Orlando Tourists Have 1 In 43,000 Chance Of Becoming Crime Victim
local6.com
Leaders: 'Crime Surge' Not Slowing Orlando Tourism
Recent reports of a spike in Orlando crime in national publications have not caused a slowdown in tourism this year, according to industry leaders.
This week, The Wall Street Journal ran an article on what it calls a "crime surge," citing a couple's claims that they were kidnapped from downtown Disney.
The newspaper posed the question of whether the city's crime rate will affect tourism.
Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau representative Danielle Portney said neither the crime rate nor articles in national publications have had a negative impact.
"(With) the polls, research, it doesn't seem to be affecting our general consumers," Portney said. "Perception at this point has not been affecting consumer's perceptions of Orlando or their desire to travel to Orlando."
With about 49 million tourists expected to visit Orlando this year, the chances of a tourist becoming a crime victim is about 1 in 43,000, the Local 6 report said.
The Convention and Visitors Bureau also surveyed hotels in the area and 50 percent report advanced summer bookings are up this year.
