The Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI) reports that international visitors spent 15% more in June 2010 than they did during the same period in 2009. This translates into about $1.4 billion more for June, 2010. Some additional noteworthy points that were part of this travel and tourism report:

• This marks the sixth consecutive increase in monthly international tourism growth
• Passenger airfares received from international visitors is up 17% from 2009 to 2010
• 2010 spending by international visitors is up 7% YTD.
• Spending by Americans on domestic travel and tourism is only up 2% for 2010 YTD.

For the latest OTTI update with historical spending data, please click here.

This increase in aggregate international tourism would parallel what we are seeing in Orlando. Robust demand for new attractions has helped drive incremental improvements in demand for local lodging including area vacation rentals. International travellers particularly enjoy Orlando holiday homes because of the affordable luxuries. For instance, the “Made for Canadians” promotion helped spur renewed interest in Orlando tourism as well as rental homes as the accomodation of choice.

Moreover, due to the longer length of stay, having the comforts of home makes any vacation more enjoyable. These amenities often include wireless internet, game rooms, ample living space and privacy. For reviews on over 80 resort vacation home communities, please click on our profiles located on the main page. Villas in Orlando are a lifestyle choice for your vacation.

Self Catering Holidays in Orlando

The easiest way to go self catering for an Orlando holiday is to rent an Orlando villa.

Orlando holiday villas provide a full service, fully functional holiday home often with multiple bedrooms, private pool, fully equipped kitchen and multiple bathrooms.

Orlando villas make a self catering Orlando holiday very affordable and typically more spacious and relaxing than a cramped hotel room. To learn more about which communities tailor to self catering Orlando holiday homes, see our reviews guide on the right hand side of our main page.

Self Catering Holidays Orlando

As the economy enters deeper into recession and unemployment increases, breaking into Orlando holiday homes becomes a way of making extra cash for criminals.

Vacation villas are popular with thieves, as they are often vacant. Moreover, if they are in fact occupied by renters, during the daytime hours they make an easy target while renters are at the theme parks for their vacation in Orlando.

So what is a vacation home renter to do? Like anything in life, there are no guarantees, but one option could be renting a vacation home in Orlando in a gated and guarded community. This does help control the type of traffic into a vacation home community. Second, you could rent a home with an alarm system. When reserving a home, we recommend that you ask what type of security is provided and available for the home you rent. Our blog’s community ratings area does indicate which Kissimmee vacation home communities are gated and/or guarded.

Some subdivisions have also begun to put up 24/7 surveillance cameras to monitor all traffic and record licenses plates. When signs displaying such surveillance are clearly posted, they can act as an active crime deterrent. If you are a homeowner, you may wish to install an alarm system in your residence and encourage your community association to put up some type of surveillance system.

Homeowners may also want to check their insurance policy and make sure theft is fully covered on their home owner’s insurance policy. In addition, renters may want to be sure and travel with a good personal vacation insurance policy of their own.