Anita Walker and itravel2000's
Brad Miron
All lined up and ready to learn!
Dale Pusching with Paul Holinaty of Thomas Cook
Brian Joseph (centre) with John Coletts of BM Travel and Gwen Lee of Concorde Travel Service
You think that Americans hate us because of that itty-bitty gold medal in hockey, and a manly loonie soaring above the American eagle?
Oh no. They actually feel the love much more right now. Especially the folks in Orlando, who are welcoming us Canucks with open arms.
Hence the industry get together recently with several tour operators, hoteliers and attractions hosting travel agents at the Glass Factory in the funky Liberty Village area of Toronto.
Welcoming us was Anita Walker from Mazuma Media Inc. (a.k.a. Mrs. Orlando in Canada) and her team, with tables colourfully decorated with oranges and stuffed Disney character animals - plus a generous buffet meal.
Participants included Brian Joseph of ACV who loves Universal Studios “because it’s multi-generational – I felt like a kid there!” and was knocked out by seeing grown-ups and kids alike overwhelmed at the new Harry Potter attraction.
Loved hearing about the Residence Inn Lake Buena Vista from Li Ou, who was promoting her all-suite, pet-friendly property which features free daily breakfasts (check) and free buffet dinners including wine and beer Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday (check-check-check!). Insider local tip from Li? Golf at Mystic Dune.
Dale Pusching of Bahama Bay and Caribe Cove says her properties are solid Canadian favourites “where you can stay in a 2 or 3 bedroom condo for the price of a hotel.” Now what client won’t love the sound of that?
The Marriott World Center Resort is a four diamond golf and spa resort just 1.5 miles from Disney. Featured by TS and WS, it’s a hit with Canadians who love “the six pools and waterslide” according to rep Christine Peters who confesses she is partial to the 10 onsite restos – especially Starbucks.
itravel2000’s Brad Miron is loving the strong loonie, our long winter (thanks, Brad) and the fact that you can eat-shop-dine-golf at a price that is “just right.”
As Anita reminded us, it would take almost 70 (70!) eight-hour days to take in all the attractions in the Orlando area. Wow – now there’s a bucket list for your clients. Find out more at the new site, www.visitorlando.com.
