As part of the Universal Orlando Travel Symposium, Orlando CVB President Bill Peeper joined senior executives from AAA, Expedia.com, Loews Hotels, Orlando CVB, Universal Orlando, Song Airlines and Travel Industry Association of America in predicting a healthy growth in travel this year over last.

Peeper reported that combined domestic and international arrivals to Orlando are expected to increase 7.7 percent this year to 48.7 million visitors; 4.9 percent in 2005 to 51.1 million; and 5.3 percent in 2006 to 53.9 million. He also reported that international visitation is expected to increase 6.7 percent this year to 2.4 million visitors, 7 percent in 2005 and 6.5 percent in 2006.

Other significant industry segment findings for the upcoming 2005 travel periods reported by panel members included:

• Combined domestic and international arrivals to Orlando are expected to increase 7.7 percent this year to 48.7 million visitors; 4.9 percent in 2005 to 51.1 million; and 5.3 percent in 2006 to 53.9 million.
• Leisure travel by U.S. residents is expected to continue this year's growth into 2005. Business travel is expected to increase for the first time since 1999 with U.S. residents forecasted to take nearly 145 million business person-trips this year and 150 million person trips in 2005.
• Universal Parks & Resorts reports a 15 percent increase in attendance at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood this year.
• AAA's travel agency sales were up 21 percent the first quarter of 2004. In addition summer travel bookings are expected to increase by an average of 19.5 percent.
• Expedia.com predicts online travel planning and purchasing will grow at 25 percent for the next four years.

Universal Orlando hosted the symposium on May 19 as it opened its newest theme park attraction, Revenge of the Mummy--The Ride at Universal Studios.

Source: Universal Orlando