Nick Talbot, Marketing Manager, Funway Holidays
Meet the OperatorMeet the
Is Florida’s popularity holding up in 2013?
Florida continues to perform
well, with impressive growth year-on year of over 50%. Whilst Orlando continues to sell well, we’re seeing huge growth in other areas such as Tampa Bay, Miami and St. Pete / Clearwater.
wilderness in the United States and Everglades National Park is nearly 1.5 million acres in size. It’s home to 350 bird species and numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile and the elusive Florida panther. Safari Wilderness Ranch in Central Florida, close to Orlando, offers a fun and educational journey where guests can learn about conservation programmes, and see animals that are endangered or extinct in the wild. Even further from the theme parks, in fact closer to Cuba, are the Florida Keys. A destination synonymous with sun-drenched glamour, the Keys offer fantastic water sports. Typical itineraries will include a dive or snorkel trip to see North America’s only living coral barrier reef. A new website,
keysvoluntourism.com, has
recently been set up to help visitors get involoved with eco inititiatives like reef conservation. Culture is big in Florida this year, with statewide initiative Viva Florida 500 set to highlight the anniversary of the discovery of Florida. At the centre of the celebrations is St. Augustine, home to many antique attractions (see page 22 for more). Other cultural picks include a museum dedicated to Salvador Dali in St Petersburg and the Ernest Hemingway House and Museum in Key West. Ybor City has been Tampa’s Latin Quarter since the 1880s and is full of history and atmosphere. Here you can fi nd Spanish, Cuban, Italian, Greek and French cuisine and a musical menu of jazz, blues, salsa, reggae and even hip-hop make it a top night spot too.
Multi-cultural metropolis Miami
offers a smorgasbord of culture throughout the year – perfect for a city/beach twin break. Events range from Miami Beach Gay Pride in April to the city’s International Ballet Festival (August 24-September 16). There’s also the South Beach Seafood Festival and Grovetoberfest, Miami’s beer festival, in October.
What’s new Accomodation: The new
Marriott Fort Lauderdale/Pompano Beach Oceanfront hotel will open in summer 2013, featuring 219 rooms and fi ve suites with ocean views and a concierge level and lounge. There will also be a rooftop terrace and multiple pools. Aloft Orlando Downtown Hotel will open August 22 this year.
What selling tip should agents use to clinch the deal?
Fly-drive holidays are proving hugely popular. You can start with seven days exploring the theme parks and then drive on to St. Petersburg and Clearwater. It’s the perfect combination of family fun followed by relaxation at the beach.
What would you recommend away from the theme parks? Orlando has great shopping, and Funway offers a free VIP coupon book for use at the Orlando Premium Outlets. If staying in Orlando we offer a range of pre- bookable excursions including Miami day trips and Florida
Real Airboats, real wildlife and real Florida …a unique airboat tour through the untouched and pristine
headwaters of the Florida Everglades. It’s a world away from Florida’s theme parks and a chance to see the real Florida in its natural state.
We are family owned and operate from Middleton's Fish Camp on Lake Kissimmee with its 35,000 acres of undeveloped wilderness.
www.kissimmeeswamptours.com Call for reservations and directions
+1 407 436 1059 RATED: Excellent!
“The Daytona Speedway tour lets you drive around the track and see the winners’ enclosure. There’s also a big Harley Davidson store in the town, from where you can
start your bike tour” PHILIPPA WESTWOOD, AMERICA AS YOU LIKE IT
Everglades Airboat Rides starting from £80pp, as well as admission tickets for the Kennedy Space Center starting from £65pp. Or to see Florida by road, how about Funway’s Southern Heritage pre- packaged fl y-drive, incorporating the Deep South for the best of both worlds. Prices for 15 days’ accommodation and car hire start from £615pp.
Sample Package Seven nights at Orlando’s three-
star Rosen Inn At Pointe Orlando and four nights St Petes Beach three-star Sirata Beach Resort is from £949pp (with economy car). Based on a January 5, 2014 departure with British Airways
funway4agents.co.uk
April 2013 21
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