With the Canadian market surpassing those of the U.K. and Brazil as Kissimmee’s number one international market this year, local tourism reps were in Toronto recently to promote the destination and its new tagline – “The Heart of Florida.” Located close to Walt Disney World, with some area hotels just next door to the theme park, the Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau’s senior sales representative René Kuziv (second from l), says that the city is “close to everything Florida has to offer, right smack dab in the middle of the state.” Orlando International Airport, SeaWorld and Universal Studios are all about a half-hour’s drive from Kissimmee.
New to the destination this year is the world’s first zip-line attraction situated above an alligator and crocodile pit, which opens this fall at Gatorland. Fantasy Surf, an indoor surfing centre to be built by FantasyWorld Resort, is slated to open in October. And in 2011, Legoland Florida will officially open at the grounds of the former Cypress Gardens. Florida’s newest theme park will feature rides, attractions, and replicas of famous places made out of Lego. Pictured with Kuziv are (l-r) Linda Randolph, director of sales and marketing for Tuscana Condominiums; Sylvia Oliande, a spokesperson for the Kissimmee CVB; Terri O’Neal, director of sales and marketing, Seralago Hotel & Suites; and Jacqueline Moquin, sales and marketing manager, Star Island Resort & Club.
(http://www.KissimmeeCVB.com)