Sunshine Matters

This year marked the first time Brand USA, VISIT FLORIDA and our Partners participated in ITB Asia, held recently in Singapore.  VISIT FLORIDA co-branded a Florida Pavilion under the Brand USA umbrella along with our Partners from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and Universal Orlando.  Now in its fifth year, more than 8,500 attendees participated in this three-day, business-to-business, appointment-based trade show which has quickly become the leading event of its kind for the Asian travel market.

International exhibitors representing all sectors of the travel industry came together to meet with top international buyers from meetings & incentive, leisure and corporate travel markets during appointments, workshops, seminars and networking functions.  VISIT FLORIDA staff participated in a press conference to nearly 25 media and joined with our Partners to make a presentation on Florida to over 50 travel professionals during a luncheon coordinated by Brand USA.  Of particular interest to attendees was information on Qatar Airways’ recent announcement that they will start direct flights from Doha to Miami next year offering service from Asia.

With Asia/Oceania ranked number three in overseas countries for visitation to Florida in 2012, India and China are strong emerging international markets for VISIT FLORIDA.  A sister event to the  long-standing and highly-successful ITB Berlin show, ITB Asia will continue to grow providing VISIT FLORIDA and our Partners with access to travel trade in this important market.  To learn more about our international marketing efforts, check out our online Marketing Planner or contact me at tvaughan@visitflorida.org.