Tourism Central - OrlandoSentinel.com

Marriott Vacations pleased with first-quarter performance

By Sara K. Clarke , Orlando Sentinel — Thu, 3 May 2012 16:24:09 EDT

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. told investors Thursday it was off to a good start in 2012, as the time-share company reported on its first full quarter as a standalone entity.

Orlando hospitality jobs: Waldorf Astoria and Hilton hiring 100 ahead of summer

by Sara K. Clarke, Orlando Sentinel — Wed, 2 May 2012 11:07:00 EDT

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek have announced plans to hire 100 people, with positions ranging from food and beverage to housekeeping and golf.

Liquor license for Legoland Florida?

by Sara K. Clarke, Orlando Sentinel — Wed, 2 May 2012 10:52:00 EDT

Here's an interesting story from the Lakeland Ledger on Legoland Florida's latest pursuit: A license to sell alcoholic beverages.

Vote trips up AirTran, Southwest integration

By Sara K. Clarke and Jason Garcia , Orlando Sentinel — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 17:03:00 EST

Southwest Airlines faces a new hurdle in its effort to integrate its operations with those of AirTran Airways , the Orlando-based airline that it acquired last year. Its mechanics voted down a tentative agreement outlining how to combine the seniority rankings of Southwest and AirTran mechanics. Union officials said a number of issues contributed to the vote, including long-term rules for seniority and the timeline for expanding the airlines' maintenance operation.

Disney's newest ship to debut in New York

By Jason Garcia and Sara K. Clarke , Orlando Sentinel — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:30:00 EST

The Walt Disney Co. 's fourth cruise ship will be the first one christened outside of Central Florida.

Orlando's Wet 'n Wild to add playground for younger set

By Sara K. Clarke , Orlando Sentinel — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:07:00 EST

Wet 'n Wild became the latest Central Florida park to target the young kids demographic Friday, with an announcement that its first new attraction in more than four years will be a giant water playground.

Legoland now joins other parks in reporting injuries

By Sara K. Clarke , Orlando Sentinel — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:26:00 EST

Orlando's theme parks reported 12 injuries during the fourth quarter of 2011, including a 48-year-old man who fractured an ankle at Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon and an elderly man who fell and hit his head after exiting Toy Story Midway Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Talking With … Gail Hunter: Convention center hosts many events during NBA All-Star weekend

By Sara K. Clarke, Orlando Sentinel — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:10:00 EST

Gail Hunter is senior vice president of events and attractions for the National Basketball Association, which comes to town Feb. 23-26 for its All-Star Game and related events, including a fan-oriented Jam Session in the Orange County Convention Center. Hunter spoke with staff writer Sara K. Clarke .

Tourism interests to gather in state Capitol

By Sara K. Clarke and Jason Garcia , Orlando Sentinel — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:13:00 EST

Florida Tourism Day at the Capitol, the annual day of industry lobbying in Tallahassee, is set for this Wednesday -- and the primary issue on the agenda is funding.

Disney, International Speedway lobbying for millions in tax breaks

By Jason Garcia , Orlando Sentinel — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST

Walt Disney World and International Speedway Corp. are lobbying Florida lawmakers for a package of tax breaks that could save the two companies millions of dollars in state taxes during the next 20 years.