VISIT FLORIDA invites Canadian travelers back to the Sunshine State. As impacted communities in Southwest Florida recover, VISIT FLORIDA has resumed its marketing initiatives in Canada highlighting the unaffected areas that are open and ready to welcome visitors from around the country. Tourism is Florida’s number one industry, contributing billions of dollars annually to the state’s economy. As Florida’s official tourism marketing corporation, VISIT FLORIDA plays a vital role in the state’s crisis response and recovery efforts, and communicating that Florida’s cities and regions including Clearwater, Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach, Pensacola and Tampa are eager to welcome travelers. VISIT FLORIDA Read more
Tampa
A top union official is warning that there could be “significant delays” at Canada border points if travel picks up dramatically in the wake of travel restrictions being eased. Mark Weber, national president of the Customs and Immigration Union, said border agents are already slammed, and that a signiicant increase in travel will make things worse. The Canadian government announced on Monday that travel restrictions will be lifted on Saturday, October 1. That means an end to mandatory vaccinations for coming into Canada, no quarantine for sick visitors and no random testing. The controversial ArriveCAN app also will become optional Read more
Air Transat is adding Las Vegas to its roster of destinations available from Montreal this winter. They’re also bringing in flights to Havana, Tampa and New Orleans. Starting November 3, Air Transat will fly nonstop to more than 50 destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, the United States and Europe this winter. “Many Canadians are finally ready to take the trip they have been dreaming of over the past two years,” says Michèle Barre, Air Transat’s Vice President of Network, Revenue Management and Pricing. “On one hand, Las Vegas represents the creation of new opportunities for both Read more
Not only is Florida bouncing back from the pandemic, but they’re shooting past 2019 numbers. Dana Young, president of Visit Florida, told Fox13 News that the state only has third-quarter numbers for 2021 right now, but that those are higher than third quarter figures for 2019. “That’s how well Florida is doing,” she said. “People see Florida as a bright, shining vestige of freedom in this country.” Visit Tampa Bay CEO Santiago Corrada says hotel revenue for November 2021 was about $66 million. That’s higher than the $50 million Tampa Bay had in November of 2019, which at the time Read more
Michelin and VISIT FLORIDA today revealed an expansion of The MICHELIN Guide, with the announcement of The MICHELIN Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa. The partnership combines VISIT FLORIDA’s strength in tourism with Michelin’s 120-plus years of experience in gastronomy. “MICHELIN Guide inspectors look forward to discovering the world-class culinary landscape in Miami, Orlando and Tampa,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guides. “From the excitement and glamour of Miami to Orlando’s iconic attractions and the rich culture of Tampa’s Gulf Coast, Florida’s gastronomy is unique, diverse and intriguing for locals and travelers across the globe.” The inaugural edition Read more
