United Arts of Central Florida (Website) has just announced the addition of two new cultural tourism directors to its staff, to help support the formation of a new Cultural Tourism Department, in partnership with Visit Orlando.
“Through this partnership, we will identify and package current products and experiences, and create authentic and unique opportunities to bring the industry to life to both enhance the existing tourism experience and be more intentional with driving visitation.”
– JENNIFER EVINS, PRESIDENT AND CEO, UNITED ARTS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, “cultural tourism” means travel that is primarily related to cultural motivations like the performing arts, festivals, historic sites and monuments, nature, art, and pilgrimages.
Visit Orlando invested over $500,000 in 2023 to capture videos of more than 25 regional cultural organizations that will be used as part of a new marketing initiative abroad.
“From acoustically remarkable spaces featuring ballet and philharmonic orchestra performances to thought-provoking collections and prestigious annual art festivals, there is something for everyone to build into their ideal vacation in Orlando.”
– CASANDRA MATEJ, PRESIDENT AND CEO, VISIT ORLANDO
United Arts hired Deanna Kotch, the former director of marketing for Visit Orlando, and Thali Sugisawa, former director of Orange County’s FusionFest, to lead the new department.