Sunshine Matters

Europe was once again the top region for international visitors to Florida in 2012, accounting for 3.1 million visitors representing 27% of the state’s total international visitors.  France, in particular, is one of our top international markets, ranking No. 9 in visitation to Florida and No. 11 in visitor spending in 2012.

Given the importance of this market, VISIT FLORIDA and five of our Marketing Partners took advantage of time after World Travel Market to travel on to France to host two special events.  The first took place at Air France’s headquarters in Paris, where we had an opportunity to train more than 40 travel professionals, including major tour operators, travel agents and meeting and incentive planners, during a hosted breakfast.  We were able to present on our destinations and talk about what’s new in Florida.  Training opportunities like these are vitally important to keep Florida a top of mind destination and for us to learn about new service routes co-share partners Air France and Delta are bringing to Florida.

After the training, VISIT FLORIDA hosted our annual Dinner in Paris at the InterContinental Hotel’s Restaurant M64 for 32 VIP attendees, including Marketing Partners and qualified product managers, product directors and commercial directors from major tour operators and airlines.  VISIT FLORIDA hosts this dinner each year to ensure this important market is kept updated on the latest Florida information and to show our appreciation for all the business they bring to the Sunshine State.

To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA’s international marketing efforts, check out our online Marketing Planner or contact me at tvaughan@visitflorida.org.