VISIT FLORIDA along with five partners, hosted over fifty members of the travel trade industry in Mumbai for an exclusive MICE event on 16th September, 2016 at St. Regis, Lower Parel. The evening witnessed Emirates, Starwood, 7M Tours, Experience Kissimmee and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment come together to showcase the infrastructural offering within Florida. During the 2 hour networking event, members of the travel trade industry were provided with information from the Partners regarding the latest updates each company had to offer the MICE market.
VISIT FLORIDA also organized a VIP event in Bengaluru on 20th September, 2016, which was attended by more than 70 leading names in the travel trade industry, the evening was organized at ITC Gardenia in collaboration with Universal Parks & Resorts, 7M Tours, Experience Kissimmee and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. During the time of the event the partners showcased their newest offerings and interacted with the travel trade fraternity. The venue had interesting Florida photo backdrops, where the attendees could pose and post on social media using #LoveFL.
Ms. Seldon Tenzing, Account Director India, VISIT FLORIDA, added, “This is the first time that we have hosted a MICE event, given that there has been a steady growing demand from MICE companies for Florida it is a best time to spread awareness about the destination. It is an ideal destination for MICE groups with ample hotels which offer convention facilities and good air connectivity; therefore we partnered with Emirates and Starwood to organize this event.”
In addition to these events VISIT FLORIDA participated in the 5th edition of Brand USA Annual India mission, which was conducted in three cities namely Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi. VISIT FLORIDA was also a part of the media day which was on the final day of the mission in Delhi. Throughout the mission VISIT FLORIDA interacted with the travel trade fraternity and the Brand USA partners.
In 2015, 70,000 Indians came to Florida, which is an increase of 25% from the previous year. Although visitation is smaller than some of Florida’s other international markets, the Indian demographic is an important one, due to the tremendous growth potential and increasing number of flights from Asia and the Middle East into Florida.