City Soccer and Orlando Magic, or explore the downtown eateries in Restaurant Row. If you are looking for something a little more low-key, you could tee up at any one of Orlando’s stellar golf courses, spend the afternoon at one of the acclaimed wineries, or, one of my favorites, head out to Lake Eola and rent one of the famous swan-shaped paddle boats. It isn’t the area that will limit you; it’s your imagination. 

Welcome Back, Orlando

Orlando’s exceptional hospitality is why people keep coming back, and tourism is instrumental to our city’s economic recovery and sustainable development. So, whether you are visiting from out of the state, another country, or just playing tourist in your backyard, explore Orlando – it is hard to beat. 

Rebecca L. Palmer, Esq. is a Family & Marital Law attorney practicing in FL. She is the Managing Partner of the Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group, and she can be reached at rebecca@rlplawgroup.com.