submitted by Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association
On Sept. 25, 2016, Central Florida lost one of its greatest ambassadors and community benefactors, Arnold Palmer. “The King” was more than a golf superstar to those in the area. His lifelong commitment to giving back to the community and passion for developing Orlando into a premier golfing destination distinguished him as a true legend.
The hospitality community says goodbye to the legendary Arnold Palmer.
The local hospitality industry is forever indebted to Palmer for his contributions to the rise of Central Florida as one of the world’s most visited destinations. The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented By Mastercard at his Bay Hill Club & Lodge draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region annually, and his Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation helped pave the way for the nationally recognized Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, both of which significantly enhance the Central Florida brand.
Arnold Palmer laid the foundation for Orlando to become one of the nation’s premier cities. His belief in the area and early investments in the community came before there were local NBA or MLS teams and world-class venues, and before Orlando was really put on the map. It’s impossible to think of The City Beautiful without thinking of Arnold Palmer. His name truly became synonymous with the community.
As Central Florida continues to grow in the aftermath of his loss, let us remember one of his many great lines, “The road to success is always under construction.”
On behalf of Central Florida’s hospitality community, thank you, Arnie. ♠