Nation’s oldest city adds new attractions for convention-goers
Convention organizers in St. Augustine, often known as the US’s oldest city, are looking ahead to various anniversaries that will help attract more conventions. One of these is tied to the year 2015, when the city will commemorate its 450th anniversary.
That day and 2013 — the 200th anniversary of the founding of Florida — should help bring attention to a steadily growing meeting market, says Barbara Golden, communications manager for the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau.
“We’re seeing more corporate travel over the last few years,” she told MeetingsFocusSouth.
The market there used to be strong with incentive travel, which slowed in recent years, but it is again raising its head.
Many local attractions are keying these celebrations to anniversaries. Crocodile Crossing, a zip line above a canopy of trees and swamps that are home to hundreds of alligators, is just one example.
While St. Augustine is known for its historic churches and attractions that include the Castillo de San Marcos (the oldest remaining European fort in the US), there are also a host of new and more modern attractions such as the El Conquistador. It’s a high-speed thrill ride on the waters of Matanzas Bay.
St. Augustine’s nearby neighbor, Ponte Vedra Beach, lacks an historic history but is well-known for its resort style amenities that includes miles of beaches and THE PLAYERS golf course, which hosts a championship tournament every May.
Golf fans can also practice their sport at the nearby World Golf Hall of Fame at World Golf Village.
By David Wilkening
David
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