Visit Florida - (Page 4)

The Florida Keys xxx THE FLORIDA KEYS There is no other destination anywhere in America like the Florida Keys due to the tropical lifestyle and creative, laid back people. Extending south from Florida's mainland toward Cuba, the many tropical islands stretch from Key Largo in the north to Key West-the southernmost point in the nation. Key Largo is about 45 minutes from Miami International Airport. Key West is about one hour away by plane. "With airline industries expanding, The Florida Keys and Key West are easier to access than ever before," says Jack Meier, group sales manager for the Florida Keys & Key West Tourism Development Council. "We are seeing more direct ﬂights available to Key West International Airport from major city airports. We also are seeing more ﬂights from South Florida airports into Key West." The range of group experiences, group hotels and meeting venues all celebrate the postcard-perfect setting. The hotels provide vistas of the gorgeous teal blue water from their public spaces, while many of the cultural attractions incorporate unique event spaces that are integrated into the lush environment. New this year in Key West, the 111-foot Yankee Freedom III catamaran ferry is the only commercial vessel licensed to carry passengers to the pristine Dry Tortugas National Park. It is one of the nation's most remote national parks, located 68 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The high-speed boat features an air-conditioned main deck with 140 individual padded sling seats, a galley, two bars and an upper level sundeck with 54 exterior and 56 interior seats. Passengers on the daylong excursion spend more than four hours at the park, snorkeling beautiful coral formations, viewing 38 | prevue magazine 35-55_FLORIDA.indd 38 "Florida has always been the leader in terms of our meeting product and large array of attractions and experiences." rare migratory birds and touring the massive Civil War-era Fort Jefferson. Breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear and a fort tour are all provided. "We offer the chance to rent out several of the Florida Keys' most popular attractions, including the historic Hemingway Home & Museum in Key West," says Meier. "In addition, we offer stunning waterfront dining experiences throughout the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys, where groups can see our breathtaking sunsets. It is a unique experience that groups will not get at many other destinations." Meier makes a point of saying that every group program in the Keys is designed to represent the particular island destination, as well as the group's corporate culture, including age demographics. "Every group has certain objectives that they want to reach so we like to custom design the experience with the destination to match the group's personality and goals," he says. "We also try to maintain interaction with Millennials so they are aware of all the amazing features the Florida Keys has to offer. We are making much more use of our social media channels and focusing efforts into texting campaigns and other social media campaigns." FloridaMeetings.com 1/8/14 8:39 AM http://www.FloridaMeetings.com

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