Southwest Orlando Bulletin Tourism Update – CFHLA

Mayor Buddy Dyer


Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to receive Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2016 Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award.


Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association members appointed Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer the association’s 2016 Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award recipient. The award is presented in recognition of achievements and contributions to Central Florida’s hospitality industry, as well as the community at large, and is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by CFHLA.

Mayor Dyer was selected as this year’s honoree for his role in the following hospitality and community accomplishments in Central Florida:

• The 2007 City of Orlando/Orange County Interlocal Agreement — paving the way for the construction of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Amway Center, as well as providing for critical improvements to the then Orlando Citrus Bowl.(Today, it is Camping World Stadium.)

• Securing both Major League Soccer (Orlando City Soccer Club) and National Women’s Soccer League (Orlando Pride) franchises.

• Revitalization of downtown Orlando to the benefit of both residents and visitors to the region.

• Efforts in revising the 2007 Interlocal Agreement in 2012 to expedite Citrus Bowl renovations for sports tourism opportunities, including additional college football bowl games, Camping World Kickoff series, and Copa América Centenario matches.

• Commitment in 2016 to review/improvise the Interlocal Agreement to provide additional support to Visit Orlando, a dedicated sports bid fund, enhancements to the Orange County Convention Center, and the completion of Phase II of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

• Leadership in the aftermath of the June 12 Pulse nightclub attack — establishing the OneOrlando Fund, which has collected approximately $30 million for the Pulse victims’ families and survivors.

The award is named after the first CFHLA board of directors chairperson, Charles Andrews, and exemplifies perseverance and dedication to a cause. Mayor Dyer has long been a committed champion of Central Florida’s hospitality industry and has become one of the nation’s preeminent mayors, as Orlando has been recognized nationally as a leading city for job growth, diversity and equality.

CFHLA sincerely thanks Mayor Dyer for all of his efforts to improve The City Beautiful and will be honored to present him with the 2016 Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award at the CFHLA Hospitality Gala on Dec. 10. 💓