Mumbai, 18 December, 2014 – VISIT FLORIDA recently concluded it’s much sought after Sunshine Contest on 30th November 2014. The contest, which began on 1st November 2014, welcomed entries from India’s leading travel agents and tour operators such as Cox & Kings, Akbar Travels, Make My Trip, and others.
Based on the judging criteria, Ms. Vyoma Bhatt from Aspen Vacations and Ms. Aarti Nagadiya from Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd. emerged as winners of the contest, and were awarded with the title of “Florida Super Specialist”. The winners are scheduled to travel to Florida on an all expense paid trip from January 14 to 23, 2015, which will cover parts of the state including Fort Lauderdale, Tampa Bay and Orlando.
Through this contest, VISIT FLORIDA was able to further strengthen its network within the travel trade industry. There were 250+ registrations for its Online Specialist Program and more than 30 completed entries. The contest led to a surge in the number of followers on the VISIT FLORIDA India Facebook page. The likes on the India Facebook page increased by more than 25%
On winning the contest Ms Vyoma Bhatt, Managing partner, Aspen Vacations said “VISIT FLORIDA held a great contest that helped travel agents gain valuable insight and knowledge through online training modules. Great job!”
Also speaking on winning the competition,Ms. Aarti Nagadiya,Asst. Manager – Sales, Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd said, “The VISIT FLORIDA contest aided me in refreshing my knowledge of Florida. I am now equipped with the knowledge I need to sell the Sunshine State. The FAM trip is a dream come true. I am looking forward to all of the exciting experiences this beautiful state has to offer.”
Speaking on the occasion Ms. Seldon Tenzing, Account Director India, VISIT FLORIDA said, “The objective of the contest was to encourage travel agents to learn more about the destination. We are very happy with the contest entries that we received, as well as the fantastic number of registrations we received for the VISIT FLORIDA specialist program. We would like to thank all of our travel friends for their enthusiasm and support.”
Due to the prodigious response garnered from the TA’s / TO’s, the tourism board is keen to host more such contests of similar magnitude in the coming months.
About VISIT FLORIDA: As the Sunshine State’s No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming 94.7 million visitors in 2013 who spent $76.1 billion, generating 23 percent of the state’s sales tax revenue and employing nearly 1.1 million Floridians. For every $1 spent on tourism marketing, VISIT FLORIDA – the state’s official tourism marketing corporation – generates more than $390 in tourism spending and $23 in new sales tax collections, paid by visitors, not residents. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism to Florida through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs. As a public/private partnership, VISIT FLORIDA serves nearly 12,000 tourism industry businesses, including major strategic alliance partnerships with Disney Destinations, The Hertz Corporation, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Universal Orlando. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, please go to www.VISITFLORIDA.org or follow our corporate blog at www.SunshineMatters.org.