The Orlando travel and tourism promotion symbolizes the growing recognition that Canada may be Orlando and Florida’s best opportunity at nurturing a large international inbound tourist market. Canada enjoys a huge treasure of natural resources that boosts the national economy. The other star performer having a healthy national economy and with growing visitation to Florida is Brazil.

We blogged about this several months ago, and the fact that many Floridians are not aware of how big Canadian tourism is for Florida. Canadian tourism adds about $2 billion to the state economy according to available economic impact data.

Canadian travel has always been a huge impact on the Orlando vacation rentals market. Since many Canadians typically have a longer length of stay in Orlando, the vacation home product lends itself to this lifestyle. Canadians love the residential style amenities that come with vacation rentals. Vacation home amenities allow visitors to stay longer and in greater comfort. For this and other reasons, Canadian travel and tourism to Florida for vacation rental stays will continue to grow and prosper.

In terms of the Made for Canadians discounts at Orlando area businesses through April, 2010, please click here. Most merchants will require a passport or driver’s license to redeem the applicable benefits. Our favorite Made for Canadian promotional benefits and discounts in Orlando include:

• Discounts for admission to the Arnold Palmer Invitational professional golf tournament in March, 2010
• Discounts on SeaWorld and Aquatica admission
• Promotional pricing for Gatorland Park
• Discounts for the Orange County Regional History Center and the Orlando Science Center
• Discounts for Walt Disney World and the Wet N’ Wild Water Park

Orlando Vacation Homes for Canadians

Although somewhat controversial in its application, national GDP growth is a relative indicator for the health of an underlying macroeconomy. According to EU, OECD and IMF national statistical offices, the following forecasted country growth estimates are applicable for 2009:

• United States – 1.5%
• Canada – 1.2%
• Western and Central Europe – 1.7%
• Mexico – 1.0%
• Brazil 1.0%
• Much of Latin America 0-1+%
• China and India 5-6%

The problem for Orlando travel and tourism growth in 2009 is that the top countries with negative economic growth are the biggest current contributors to Orlando’s baseline level of visitor activity.  

Although projections can change at any time, Latin American economic growth should help stimulate the middle classes in those countries with the benefit of higher discretionary incomes and subsequent increased travel.

Moreover, there will be some pockets of growth and opportunity for Florida travel, but not enough to offset those areas that contribute such a significant amount to the local economy and provide needed resort tax revenues.

Orlando Travel