Sunshine Matters

I am proud to share that Florida was voted “Best Americas Destination” at the 22nd Irish Travel Trade Awards, organized by the Irish Travel Trade News.  The ITTN awards, which are given out in 25 categories, were held last Wednesday at the Doubletree Hilton in Dublin.  The event honors excellence in product and service as voted by Irish travel agents from Northern and Southern Ireland.

“Twenty-two years ago we introduced what have long since become established as the Irish travel industry’s very own ‘Oscars’ – the Irish Travel Trade Awards,” said Ronan Flood, Managing Editor of Irish Travel Trade News.  “These awards are determined by the professional travel agents of Ireland, North and South, and have therefore always been a much sought after accolade by travel industry suppliers.”

This award marks an incredible achievement for the VISIT FLORIDA international team and the entire Florida tourism industry.  Becoming the top travel destination in the Americas for Irish visitors moves the Sunshine State ever closer to our goal of becoming the No. 1 travel destination in the world.

In 2012, Florida welcomed 89,000 visitors from the Republic of Ireland who spent $71 million.  This represents a 10 percent increase in visitation from the previous year.  To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA’s international marketing efforts, check out our online Marketing Planner or contact me at tvaughan@visitflorida.org.