Orlando unveils its big 2025 lineup at IPW Chicago
During a press conference held at IPW in Chicago, Visit Orlando and Universal Orlando Resort presented record figures for 2024 and the most attractive new features for next year
Orlando welcomed 75.3 million tourists in 2024, representing a 5.9% increase year-over-year, once again cementing its position as the most visited destination in the United States. International visitors reached 6.5 million, with growth in key markets notable. Canada was the leading source with more than 1.29 million tourists, followed by the United Kingdom with 907,900, Brazil with 697,200, Mexico with 438,000, and Colombia with 343,000, the latter with a notable increase of 13.6%. This growth is partly explained by increased international air connectivity, the launch of new flights, and promotional efforts in 12 international markets, including Argentina, Chile, and Peru, where Visit Orlando has strengthened its presence.
Among the major new developments this year is the recent opening of Universal Epic Universe, the first new theme park in Orlando in the last 25 years. Opening on May 22, 2025, this park offers five immersive worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. This ambitious expansion reinforces Orlando's position as the world's entertainment capital.
SeaWorld Orlando is also adding innovative offerings. It introduced the Expedition Odyssey attraction, a flying cinema experience that takes visitors through the Arctic with lifelike images. Additionally, the Summer Spectacular returns this summer, featuring nighttime shows, fireworks, and drones.
Meanwhile, Walt Disney World Resort will debut two new shows at Disney's Hollywood Studios this year: “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Evil,” expanding the park's live entertainment offerings.
Beyond attractions, Orlando continues to expand its hotel and retail infrastructure, while consolidating its culinary scene with the addition of MICHELIN Guide-recognized restaurants, helping to diversify its offerings for different traveler profiles.
For Latin American markets, these developments represent new business opportunities. Greater air connectivity and a variety of tourism products allow operators and agencies to design more competitive offerings tailored to different audiences, from families to travelers interested in culinary experiences, entertainment, or shopping.
The announcement came at IPW 2025, the largest inbound tourism event in the United States, taking place from June 14 to 18 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago. This trade show brings together more than 6,000 industry professionals from over 70 countries and generates an estimated volume of more than $5.5 billion in future bookings. During the event, in addition to official announcements, participants will have the opportunity to attend immersive experiences, tour iconic landmarks in the city, and establish business relationships with key players in the U.S. and international tourism industry.
Source: Visit Orlando.