Sunshine Matters

Last week, Florida played host to more than 40 of Canada’s most productive and prolific media at the Society of American Travel Writers’ Canadian Chapter Annual Conference held at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota.   In addition to their general business meeting and professional development series, attendees took part in the Media Marketplace showcasing several local VISIT FLORIDA Partners.  As part of the conference, media also had the opportunity to do site visits to Sarasota area attractions such as the Ringling Museum, Big Cat Habitat and the outdoor sculpture exhibit at Bayfront Park.

VISIT FLORIDA took full advantage of having Canadian media in-state by partnering with four local convention & visitors bureaus to arrange two jam-packed post-conference familiarization tours.  The first FAM took seven media to Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Naples and Marco Island.  A few of the highlights for media included a boat trip to Cabbage Key, Arias at Sunset at the Captiva Holiday Village, a dolphin experience and a guided bicycle tour of Old Naples.

The second FAM hosted eight media on a whirlwind tour of Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Tampa and Plant City.  Among the many memorable experiences the media enjoyed, a few standouts included a festive Christmas Lights cruise through the canals of Punta Gorda, kayaking through Charlotte Harbor, a visit to a roaring twenties-themed speakeasy and an authentic cigar rolling demonstration in the historic Latin Quarter of Ybor City.

In addition to these activities, the writers gave glowing reviews for all of the restaurants and accommodations they enjoyed while in the Sunshine State.  We anticipate numerous story placements in the weeks and months to come that are sure to reflect the unique Florida destinations they had the opportunity to experience first-hand.

Many thanks to VISIT FLORIDA’s Partners from the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, Visit Sarasota, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, Palm Coast & The Flagler Beaches, Charlotte Harbor & The Gulf Islands, Visit Tampa Bay, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, and Naples, Marco Island & The Everglades who helped make SATW and the post-event FAMS so successful.  To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA’s international marketing efforts, check out our online Marketing Planner or contact me at letemadi@visitflorida.org.