‘Space Coast’ aims to attracts British tourists
Whether or not Walt Disney World’s new $100 million ‘Mission: Space’ ride at Epcot boosts tourism to the nearby Kennedy Space Center, the area is increasingly targeting British tour operators and travel agents.
“We did nearly 77,000 Brits last year, and the UK is really a focus for our market,” said Rob Varley, executive director of The Space Coast Office of Tourism.
His office has put together nine commissionable packages for agents, including two cruise packages that offer 12% commissions.
He told TravelMole: “We‚re really trying to step up to the plate and get more packages. The cruise lines are still paying a good commission to travel agents, and we think there’s a real growth potential here.”
His office is also working with British tour operators who have been particularly receptive to the area.
“What we‚re doing mainly is some cooperative advertising with tour operators, and we‚re doing some joint road shows with some of them,” he said.
In the past, St. Petersburg on the west coast has traditionally been more popular than Brevard County on the east coast for British tourists, Mr Varley said.
He added: “But it seems like a lot of Brits have discovered our beaches. They just love them.”
In addition, travelers from the UK are increasingly visiting both Orlando and Brevard County on the same trip.
Brevard County, which includes the Kennedy Space Center, is less than an hour’s drive from Orlando. It has become known as the Space Coast.
The opening of the new Disney ride spurred speculation that the Kennedy Space Center and Brevard County in general might benefit.
” think it added some interest. The people at the Kennedy Space Center have been talking with Disney about cross promotions, but there’s nothing yet in writing,” Mr Varley said.
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