On Friday, June 4, the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association – in partnership with Orange County Government – presented the 2021 State of Orange County Address at the Orange County Convention Center. This annual address was live streamed by hundreds of community and business leaders, numerous Central Florida elected officials, and viewers through OrangeTV and in the audience.
In his remarks, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings addressed the challenges and the accomplishments faced by the county’s businesses, residents and governmental employees over the past year. Furthermore, Mayor Demings discussed the county’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all businesses and residents throughout the pandemic, including access to personal protective equipment, COVID-19 testing and subsequent vaccinations, the ability to seek workforce training and retraining opportunities, and the county’s optimistic economic outlook for the remainder of 2021.
Most importantly, Mayor Demings highlighted the historic investments that continue to be made by the hospitality and tourism industries, including Universal Orlando Resort’s new theme park Epic Universe, SeaWorld Orlando’s newest roller coaster Icebreaker Launch, and Walt Disney World’s Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Resort.
Lastly, Mayor Demings shared his excitement as hotel occupancy is increasing and families and visitors are returning this summer, just in time to make lasting memories. On behalf of CFHLA, we would like to thank Mayor Demings for his continued partnership, leadership and support of the Central Florida tourism and hospitality industries.