Florida Rolls Out the Red Carpet with Canada Resident Travel Packages to Orlando
Usually, when we think about “snowbirds” traveling to the south to escape the cold weather, we automatically think about them being from places in the U.S. such as Boston, New York, New Jersey, or Chicago to get a reprieve from the snow and ice. VISIT FLORIDA is trying to change that with new Canada resident travel packages to Orlando.
Canadian power play to Orlando
We usually don’t consider our friends that are even farther north, the “great white north” that is. Yes, it is Canada that ranks at the top of the list when it comes to international tourism to Florida. In 2016 alone, over 3.3 million Canadians traveled to the Sunshine state, accounting for 23 percent of Florida’s international visitors, and spending a whopping $3.6 billion.
Typically, this is the time when Canadian travelers begin planning for their upcoming trips, with up to 40 percent of Florida’s Canadian visitors traveling to the state during the winter months of January through March.
Canadian Exchange Rate When Visiting Orlando
This year, however, presents a challenge for Canadian travelers wanting to flock to the airport and head south for warmer weather. The exchange rate between the Canadian Loonie and the U.S. dollar is hovering around .80. Relatively speaking, the weaker currency translates into Canadians having to spend about 20% more when they hit the ground in Florida. So, what has Florida done to address this deficit and not risk losing the $3 billion boons to their economy? Well, they step in and make up the difference of course by offering new Canada resident travel packages to Orlando!
Canadian Power Play
On November 1st, Florida Governor Rick Scott announced the kick-off of the new “Canadian Power Play Program.” Aimed at attracting more Canadian tourists, it makes travel from Canada to Florida more affordable by offering 20% discounts from 26 of its VISIT FLORIDA partners. VISIT FLORIDA is the official tourism marketing corporation for the State of Florida.
Many of these “Power Play” businesses are offering Canadian resident package deal discounts as incentives to entice Canadians not to cancel their travel plans. Discounts range from everything including airfare, car rental, hotels, and vacation rental homes. Governor Scott made the announcement in Toronto as part of an ongoing tourism and trade mission to Canada.
Governor Scott isn’t the only one who has hit the tourism marketing trail. In July of this year, VISIT FLORIDA CEO and President Ken Lawson were also in Toronto. While acknowledging that the exchange rate is a major factor in decreased Canadian travel, according to OrlandoSentinel.com, Lawson went on to say that “the tourism agency had neglected its neighbors to the north.”
Lawson added, according to a report by the Travelweek Group, “I think we took our eyes off the ball. We took this market for granted.” Lawson was also quoted as saying, “We have the snowbirds with their Florida vacation homes. They’re kind of like, ‘We’ve been there, done that.’ We have new Canadians. And we have the Millennials, and they’re saying, ‘We don’t want to do what our grandparents did.’ ” “Sure we have Disney, we have the beaches,” Lawson added. “But are we marketing the rest of Florida? We have craft breweries, bike trails, people can swim with a manatee, we have culture … these things matter, and they connect with Canadians.” This is precisely why the Canada resident travel packages to Orlando make a lot of sense.
Canadian Visitors: Florida’s Top International Inbound Tourism Market
More recently, Lawson has been quoted as saying, “Canada is Florida’s top international market, and we are doubling down on our efforts to bring more Canadians to the Sunshine State with our new Canadian Power Play Program. By allowing Canadian consumers to take advantage of discounts from our great partners, we are making it easier than ever for them to book a trip to Florida. With our Canadian Power Play Program, Florida Day in Toronto, and our Canadian Power Play marketing campaign this week, we are showing Canada why Florida is the best place in the world to travel.”
Whatever the reason … Canadians wishing to reconnect with Florida by taking advantage of these newly created discounts can get their start at Air Canada Vacations. The airline is currently offering 4,000 bonus “Aeroplan Miles” per couple. Travelers can begin searching for their Florida airfare and vacation packages here: AIR Canada
Visit Orlando for Canadians
If you thought the theme parks and other Orlando and Kissimmee attractions weren’t going to get in on this, think again. According to VisitOrlando.com, Canadian visitors can take advantage of package discounts offered by Disney, Seaworld, Universal Studios, and the Orlando Eye
Keep in mind that all of these Canada resident travel packages to Orlando are specially bundled for this unique marketing campaign.
Vacation Home Rentals In Orlando for Canadians
This article is brought to you courtesy of Orlando Vacation Homes 360. If you are planning a visit to the Orlando/Kissimmee area, please take a moment to view our vast selection of vacation rental homes available at www.OrlandoVacationHomes360.com.
