Sunshine Matters

I am pleased to share that VISIT FLORIDA has selected AVIAREPS as its new agency for in-market destination representation focusing on travel trade in Latin America.  This partnership with AVIAREPS, who will coordinate and plan trade activities for VISIT FLORIDA in Mexico, Brazil and surrounding areas, runs through June 30, 2017.

Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “As VISIT FLORIDA strives to establish Florida as the number one travel destination in the world, we are committed to working with best-in-class partners who can help make that vision a reality.  We are pleased to welcome AVIAREPS’ Mexico and Brazil offices to the VISIT FLORIDA team and look forward to having a strong presence in Mexico City and Sao Paulo promoting the Sunshine State to travel trade in Latin America.”

Founded in 1994 in Munich, Germany, AVIAREPS began by representing airlines and quickly expanded into trade and retail promotion, travel services and tourism.  Today, AVIAREPS AG is the number one tourism representation company worldwide, providing marketing, sales and PR services to clients in 43 countries.

Rafael Aponte, General Manager for AVIAREPS Mexico, said, “We are thrilled to partner with one of the most renowned global destinations to create new and diverse opportunities and original experiences for the Mexican market.  VISIT FLORIDA is a priority growth brand for our offices in China, India and now in Mexico as well.  This strategic partnership between VISIT FLORIDA and AVIAREPS Mexico exemplifies our long-term vision and ongoing commitment to progressing the growth of tourism in our destinations and evolving the VISIT FLORIDA brand in our country.  Finding the right partners is key to this success and we are delighted to be aligning with VISIT FLORIDA who share our passion, quality and worldwide experience.”

Latin America, which includes South and Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico, represents 38 percent of Florida’s international visitors and 44 percent of international visitor spending.  Brazil and Mexico ranked third and seventh respectively as top international origin countries for visitation to Florida in 2015, and represent more than $2.1 billion in visitor spending in the state.

Marcelo Kaiser, General Manager for AVIAREPS Brazil, said, “We are very excited to start a partnership with VISIT FLORIDA, who represents the most popular international destination among Brazilian travelers.  Not only is the Brazilian market very important to Florida, but Florida is a key destination for the tourism market in our country.  AVIAREPS’ experience with VISIT FLORIDA and many of its destinations will allow us to take the Sunshine State brand to the next level.”

About AVIAREPS

AVIAREPS is the global leader in the fields of Airline GSA (General Sales Agent), Tourism and Destination Marketing & Public Relations.  For over 20 years AVIAREPS has continued to be the vehicle of success for organizations seeking the development of international markets and a global presence through efficient outsourcing solutions.  The brand integrity of our clients is fully guaranteed as our specialists act as a fully-fledged employee of the client.  Through their relevant sales, marketing and PR activities the client’s brand engagement is further enhanced, widening our client’s brand awareness and affinity within the market.  AVIAREPS’ strength lies in providing clients with a simplified platform for market development, the globalization of brands, and the ability to change fix costs into variable costs. At the heart of our success ultimately is our performance and ability to generate additional and growing revenues, increased visitor numbers, increased media exposure and value for our clients.  As an organization our average year-on-year growth rate of +18% is testimony to the level of trust and satisfaction experienced by our established and growing clientele.

For more information on VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing efforts in Latin America and other international markets, feel free to contact me at agonzalez@VISITFLORIDA.org.