TORONTO — Canadians are flocking back to Florida in remarkable numbers, and the stats paint a vivid picture of their return.
Lea-Ann Goltz, Account Manager-Canada, VISIT FLORIDA
Yesterday, Lea-Ann Goltz of VoX International, VISIT FLORIDA’s Account Manager Canada, hosted an informal networking lunch event at Sassafraz restaurant in Toronto.
Nancy Jeronimo, Product Manager, Air Canada Vacations and Mohammed Daod, Senior Sales Executive, Leisure for The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club St. Petersburg in Florida
The event was a successful collaboration with eight Florida partners that served as a platform to unite trade and media partners to share exciting news.
“In 2023 alone, Florida welcomed 3.82 million Canadian visitors – just last year marking a 45% increase over 2022 and only down 7% from 2019,” said Goltz.
Goltz also shared the significant uptick in airlift from Ontario and Quebec, two historically large drive markets for the Sunshine State.
“So we’re almost back to pre-pandemic stats for the airlift. From February through to the end of April this year, Florida has over 1 million scheduled air seats. That is an 18% increase from the same period in 2023 and even a 13% increase over the same period in 2019.”
After a prolific 2023 and a solid start to 2024, the data paints a promising picture of Canadian tourism in Florida, hinting at a bright future with Florida checking more boxes for travellers to return again and again. Canada is Florida’s number one international market.
Goltz stated that unlike most of the U.S., Florida never went dark during the pandemic, and they’re certainly back with Canadian visitors, more so by air now that restrictions have lifted.
In place of formal presentations, VISIT FLORIDA introduced its new ‘Travel Agent Guide.’ The guide
Viktor Spysak, Manager – Sales & Tourism Partnerships Air Canada and Denise Graham, Account Director – Canada, Experience Kissimmee
includes a letter from VISIT FLORIDA’s President and CEO, Dana Young, outlining visitor statistics and an update page on each attending partner. To check out the guide, click here.
Later in the evening, the team hosted a dedicated VISIT FLORIDA Travel Agent Appreciation event at Toronto’s Arcadian Court. The event included fun activities such as charcuterie making, wine tasting and plenty of prizes.
Next up, the VISIT FLORIDA team will head to Montreal, for a VIP networking soiree at Atelier & Saveurs with travel advisor wine-tasting workshops and more.
Participating partners at the Toronto event included …
- Karen DiGiacomo, Travel Tourism Sales Manager, Daytona Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Denise Graham, Account Director-Canada Experience Kissimmee
- Janniel Negron, Sales Manager, Mint House St. Petersburg
- Josue Kant-Szybowski, Business Travel & Leisure Sales Director, Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach
- Mohammed Daod, Senior Sales Executive Leisure, Vinoy Resort & Golf Club St. Petersburg
- Jennifer Julian, Sales Manager Online Partner Sales, Universal Orlando Resort
- Juanita Ariza Gomez, Tourism Representative Canada & Latin America, Visit Central Florida
- Stefanie Zinke, Director of Global Sales, Visit Tampa Bay
“We truly appreciate your coming to meet our partners and for your continued support of the Sunshine State. We couldn’t do this without you,” said Lea-Ann Goltz in a heartfelt message as the event wrapped up.
More information about travel to Florida can be found at VisitFlorida.com.
Agents will also want to check out VISIT FLORIDA’s contest for the trade. During Travel Advisor Appreciation month in May, travel advisors who complete the steps to become a Certified Florida Travel Pro can win one of five specially curated Florida beach-themed prize packages (valued at US$200 each).
Travel advisors must complete all four Essential Modules of the VISIT FLORIDA Travel Pro Specialist Program in order to qualify for a chance to win. The contest runs May 1 – 31, 2024 and is open to Canadian certified travel advisors who have completed the requirements to become a qualified specialist.
To take part check out visitfloridatravelpro.com/travelweek.
