Tim Giuliani sits down with Michael Brown, President and CEO of Travel + Leisure Co., to explore how one of Orlando’s most globally recognized companies is shaping the future of travel, talent, and city life.
In this episode of The City Playbook, Orlando Economic Partnership President & CEO Tim Giuliani sits down with Michael Brown, President and CEO of Travel + Leisure Co., to explore how one of Orlando’s most globally recognized companies is shaping the future of travel, talent, and city life.
As one of Central Florida’s major corporate headquarters, Travel + Leisure Co. is entering an exciting new chapter — moving its headquarters into Downtown Orlando, west of I-4. Brown shares what this relocation means not just for his company, but for the city’s daytime vibrancy, workforce connectivity, and economic growth.
“The downtown area provides a holistic approach to the work environment — from transportation and restaurants to entertainment and cultural experiences,” Brown explains. “It’s about creating a place where people want to live, work, and belong.”
The conversation dives deep into how the company has evolved from a single hospitality brand into a multi-brand travel platform — acquiring and expanding names like Sports Illustrated Resorts, Eddie Bauer, and Accor Vacation Club to meet new lifestyle trends. Brown reflects on how the pandemic sparked a transformation that not only reshaped the company’s identity but also positioned Orlando as a center of global innovation in travel and hospitality.
Beyond business strategy, the episode highlights Brown’s strong sense of civic leadership and community impact. Through the company’s foundation and partnerships, Travel + Leisure Co. supports scholarship programs and neighborhood revitalization initiatives in communities like Eatonville and Osceola County, ensuring corporate growth goes hand-in-hand with inclusive prosperity.
The discussion also touches on the future of American downtowns — how cities like Orlando can thrive by balancing event-driven destinations with daytime energy, cultural activity, and residential growth. With its expanding trails, creative culinary scene, and proximity to both coasts, Orlando offers the ingredients for a 24/7 downtown that works for everyone.
As Brown puts it, “This city has the bones for something great — the architecture, the talent, the culture. Now it’s about creating that everyday vibrancy that keeps people coming back.”
Listen to the full conversation on The City Playbook to hear how Travel + Leisure Co. is reimagining what it means to build a company — and a city — that never stops evolving.
Book Recommendation: Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud — a powerful look at how letting go of the old creates room for growth, innovation, and renewal.
