Weathering a storm

ENCOURAGING more visitors to travel beyond Orlando is a key focus for Visit Florida in 2018, Florida Huddle delegates were told.

Gill Standeven, Senior Account Director Travel Trade for the tourism board said: “Though our theme parks are obviously a huge draw, there’s so much more on offer throughout the state: like beaches, nature, state parks and hundreds of golf courses.

“For example, St. Petes is great for a beach holiday but visitors should also consider Sarasota, Anna Maria Island and Daytona, which has benefited from massive investment in its beachfront and is now a great option for families.”

Sally Parker

Post-Irma the future looks bright for Florida, reports

Any concerns over Brexit and the U.S. exchange rate did not deter British travellers in 2017, added Standeven, with numbers “staying level year-on-year”.

“The UK market is defined by its resilience,” she added. “An increase in package, family and beach holidays is good news for the destination. Visitors are spending more on ‘experiences’.

Six airlines – Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Thomas Cook Airlines, Thomson, Aer Lingus and Norwegian – offer 1.74 million seats on scheduled direct flights to Florida between them until November 2018. Indirect lift has also increased with Icelandair’s services via Reykjavik.