Sunshine Matters

VISIT FLORIDA’s International Team and several of our Industry Partners recently participated in the Arabian Travel Market held in Dubai which attracted more than 20,000 attendees.  The VISIT FLORIDA booth, located in the Brand USA Pavilion in the America’s section, included a stand with Universal Orlando Resort and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau who brought in their partners World Wide Transportation and South Beach Boutique Hotels.  This is the second year that VISIT FLORIDA, Universal Orlando Resort and the Greater Miami CVB have had a presence at the show and both years proved to be highly successful.

This four-day event was very productive for Florida, with attendees showing a great interest in visiting the Sunshine State.  Several that our staff met with are now planning trips to Florida within the next few months.  We found that the majority of the travel professionals and consumers were looking for destinations geared toward couples, families, attractions and luxury properties.

In 2013, Florida welcomed more than 190,000 visitors from the Middle East and Africa who spent nearly $300,000.  With new direct flights coming into Miami from Doha, Qatar beginning June 10, these numbers are certain to grow in the coming months.  As one of our emerging markets, VISIT FLORIDA will continue to work with other airlines to bring business/service to the Sunshine State and educate the market on the Florida product.

To learn more about our many international travel trade outreach opportunities, please check out the VISIT FLORIDA Marketing Planner or contact me at cjones@VISITFLORIDA.org.