Sunshine Matters

In 2014, the United Kingdom ranked No.2 in top countries with international visitation to Florida, welcoming more than 1.6 million British travelers who spent $1.5 billion.  With direct airlift from the U.K. and service increasing in Ireland over the last year, VISIT FLORIDA continues to coordinate programs in this key market to keep Florida top-of-mind and increase visitation to Florida.  In the past few months, VISIT FLORIDA’s International team has been working diligently in the U.K. hosting and participating in several programs in market.

In late October, the Virgin Holidays Family Dinner took place in Crawley, England. VISIT FLORIDA hosted twenty key senior executives representing the sales, marketing, product, network planning, PR and commercial areas of Virgin Holidays, which is one of Florida’s top U.K. tour operators.  A networking reception and dinner was held at Prezzo Restaurant in Crawley where discussion topics included major issues facing the travel industry, current booking trends and future opportunities.  Attending Partners included Disney Destination International, Hyatt Resorts & Spa, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Universal Parks & Resorts, Visit Orlando, Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Greater Miami CVB, Reunion Resort in Kissimmee and Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB.

The British Airways Family Dinner took place in mid-November at the Orange in Pimlico, London.  During this event, the Florida industry had an opportunity to meet and network with eight senior British Airways and British Holidays management.  VISIT FLORIDA would like to thank the 13 Partners who attended the dinner: Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, Disney Destinations, Dayton Beach CVB, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, Greater Miami CVB, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Universal Orlando, Visit Sarasota County, Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Visit Tampa Bay, Trianon Hotels and Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB.

In early October, our team organized the Nordic Sales Mission, which took place in Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo, Norway; and Stockholm and Gothenburg, Sweden. This five day sales mission included VIP events for key airlines and tour operators, travel agent workshops, sales calls and presentations.  Partners had an opportunity to network and educate key tour operators and travel agents on what’s new in each destination and or their product.  Attending Partners included Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, Simon/Sawgrass Mills, The Florida Keys & Key West and Hertz Rent A Car.

For a complete listing of VISIT FLORIDA’s upcoming international programs, please check out our Marketing Planner.  To learn more about how you can get involved, contact me at 850-205-3809 or cjones@VISITFLORIDA.org.