The Orlando CVB projects visitation to Orlando to rise from an estimated 48.3 million for 2006 to 48.8 million visitors for 2007. Trends that reflect the anticipated increase include an expected 1.1 percent increase of combined domestic and international arrivals to 48.8 million visitors in 2007; domestic visitation growth from 45.5 million visitors estimated for 2006, to 45.9 million in 2007; 3.9 percent increase in international visitation from 2.75 million visitors in 2006 to 2.86 million visitors in 2007; the United Kingdom will continue as Orlando's top international market. Arrivals are expected to increase 3.4 percent from an estimated 1.03 million in 2006 to 1.07 million visitors in 2007; Orlando's second largest international market, Canada, will grow to 731,000 visitors in 2007; and overnight convention/group meeting travel is expected to increase from an estimated 3.61 million in 2006 to 3.62 million in 2007. Walt Disney World announced on Thursday expansion plans for its Orlando resort that includes a Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts property and a 450-acre retail, dining and lodging district on the western edge of the Disney resort. The plan involves converting the Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge golf courses into a luxury resort and golf community, which will include a hotel, 18-hole golf course and single- and multi-family vacation homes, as well as fractional ownership vacation homes. Disney said site work could begin later this year and, if everything goes according to plan, the hotel is predicted to open in 2010. Visit [www.orlandoinfo.com].
