The leadership of Orlando’s civic, business and tourism community was truly put to the test following the horrific rampage at the Pulse nightclub June 12, which resulted in 49 killed and 53 wounded.
When news of the mass shooting spread, Visit Orlando’s George Aguel was set to appear at MPI WEC in Atlantic City, N.J., but had to immediately head home to help the community’s efforts to deal with the crisis.
“I woke up Sunday morning [June 12] in New York, and I was on a plane Sunday night,” Aguel remembered.
Like many throughout the world, Aguel was touched by the outpouring of support both from individuals and businesses, including those in the travel industry such as Allegiant, JetBlue and American airlines that offered free flights or mileage credits to the families of victims to fly to Orlando.
“We’re grateful for the demonstration of support we’ve been getting since it happened,” Aguel said. “We’ve had many companies, airlines and hotel companies [donate]. The city began the OneOrlando Fund, and millions of dollars had been donated within days, and continue to be. This community has come together unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my tenure here.”
And the outpouring of support wasn’t limited to corporate citizens, as the general public showed great resilience in not canceling travel plans to the destination.
“We saw no indications whatsoever of meetings or travel plans changing from Orlando,” he said. “We actually saw people saying, ‘I wasn’t sure I was coming, but now I have to come. I love you guys, we support you guys, and now we’re coming.”
