Travel Agent - November 12, 2007 - (Page 54)

TOURS FLORIDA A gulf-view room with king bed at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa OPTIONS ABOUND Sunshine and Disney are just some of the attractions I HAVE A FRIEND WHO finds it hard to believe that a world exists in Florida beyond Boca Raton and Disney. For some reason, whenever people mention Florida, all that comes to mind are retirement communities and families flocking to theme parks. There is more to the Sunshine State than that, and think of all the people who, like my friend, have yet to experience the bounty of Florida. Last year, California claimed the top spot among the 50 states in attracting domestic vacationers, according to a survey by the U.S. Tour Operators Association, but Florida wasn’t far behind. The Visit Florida tourism agency reported that in 2006 the state welcomed 83.9 million visitors and that, on average, domestic vacationers stayed a minimum of five nights. Rather than escorted tours, Florida products tend to be air, hotels and, occasionally, car rentals, all bundled together. Through November 30, Delta Vacations (www.deltavacations.com) is running a “Book Early & Save” promotion on packages of three or more nights to Miami/South Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Palm Beach, Naples, Sarasota, 54 | TravelAgent November 12, 2007 BY JENNIFER MERRITT in Florida Marco Island, Sanibel and Fort Myers. Valid travel dates and bonuses vary by package. For example, clients can stay at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort (www.hyatt regencycoconutpoint.com) in Fort Myers anytime in 2008 and get the fourth night free, saving $525. At The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach (www.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/palmbeach/ default.htm), guests visiting between May 28 and September 28 earn an automatic room upgrade, plus a $100 resort credit, for a total savings of $305. Such savings are based on air-inclusive bookings, so travelers must fly on Delta Air Lines (www.delta.com). Rental cars can be added on. Delta Vacations pays up to a 15 percent commission. NWA WorldVacations (www.nwaworld vacations.com) offers a range of products throughout the state and recently added Marco Island, Naples and Orlando to the company’s luxury division. With the luxury air/hotel plans, clients receive first-class check-in and seating on Northwest Airlines (www.nwa.com) and private car service between the airport and hotel (car rental options also are available); in addition, each resort features it own inclusions. On Marco Island, for instance, clients can stay at the Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa (www.marcoislandmarriott.com), which is currently undergoing a $187 million renovation. The resort has an all-day program of games, arts and crafts, and outdoor activities for kids, and a spa, fitness center and golf course for their parents’ enjoyment. NWA WorldVacations pays commission based on an agent’s volume of business. Even those familiar with Orlando (and who isn’t?) may be surprised at the variety of accommodations available there—which means it’s not just a destination for families cramming in as much theme-park time as possible. There are hotels for all budgets, including deluxe; themed resorts; and properties with onsite amenities for families, such as extra-spacious accommodations, play areas or cartoon characters. Here’s a sampling of Orlando packages. Dynamic Leisure Vacations (www.dynamic leisurevacations.com) is offering a four-night stay in Orlando at the Summer Bay Resort CONTINUED ON PAGE 56 http://www.hyattregencycoconutpoint.com http://www.marcoislandmarriott.com http://www.hyattregencycoconutpoint.com http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/palmbeach/default.htm http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/palmbeach/default.htm http://www.delta.com http://www.nwaworldvacations.com http://www.nwaworldvacations.com http://www.deltavacations.com http://www.dynamicleisurevacations.com http://www.nwa.com http://www.dynamicleisurevacations.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - November 12, 2007

Travel Agent - November 12, 2007 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe: Berlin Has a Vibrant Arts Scene Central & South America: Iberostar Grand Amazon: Adventure, but with Upscale Cruise Comforts Culinary Tours in Argentina and Peru Belize Eco-Lodge Packages Pacific/Asia: Bali Awaits Discovery by U.S. Tourists Las Vegas: Three Days in Vegas for Baby Boomers Caribbean & Bahamas: CTO’s Chairman Sees Growth in the Market Dominica’s New Tourism Director Discusses Challenges and Opportunities for His Island St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Where Less is More St. Maarten as a Destination for Foodies Tours: Sunshine and Disney are Just Two of Florida’s Options Cruises: Theme Cruises Generate Demand and Revenue Oceania’s Sales and Fleet are Growing Cruise Deals Cover Story: The New Wave Supplier Profile: Viking River Cruises Launches Land-Only Tour Operation Air Lift: Sabre Takes UpSell to the Skies A Tough Season Ahead: Rising Rates and Demand Give Hotels Edge in Price Negotiating Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Caribbean Tourism Conference Cruise and Hotel News Trends In U.S. Travel to France Disneyland Upgrade Travel Week In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - November 12, 2007

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.