Sunshine Matters

CANADA

With Canadian tourists being one of the largest international markets for Florida, VISIT FLORIDA partnered with the Pensacola Convention & Visitors Bureau at the Addison Travel Trade Shows in London, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto to promote the Sunshine State.  The shows included pre-educational and entertaining seminars followed by a tradeshow, which drew an attendance of 1,129 travel agents over the four days.  Travel agents had an opportunity to learn about what’s new in Florida, as well as pick-up the most current VISIT FLORIDA material. 

Quebecers have an unfailing passion for travel and the 21^st edition of the International Tourism and Travel Show (SITV), ending October 25 at Place Bonaventure, proved it once again.  More than 37,000 travellers went through the turnstiles.  VISIT FLORIDA along with the Greater Miami CVB, Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, Martin County CVB, Flagler County Chamber of Commerce, Florida Keys & Key West and Palm Beach County CVB shared the best to see and do in Florida with these Canadian holiday-seekers.  

In 2009, with a five percent increase in Canadian visitors, the event once again reaffirmed its privileged position among those planning their next vacation destination.  Once again this year, show visitors who wanted to book on the spot came out in great numbers for an on-site consultation with one of the ACTA-member agencies taking part in the reservations center.  VISIT FLORIDA took advantage of the opportunity to give a 15 minute presentation to attendees each day of this three-day event. 

BRAZIL

VISIT FLORIDA organized a Florida stand at ABAV (the Brazilian Association of Travel Agents) Trade Show on October 20-23, 2009 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ABAV is considered the major travel and tourism industry event in Brazil.  The event this year attracted nearly 26,000 tourism professionals from throughout Brazil.  Nineteen tourism industry Partners participated in the Florida pavilion.  Brazilian visitors to the U.S. continue to grow by double-digit figures and the country is among our most important international markets.