Selling Kissimmee, Florida
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How is Kissimmee performing in terms of UK visitor numbers? What are the projections for 2015?
In 2014 UK visitors to Kissimmee increased and 2015 numbers are looking healthy with a 14% projected increase as United Kingdom remains amongst the top 3 international markets.
What’s driving demand?
The family market including multi-generational continues to grow from UK/Ireland. The additional air capacity and new airline Norwegian Airlines has certainly helped, combined with great value from the hotels and vacation homes in the area.
VVV Global Marketing are pro-actively working with key partners on multi-media campaigns and sales and training events to increase awareness and drive bookings.
What’s unique about Kissimmee?
Kissimmee has plenty to offer British visitors. From special events and new thrills to bird’s eye views and star-studded encounters, Kissimmee has lots to offer visitors looking for sun, fun and theme parks!
Along with the variety of attractions and activities, visitors can also explore the great outdoors in an airboat, soar high in a hot air balloon over Central Florida, learn about Kissimmee’s rich cattle ranching history and test the limits of their adventurous spirit by taking the controls of an authentic WWII fighter plane.
With more than 50,000 accommodations to suit any style and budget, and easy access to all of the great attractions, hidden treasures and unique experiences, Kissimmee is the perfect place to escape and soak up some much needed sunshine.
For food lovers the World Food Championships will be held in Kissimmee from 3rd – 10th November for the first time. The World Food Championships is the ultimate culinary competition and food festival with tens of thousands of hopefuls entering live culinary competitions and online recipe contests to earn a place at the event.
Experience Kissimmee also sees the signing of Brazilian and former AC Milan and Real Madrid player, Ricardo Kaká to the Orlando City Lions as an opportunity to attract new international sports fans to visit Central Florida, further broadening the appeal of Kissimmee as a destination to travellers from anywhere around the world.
What type of customers and niche markets does it suit?
From visitors seeking high-end resorts such as the Omni, Champions Gate & Gaylord Palms, right though to great value self-catering units and affordable hotels which are close to the theme parks and all the fun in the area. Plus a large selection of suites and apartment complexes, which give families and individuals more space and flexibility with their style of holiday accommodation.
We have some amazing new luxury vacation homes being built, some including spa’s, cinema rooms, even a bowling alley!
– 10,000 private vacation home rental options available
– Nearly 5,000 new properties are expected to be built in the next two years!
– Homes, condominiums and townhouses range from 2 –14 bedrooms
– Lodging properties offer a place to return to after a day of soaking up the fun at nearby world famous theme parks.
What’s your strategy for improving visibility in the UK and therefore, boosting sales?
We have recently appointed VVV Global Marketing to spearhead the trade partnership and improve visibility and sales by working closely with UK tour operators and trade partners on joint marketing and promotions.
What role does the travel trade play in this strategy and what initiatives and incentives do you have planned to get the trade on board?
The trade plays an important role for us in getting the visitors to Kissimmee and one of the initiatives is to re-engage with the trade partners.
VVV Global Marketing is working to educate agents with training programmes and events to raise awareness of the great things in Kissimmee, what’s new and also continue to work closely with our theme park partners.
We are also working on trade FAMs to showcase the uniqueness of Kissimmee. We will stage one during the World Food Championships in November.
What are your top 5 selling points for Kissimmee?
– Kissimmee is the “Gateway to Fun” and just minutes from world-famous theme parks and much more including the natural beauty of old-Florida.
– Glide across the headwaters of the Everglades on an airboat ride and see an abundance of wildlife or soar above it all on a hot air balloon or conquer a zip-line.
– Kissimmee has the largest inventory of vacation homes in the US and hotels and luxury resorts to suit all budgets.
– Look no further than Kissimmee Golf for the best greens, the best conditions, the best facilities, the friendliest staff and your most enjoyable golf experience.
– 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to lodging & attractions!
– Plus an array of high-end shopping options, from malls to premium outlets.
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