Enjoy the lates news from our Visit Sarasota County Sales Team
International
Kelly Defebo and Adam Cellini took on Florida Huddle with some hotel partners
Florida Huddle
Kelly Defebo and Adam Cellini attended Florida Huddle in Jacksonville and met with dozens of international operators and media over a two-day period. The “Sarasota” section was well represented with our partners from Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, Lido Beach Resort, and Embassy Suites Sarasota.
Several media members were asking about some of our local charity initiatives as part of the growing popularity of “volun-tourism” among overseas travelers. Many were delighted to hear about some of our local restaurants taking a stand against the use of plastic, beach cleanups and sustainable fishing festivals in the area. Does your business offer volunteer opportunities for visitors? Let us know by sending an email to [email protected].
Receptive Operators at IITA Summit
Kelly Defebo and Jeannie Gomes of Hotel Venezia attended the International Inbound Travel Association (IITA) Summit and had individual appointments with Receptive operators in a “speed-dating” style format. Receptive Operators are focusing on the importance of sustainability and looking more for experiences and destinations that reflect these values.
Group Sales
The Sales team took a special trip to Ohio to inform thousands about the new flights from Columbus and Cleveland
TourOperatorLand Partner of the Week
Visit Sarasota County was recognized through a new partnership with Connect Travel’s TourOperatorLand.com. The online magazine named VSC and the destination their Partner of the week, earning additional coverage by industry media assisting PR efforts to raise awareness about Sarasota County as a premier destination for group travel.
Special Trip to New Nonstop Cities in Ohio
As part of VSC’s effort to promote the new Allegiant flights servicing two airports in Ohio – Cleveland and Columbus – Kelly Defebo attended the AAA Great Vacations Expo in Columbus to continue spreading the the word about our expanding airport services and amazing amenities to 13,000 attendees in 3 days! In case that wasn’t enough, Kelly utilized her time in the buckeye state to conduct a sales mission to travel agents in the surrounding areas!
Tallahassee Trade Show Takeover
Amanda Walker and four of our hotel partners – Hotel Venezia, Embassy Suites, Legacy Hotel and the Carlisle Inn – took over Tallahassee the end of February. The trip began at XSITE, a one-on-one appointment show, providing face to face appointments with association executives and meeting planners.
Partnership
Thank you Madeby Gallery for hosting our February Partner Coffee!
Next Partner Orientation: March 5, 2020
Have you been to one of our monthly Partner Orientation? Now that VSC has settled into a new office location, we’re getting back on schedule with these monthly meetings. These are an opportunity to introduce or re-educate anyone who needs information about “How to VSC.” This includes a tour of the tools available on the VSC Partner Extranet, a meet and greet with staff and answers to any questions you might have! Our next orientation will be March 5 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. in the conference room of our new office location – 301 N. Cattleman Rd., Suite 112, Sarasota, 34232.
Our third South County Partner Coffee will be Thursday, May 14,2020. If you are a Partner located in south county and would like to host please email Carolyn Perry. There is a $300 fee in addition to providing a light breakfast.
![Boat parking at The Crow’s Nest in Venice [Photo: Lauren Jackson]](/sites/default/files/styles/popular_stories_teaser/public/2023-import/The-Crow%2527s-Nest-cropped__OPT.jpg.webp?itok=ycs37M-O)
