FLORIDA
variations on a theme FLORIDA
Everything that Florida is famous for spells fun – namely sunshine, theme parks and beaches. But that’s just the start, says Laura Gelder
T
he Sunshine State has always been incredibly popular with Brits – and the clue is probably in its afore-
mentioned nickname. Thousands fl ock to its beaches to escape the English weather. Funway Holidays recently showed its
confi dence in the sea-and-sand formula, when it launched its fi rst beach-dedicated Florida brochure this spring. Nick Talbot, Marketing Manager for Funway Holidays commented: “We continue to be the leading Florida operator and sales fi gures show testament to this with bookings currently over 50% up year on year. St. Petersburg holds the Guinness world record for having the most consecutive days of sunshine – 768 days in a row – it
Clockwise from top left: Suwannee River State Park; beachcombing in St. Petes and Clearwater; typical Florida beach backed by sea oats
doesn’t get any better than this!” St. Petersburg and Clearwater’s 35 miles
of safe and spectacular sandy beaches, just 90 minutes from Walt Disney World, are certainly winning choices for families. If clients need convincing, St. Petes Beach won best beach in the USA according to TripAdvisor voters in 2012 and Clearwater Beach has now been voted the best beach in the USA by readers of USA Today. Fort Lauderdale also focuses on the vitamin D factor, with its ‘Hello Sunny’ brand line advertising the 23 miles of beaches and outdoor lifestyle. Port Everglades is also integral to the selling of Fort Lauderdale, since pre-and post- cruisers will usually spend time in the area. And the USA’s largest outlet and value retail shopping destination, Sawgrass Mills, has recently added a three times daily shuttle service for visitors from
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Fort Lauderdale beach hotels at $25pp roundtrip.
Clients booking Fort Lauderdale can take advantage of 2-for-1 deals at more than 25 attractions from May 1 to September 30. Summer Savings cards are available at
sunny.org/summer. Agents can also save for their own trips at
sunny.org/travel- trade/travel-industry-rates. For those who want to get away from
it all, there are plenty of smaller beach resorts. Sarasota and Brandenton are the gateway for Anna Maria Island
“Cruise the Keys in a converted Cadillac Nautilimo! It’ll take you around Islamorada in style,
from $60 for two!” LAURA GELDER, SELLING LONG HAUL
April 2013 19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68