Sunshine Matters

VISIT FLORIDA is tapping into emerging markets by taking advantage of a new Emirates airline service.  For the first time ever, this new service gives potential visitors from the Middle East, Africa and India direct access to Central Florida and further supports the state’s first direct service to the region, a non-stop flight between Miami and Doha with Qatar Airways, launched in the last 12 months. With its inaugural flight on September 1, 2015, Emirates now offers daily non-stop flights from Dubai to Orlando on a Boeing 777-200, 266 seater.

In correlation with this exciting milestone, VISIT FLORIDA and our Partners hosted a group of 30 Emirates Holiday and Emirates airline staff on a familiarization tour (FAM).  The group was a mix of frontline employees responsible for booking vacation packages directly with clients, along with senior sales and management members. Time was of the essence as the group toured Orlando for four nights and Miami for two, visiting 10 attractions and 12 hotel sites.  With the help of Visit Orlando, we arranged a non-stop, thrilling tour including visits to Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and Discovery Cove.  The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau arranged for the FAM group to meet Miami up-close and personal on the Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing Tour bus.  Also as part of the tour, the group visited hotel sites perfect for families and royalty to plan their Florida vacation.

In addition, to spread awareness of the Florida product, Emirates Holidays published a 38-page Florida vacation brochure as a resource for travel agents to use with clients. Emirates is also regularly sending staff to Florida to gain first-hand experience and knowledge of the Sunshine State, as well as explore potential new partnerships.

The Middle East, Africa and India represented roughly 333,000 visitors to Florida in 2014, with an annual spending power of $519 million.  With the addition of this direct daily service from Dubai, these numbers are expected to continue to increase.

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