Travel + Leisure Co. Opens HQ, Cementing Orlando's Corporate Rise
- $36 million: Capital investment in the new global headquarters.
- 900+ jobs: Relocated to Orlando, with an additional 102 high-wage positions expected over the next five years.
- 182,000 sq. ft.: Size of the new headquarters in Downtown Orlando.
Experts would likely conclude that Travel + Leisure Co.'s new headquarters in Orlando marks a strategic milestone, reinforcing the city's economic diversification and the company's commitment to fostering innovation, employee well-being, and community engagement.
Travel + Leisure Co. Opens HQ, Cementing Orlando's Corporate Rise
ORLANDO, FL – January 21, 2026 – In a dramatic flourish befitting a leader in the leisure industry, Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE: TNL) celebrated the grand opening of its new global headquarters in Downtown Orlando today, culminating in the Orlando Magic’s mascot, STUFF, rappelling down the building to unveil the new corporate signage.
The high-flying stunt marked a pivotal moment for both the company and the city. The official opening of the 182,000-square-foot facility at 501 W. Church St. represents a capital investment exceeding $36 million and solidifies the relocation of more than 900 associates to Orlando's urban core, reinforcing the city's strategic evolution from a tourism mecca to a diversified corporate powerhouse.
“The opening of our new global headquarters in the heart of the city deepens our connection to the community and represents a defining milestone for Travel + Leisure Co.,” said Michael D. Brown, president and CEO. “More than a change of address, it reflects our continued focus on our people, our culture, and the future we’re building together.”
A New Anchor in Downtown's Transformation
The relocation is a significant win for Orlando’s long-term economic strategy, which has focused for two decades on diversifying beyond its world-famous theme parks and hospitality sector. The move brings a major corporate headquarters to the downtown core, promising a cascade of economic benefits. Beyond the initial 900 jobs, the company is expected to create an additional 102 new high-wage positions over the next five years, with salaries targeted at 200% of the average private-sector wage in Orange County.
This influx of daily foot traffic is a boon for downtown's ecosystem of restaurants, shops, and services. The project was made possible by a robust public-private partnership involving the City of Orlando, the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), FloridaCommerce, and private partners like building owner Piedmont Office Realty Trust. The CRA advisory board previously considered approving up to $4.04 million in incentives through its High Wage/High Value Job Creation Program to facilitate the move, underscoring the city's commitment to attracting and retaining top-tier employers.
“The relocation of Travel + Leisure to downtown bolsters Orlando’s identity as more than a visitor destination. It shows that our city is not only a global travel location, but also a serious place to grow companies and a place where residents can build careers,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. He noted that high-wage office jobs are critical for attracting further retail, dining, and amenities that benefit employees, residents, and visitors alike.
Designing the Future of Work
The new headquarters is more than just an office building; it’s a meticulously designed “destination workplace” engineered for a post-pandemic, hybrid-friendly workforce. The facility embodies emerging trends that prioritize employee well-being, collaboration, and flexibility. Every associate has a sit-to-stand desk, and a wide variety of meeting spaces are available, from formal conference rooms to informal stand-up rooms designed to encourage quick decision-making.
Wellness is a central theme. The building includes an on-site health clinic, a 2,300-square-foot fitness center with locker rooms, and dedicated wellness and focus rooms on each floor. Amenities once considered luxuries are now standard, including super-automatic espresso machines, customizable smart water coolers, and complimentary downtown parking for all associates. A first-floor café features grab-and-go selections and a hot station with a rotating menu showcasing local Orlando restaurants, creating economic opportunities for small businesses in the community.
This human-centered design is a strategic investment in talent attraction and retention. By creating an environment that fosters connection and supports well-being, the company aims to cultivate innovation and energy. “As our associates have settled into the building, we’ve already seen the spark of energy we were hoping to with the move downtown,” said Kimberly Marshall, Chief Human Resources Officer of Travel + Leisure Co. “They want to be part of something great, and we’ve strived to create an environment that empowers them to do and be their best every day.”
An Expanding Horizon for Leisure Travel
The headquarters opening coincides with a period of strong business momentum and strategic evolution for the company. The event also served as a showcase for Travel + Leisure Co.’s expanding multi-brand portfolio, which is adapting to meet the changing tastes of the modern traveler.
Alongside cornerstone brands like Club Wyndham, WorldMark, and RCI, the company is pushing into new experiential markets. The introduction of Sports Illustrated Resorts aims to create immersive, sports-centric vacation destinations in fan-favorite college towns and major leisure markets. The first such resort is slated to open in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in late 2025, with plans for expansion into Nashville, Chicago, and even Orlando. This strategy leverages the powerful legacy of the Sports Illustrated brand to tap into the passion of sports fans.
Further diversification comes from the launch of the Eddie Bauer Adventure Club, with its first location debuting in Moab, Utah, and the inclusion of Accor Vacation Club. This strategic expansion reflects a broader trend in the vacation ownership market, which is projected to grow from $19.23 billion in 2025 to over $25 billion by 2034. Today’s consumers, particularly millennials and Gen X, increasingly favor flexible, points-based systems and experience-rich travel over traditional models.
This forward-looking strategy, combined with a commitment to community engagement through the Travel + Leisure Charitable Foundation, positions the company for sustained growth. The new downtown headquarters serves as the physical nerve center for this expansion, a collaborative hub where the future of leisure travel is being shaped, right in the heart of a city busy defining its own dynamic future.
