Sunshine Matters

I am proud to share that NationalGeographic.com has launched its new online hub dedicated to Florida’s pristine parks.  The hub is the result of a three-year partnership between VISIT FLORIDA and National Geographic to tell the world about Florida’s great outdoors.

From winding channels and sandy beaches to wildlife refuges and cypress forests, Florida’s expansive and scenic parks are often lesser-known destinations in the Sunshine State.  The new editorial hub allows readers to dive into these picturesque parks by offering insider tips, recommendations of what to see and do, fun facts and nearby areas to explore.

A stunning aerial photo gallery showcases the parks as seen from above, while another gallery highlights the wide range of activities available to adventure-seekers, such as rope swinging over the unspoiled Suwannee River, kayaking on the crystal clear Rainbow River and snorkeling in Biscayne Bay.

“We are extremely proud of this ongoing partnership and the launch of the new editorial hub focusing on Florida’s pristine parks, especially as we approach the centennial of the National Park Service in 2016,” says Kimberly Connaghan, vice president and publisher, National Geographic Travel.  “This visually rich hub celebrates the natural beauty, wildlife and wonder that are unique to the Sunshine State and demonstrates Florida’s continued dedication to the conservation of its pristine parks.”

As part of the partnership, National Geographic is launching an “Explore Florida Outdoors” Instagram photo contest. Photographers are asked to tag their best shots of Florida’s incredible natural attractions and reserves, pristine parks and indigenous wildlife with #FloridaOutdoorsContest and provide brief captions for a chance to win a trip for two to the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel.  The contest runs from Oct. 14 to Nov. 13.

Earlier this year, National Geographic Travel debuted the Florida by Land and Water hub, which highlights the 50 best wild and natural experiences in Florida and features an interactive map that captures reporters’ and readers’ recommendations.  The partnership also includes National Geographic journalists reporting from the Sunshine State, and shared storytelling on the National Geographic and VISIT FLORIDA websites.

To celebrate the launch of Hub I, National Geographic hosted the “Island Adventure Sweepstakes” which ran from January to April 2015 featuring a trip to Amelia Island, Fla.  The promotion included a landing page on NationalGeographic.com, digital ads driving to the sweepstakes landing page, and ads in National Geographic Traveler. The promotion garnered more than 500,000 entries, making it National Geographic’s best performing sweepstakes ever.

National Geographic has quickly become the most prolific distribution partner we’ve ever worked with.  Creating robust and relevant content that tells the Florida story is at the core of everything we do, but, at the end of the day, you have to reach those potential visitors.  Our collaboration with National Geographic has provided the perfect combination of incredible storytelling and reach.