Sunshine Matters

VISIT FLORIDA recently attended ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel fair.  With an event this grand in scale and knowing that a picture is worth a thousand words, I thought it might be fun to share a photo essay to help tell the story.

The international travel market proved to be highly competitive, with more than 180 countries on-hand to promote their destinations to over 113,000 attendees. The VISIT FLORIDA booth was the largest in the USA pavilion, with more than 90 Florida industry representatives.

For the first time ever, VISIT FLORIDA sponsored a travel trade and media event during ITB Berlin, providing partners the opportunity to network with over 150 key European buyers and journalists in a unique atmosphere.

The event was held at the Pan Am Lounge on the 10th floor of “House Eden,” the apartment building used in the 60’s and 70’s to house flight crew from the famous Pan American Airways.  The lounge has retained the furnishings, atmosphere and staff uniforms to reflect the era of its heyday.

VISIT FLORIDA would like to thank Universal Orlando Resort and Sixt Rent a Car for their generous sponsorship of this memorable  event.  In attendance for Sixt Rent a Car were Julian Cotignola, Johannes Boeinghoff, Carsten Anhalt and Jose Topete.

Representing Universal Orlando Resort were Paul Kelly, Dave Cole, Keith Wooldbridge and Dennis Quinn.

Also on hand for the event were three “minions” from the movie Despicable Me, provided by Universal Orlando and escorted by two of Pan Am’s finest.

VISIT FLORIDA was recently named “North America’s Leading Tourist Board.” Graham Cooke, President & Founder of the World Travel Awards was on hand to present the trophy to Tony Lapi, VISIT FLORIDA’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Will Seccombe, VISIT FLORIDA’s CMO.

Enjoying the event were Angie and Toni Lapi, Will Seccombe and Jack Wert, Executive Director of the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB.

Networking with media and travel trade were Will Seccombe, David Downing, Deputy Director of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and Alfredo Gonzalez, VP of the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB.

Other guests in attendance included Danielle Courtenay, CMO at Visit Orlando, DT Minich, Executive Director of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and Vera Sommer, Marketing Director with the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.

Based on positive feedback from attendees, VISIT FLORIDA plans to make this an annual event during ITB Berlin.  For more information on our international initiatives, please contact Tracy Vaughan, VISIT FLORIDA’s Director of International Sales & Marketing, at tvaughan@VISITFLORIDA.org.