Sunshine Matters

An oceanfront roller coaster.  Three million white lights.  The largest surviving wooden hotel in Florida.  All of this and more can be found in the Sunshine State.  Thirteen Partners from Florida braved the wintery New York City weather to share their stories with 35 media outlets during two receptions held in mid-November.

At Bar Hugo, a cocktail mixer was held in Hotel Hugo’s rooftop bar, which offers 360-degree views of the city. Partners had the opportunity to talk to influential writers and editors from the LGBT community.  Many expressed interest in LGBT family vacation destinations, Florida’s “undiscovered West Coast” and LGBT offerings beyond festivals and parades.

The City Winery reception, located in Soho, was attended by journalists who cover travel, lifestyle and trade. The event started with a social hour that transitioned to a panel discussion.  While media enjoyed pan-roasted Atlantic salmon with pesto cannellini beans, pancetta, aioli and dressed arugula, Partners spoke about some of the new and upcoming activities happening in their respective destinations.

The event was emceed by three VISIT FLORIDA Insiders – Dalia Colon, Smart Travel; Kara Franker, Luxury; and Kevin Mims, Outdoors and Nature.  Many of the media were interested in culinary happenings around the state, as well as off-the-beaten-path adventures.  The event concluded with house made s’mores, salted chocolate brownies and raspberry frosted cupcakes.

This market is an important one since New York remains one of the top three states for total domestic visitors to Florida.  The state of New York sends the most winter air visitors to the state, accounting for 13 percent of Florida’s winter visitors.  This made November the perfect time to meet with the media, to ensure Florida stories would be in market just prior to, and during, the winter travel season.

For those interested in participating in similar PR programs, VISIT FLORIDA will be hosting two in the spring.  In April, VISIT FLORIDA, Discover the Palm Beaches and the International Polo Club will partner to present a Luxury Travel & Equestrian Media Reception.  In May, VISIT FLORIDA will present a Family Travel Blogger Reception at a premier Orlando hotel property; FAM trips will follow.  The deadline for applications for both programs is December 12, 2014.  For more information, please contact me at lspann@VISITFLORIDA.org.