Florida Huddle 2015 sets new attendance records
Organizers of Florida Huddle, the state’s premier trade-only travel event have revealed this year’s show, which opens today, has set new participation records.
The sold out show, under the ownership and operation of VISIT FLORIDA for the second year, takes place at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and will feature over 15,000 meetings during the three-day event.
"The level of participation in Florida Huddle this year signals that the state is well positioned to build on our tremendous momentum and make 2015 another record year for Florida tourism," said VISIT FLORIDA president and CEO Will Seccombe.
"With over 15,000 meetings being held this week between our Florida partners and travel trade and media partners, we are well on our way to establishing Florida as the No. 1 travel destination in the world."
Hosted by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Florida Huddle 2015 will be attended by 668 delegates, up from 614 delegates last year.
There will be 221 Florida suppliers present representing hotels, attractions, tour companies and destination marketing organizations throughout the Sunshine State.
They will be engaged in meetings with 224 travel buyers from the US and overseas.
The largest international contingent of travel buyers comes from the UK with 20 companies, while India will be represented for the first time with six travel companies.
"I am especially pleased to see first-time participants from around the globe," Seccombe said.
Seccombe said a total of 15,186 appointments are scheduled for Florida Huddle 2015, a significant increase on the 12,804 booked last year.
Tourism is Florida’s largest industry sector, generating $76.1 billion in revenue and employing 1.1 million Floridians in 2013.
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