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VISIT FLORIDA Coordinates Strong Industry Presence at 2015 WTM

By on November 5th, 2015 — 11:39am

WTM 1Florida welcomed nearly 15.6 million international visitors last year, with the United Kingdom making up more than 11 percent of that record total.   In order to build on this momentum and continue to see growth in our overseas markets, VISIT FLORIDA coordinates the state’s tourism industry presence at key international travel trade shows around the world.

This week, we are in London at World Travel Market (WTM), the leading global event for the travel industry.  With more than 50,000 attendees expected, this is truly a must-attend gathering for the who’s who of destination marketing organizations.

As the 2015-2016 chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, I am proud to be a part of the tremendous excitement being generated by the Florida tourism industry’s participation in this year’s WTM.  While I am well aware of the extreme competitiveness of the international tourism industry, I am still amazed at the sheer number of competitors at the show this year and the amount of money being spent to capture travel market share from others.

This demonstrates the obvious importance of keeping Florida prominent in this key inbound travel country as the competition for our loyal tourists from the U.K. has never been more intense.  Though still in the midst of a very busy week here in London hosting events and conducting business, I am delighted to share that VISIT FLORIDA’s presentation is very impressive and provides an exciting venue for our staff and Partners to take full advantage of our time at WTM.

photo1Will Seccombe, VISIT FLORIDA’s President & CEO, was interviewed earlier in the week by TravelMole.TV and shared that Florida welcoming more than 101 million visitors last year did not happen by accident.  Rather, it’s part of a very strategic growth plan by VISIT FLORIDA and our Partners, and WTM and other major international trade shows are a huge part of that effort.

Will went on to say that this event is a great opportunity to showcase the incredible diversity of tourism product that Florida has to offer, from our world-renowned gateway destinations to smaller communities with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.  Bringing a broad range of Partners with us to WTM allows us to tell the very compelling story of Florida’s rich culinary, cultural and historic offerings on a grand international stage.

To hear more of the interview, including information on VISIT FLORIDA’s partnership with Emeril Lagasse and efforts to open up travel even more between Florida and the U.K., please click here.

In addition to my and Will’s thoughts on the importance of attending WTM, here are a few quotes from some of our fellow Industry Partners here with us this week:

WTM 4Jack Wert, Executive Director of the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau
“Being a part of the VISIT FLORIDA stand on the trade show floor is hugely important for us and allows us to have a much larger presence at the show.  The look of this year’s stand makes a very positive statement, showcasing the sunshine and unique experiences Florida has to offer.  VISIT FLORIDA’s signature event on Monday night also made a big statement.  It was certainly the place to be and the waiting list to get in is a strong testament to its success.”

D.T. Minich, President & CEO of Experience Kissimmee
“Florida is the No. 1 travel destination in the U.S. for visitors from the U.K., so it’s vital that the state’s tourism industry takes center stage at World Travel Market.  It’s great that we all come together as partners for a true group effort that ensures the Sunshine State stays top of mind with British travelers.”

Adam Thomas, Director at Visit Citrus
“The ripple effect of coming to World Travel Market with VISIT FLORIDA is evident in our 22 percent increase in international visitors for the 12 months after our first attendance last year.  WTM allows a destination like Citrus County to showcase our rebranding message in a way that reverberates all throughout the year.  We’re already thrilled with the positive feedback we’re getting from the international media at this year’s show.”

Richard Goldman, President & CEO of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau
“World Travel Market provides an opportunity for us to aggregate and unite as an industry.  Being here together with VISIT FLORIDA allows for an extremely strong presence, and the resources their staff provide leading up to and throughout the show offer essential support in helping the partners get the very most out of our time here in London.”

I would like to thank the more than 125 VISIT FLORIDA Partners and staff who have come together to make this event such a success for the Florida tourism industry.  Be on the lookout for a detailed post next week after the show ends wrapping up all the hosted events, trade floor activities and media coverage our team helped make happen.


John Tomlin
Chair, 2015-2016 Board of Directors
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