TORONTO — From resorts to vacation home rentals, local attractions and world-famous theme parks, Experience Kissimmee, the ‘Big Bold Heart of Florida,’ is making a solid appearance with its northern neighbour this week with a four-city sales mission lineup for 2024. After a successful initial trade event stop Monday in Niagara Falls, the sales mission moved on to Toronto yesterday with an upbeat partner appreciation luncheon event at one of Toronto’s star attractions, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. “This is an appreciation lunch to thank you for your support,” said Denise Graham, account director for Experience Kissimmee in Canada.
In line with National Truth & Reconciliation Day on Monday, Graham also presented participants with a small token gift book from Indigenous painters in Canada, “to commemorate this special and important week.” The mix-and-mingle reception, followed by lunch, allowed partners to meet six supplier representatives. Most flew up from Florida for the first time to participate in the cross-country mission, including Yinglu Tian, Senior Director of International and Domestic Sales.
Tian confirmed Canada has been “striking it” since coming out of the pandemic, remaining one of the three top global markets for the destination. Moreover, a significant 15% increase in air arrivals over 2019 is a testament to the plentiful flight options available to the Canadian market. Yesterday’s luncheon included updates from all six of Experience Kis.