Sunshine Matters

VISIT FLORIDA recently joined with our Partner, the Florida Attractions Association, in promoting the importance of attractions to the tourism economy at their 2013 Attraction Regional Forums.  The forum brought out 20-45 FAA members and attraction stakeholders to each of the four events to participate in conversations about current market trends, technology, operations and best practices of the attraction industry.

To represent how diverse the Florida attraction industry is, each forum was held at a different destination in the state.  The sites included Jungle Island, Miami; Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers; Dave & Buster’s, Orlando and Legacy Tours of Flagler College, St. Augustine.

At each destination, three presentations were given that were meant to inspire guests to utilize new resources to promote their attractions.  This started with an engaging question and answer session that highlighted many of the current developments in the attractions industry facilitated by Rick Cain, Deputy Director of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum and the Chairman of the Board of the FAA.  Bill Lupfer, President and CEO of FAA gave the next presentation on the importance of FAA and their accomplishments that have led to making Florida one of the best destinations in the world.

The final presentation brought together aspects of both of the presentations before it, and highlighted how VISIT FLORIDA could help our Partners promote their attractions through our many new marketing opportunities. Emphasizing how original story telling through our Florida Insiders and through the use of social networks like Pinterest can increase visitation.  Partners were then given the opportunity to preview our new website and learn about how they could sign up for advertising.

This forum was a great opportunity for VISIT FLORIDA to work alongside the Florida Attractions Association to share knowledge and learn about the issues affecting attractions and trends that will shape Florida tourism.  In working together, we are all taking one step closer to making Florida the No. 1 travel destination in the world.

To learn more about the VISIT FLORIDA Partnership Program, please view VISITFLORIDA.org.