Florida: What's new in the Sunshine State

Fabulous Florida is all set to welcome Brits to one of their favourite holiday destinations in 2018. Whether clients are looking for the thrill of the world-famous theme parks or downtime on white sugar beaches, the Sunshine State is unveiling a host of new hotels and attractions.

From the new Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to a year of special events marking the 250th anniversary of charming New Smyrna Beach – settled by Scottish physician Andrew Turnbull – and a three-storey retail extension at Miami’s Aventura Mall, there’s something on the agenda for every kind of tourist.

And those arriving via Tampa International Airport will appreciate the investment straight off – a one-billion-dollar expansion includes a new rental car hub and tram system.

Despite Hurricane Irma last autumn, Florida is very much open for business and the tourism industry is upbeat. Reflecting the mood across the state, Jim De Keyrel, Sales Director for the Florida Keys Tourism Council, says: “All the Florida Keys’ major visitor attractions are open and nearly 75% of lodging units are back online, with more reopenings set throughout the first quarter of 2018.”

With a raft of new product set to tempt visitors, the ever-popular Sunshine State will be as in demand as ever in

2018, says Jeannine Williamson

Hotels & resorts

The eagerly-awaited 200-room beachfront Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (hardrockhotels.com/daytonabeach) will open this year.

Sarasota’s wave of 2018 openings include the contemporary artist-inspired Art Ovation (artovationhotel.com), which is a luxury Marriott Autograph property, the 180-room Embassy Suites (embassysuites3.hilton.com) and boutique