This year’s Florida isn’t the same as last year’s Florida tourism-wise, a Toronto audience was told last week.
Erin Cramer of Visit Florida said the tourism infrastructure in her state is continually evolving, ensuring repeat visitors can find new sides to the jurisdiction.
“You think you know the state … but there are new experiences popping up each and every day…,” she told the gathering. “Each destination is different.”
Subsequent presentations by people representing different Florida regions underscored the importance of beaches and watersports to Florida tourism, with Lindsey Steck-Jackson of Visit Pensacola reporting that those visiting her part of Florida will find “40 miles of sugar-white beaches.”
But she added that Pensacola’s allure goes beyond those beaches, labelling a city that dates back to 1559 “America’s first settlement.”
Stacey Young of Destin-Fort Walton Beach in turn said her area will appeal to ocean enthusiasts, regardless of whether they’re above or below the water’s surface.
“We’re known for our beautiful beaches,” she said, adding Destin-Fort Walton Beach is a great place to “relax and get out on the water.”
But Young also said her destination has a “really robust artificial reef program” that will appeal to divers, with dozens of sunken ships awaiting them.
Mary Haban of Florida Keys & Key West said that part of Florida offers “125 miles of sheer nirvana.”
The Florida Keys are the southernmost part of the continental United States, she noted. “We have a really diverse destination. We like to say that we are closer to Cuba than any Walmart.”
Haban labelled Key Largo the “scuba capital of the world ” and added that Marathon claims to fame include it having a turtle hospital.
Key West in turn has hosted the likes of Ernest Hemingway, playwright Tennessee Williams and musician Jimmy Buffett.
Haban said her jurisdiction — home to over 1,400 islands and 42 bridges — is very welcoming, with its “mantra” being “one human family.”
Meanwhile, Jessica Heller of Ocala/Marion County noted her region has plenty of land-based activities for visitors, adding it’s “really great ” for mountain biking and trails await those who like horseback riding.
Ocala/Marion County can easily accommodate those who enjoy eco-tourism, she continued.
The evening was also told by Mike Hogan of Visit Central Florida that his area represents an “authentic Florida.”
Visit Central Florida’s boundaries include theme parks, such as LEGOLAND.
Hogan praised his region’s arts and cultural scenes and “unbelievable culinary opportunities.”
He added that Polk County has many lakes that are appreciated by those who enjoy watersports.
The evening was also told by Fort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods’ Andrew Ricketts that his destination also has the type of white-sand beaches that tourists appreciate.
Ricketts singled out his region’s Sanibel island for opportunities to find many seashells and added the region also has the highest concentration of bottlenose dolphins in the United States.
In the photo
With the World Cup soccer tournament nearing, the Visit Florida event had a sports theme. Seen here holding Sunshine State soccer shirts are Michael Hogan of Visit Central Florida and Mary Haban and Jerry Grymek, who were promoting the Florida Keys.
