Orlando Tourist Attractions On ‘High Alert’ After Massacre

Amy Coyne Bredeson
by Amy Coyne Bredeson
Last updated: 5:23 PM ET, Sun June 12, 2016

Photo via Twitter

Orlando area tourist attractions are on "high alert" following the Sunday morning massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

The 2 a.m. mass shooting at Pulse left about 50 people dead and at least 53 injured, CNN reported.

READ MORE:Gunman Kills 50, Injures 53 in Orlando Nightclub

"The carnage that occurred is going to elevate security at all parks, arenas, stadiums, theaters," consulting firm International Theme Park Services president Dennis Speigel wrote in an email obtained by The Orlando Sentinel. "'Total security' is the way we must operate. Metal, dogs, officers, random checks, multiple checks as well at the entrances will happen."

Experience Kissimmee CEO and president DT Minich told the newspaper he had not heard of increased security at any tourist attractions following the attack, but he does think the area's tourism community will be "on high alert."

READ MORE:Brussels Under Attack: At Least 26 Dead

"We continue to work with our community partners on the evolving nature of this incident and have total trust in the dedication of our public officials' leadership during this difficult time," Visit Orlando president and CEO George Aguel told the Sentinel.

Orlando International Airport spokeswoman Carolyn Fennell told the newspaper that the airport has stepped up security but is otherwise running as usual.

In reponse to the shooting, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association issued the following statement:

"IGLTA and its global membership are shocked and saddened by the devastating mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. We stand in solidarity with our members and friends in Orlando and send our condolences to all of those whose lives were touched by this violent act.

"IGLTA is unwavering in its belief that tourism helps to build a more welcoming world. As communities around the globe celebrate Pride this month, it is even more important than ever for all of us in the travel industry to support inclusiveness and unite against those who would have LGBT people live in fear."


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Amy Coyne Bredeson

Amy Coyne Bredeson

Amy Coyne Bredeson is a freelance writer and editor in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. She has worked in journalism for the...

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...