Sunshine Matters

VISIT FLORIDA recently returned from World Travel Market (WTM), the leading global event for the travel industry.  WTM is a vibrant, must-attend business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to the United Kingdom and other international travel professionals.  This year, the show attracted an estimated 52,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international press at the ExCel Exhibition Centre in London. Continue reading »

Florida 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. Continue reading »

Last week, VISIT FLORIDA and a contingent of our Florida tourism industry Partners attended World Travel Market at the ExCel Centre in London.  This four-day, business-to-business exhibition, which is the second largest tradeshow in the world, provides a unique opportunity for the worldwide travel and tourism industry to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business.  While total numbers are still being finalized, the show reported that through its first three days attendee numbers increased by 4% over the same time period last year. Continue reading »

With over 150 Florida industry representatives in attendance at World Travel Market 2011, many of you reading this blog are well aware of the buzz surrounding the show this year.  There was much anticipation for the brand reveal by the Corporation for Travel Promotion.  “Brand USA,” as it is now known, was launched during two invitation-only events and a press conference, and was prominently displayed throughout the trade show floor.  The anticipation of a long overdue U.S. tourism brand created demand for space and, for the first time in a decade, space was at a premium.  Being at capacity meant more appointments and it was very apparent as partners had little down time during the show. Continue reading »

VISIT FLORIDA recently released its third quarter numbers revealing that overseas visitors to the state are up 17.4 percent, Canadian visitors have increased by 23 percent, and overall we’re up 0.6 percent from the same time period in 2009.  As director of international sales and marketing, the international statistics are certainly worth discussing in my opinion.  And, they will be a major topic of discussion next week during the annual VISIT FLORIDA marketing retreat to start planning for the 2011-2012 fiscal year budget.  Continue reading »