Following an unprecedented period of interest and demand in nature and adventure based tourism, leaders from Florida’s regional Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), guides, and tour operators met in a full-day workshop designed to continue and expand the working relationship between VISIT FLORIDA, regional DMOs and representatives from local service providers.
Founding members of the Florida Adventure Travel Network met in West Palm Beach, Florida on 2 February 2023 to develop ideas and strategies to strengthen the capacity of Florida’s businesses to continue to thrive in the growing active and adventure travel sector, and for Florida to become recognized as an international destination for adventure travel.
The workshop sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA as a part of their continued commitment to the adventure travel segment was led by ATTA facilitators Eva Mossberg and Russell Walters.
Participants recognized the important role that the public and private sectors each played in the development and delivery of first-class adventure experiences to Florida’s visitors and pledged to find ways to work closely together to share best practices, trends, research, and marketing initiatives.
VISIT FLORIDA announced it will shortly release a series of more than 20 multi-day itineraries developed by members of the Florida Adventure Travel Network as a first example of the collaboration between the various members. Members of the network agreed to continue to meet regularly via Zoom and share industry information via social media.
“The potential for Adventure Travel in Florida is enormous; with such a wide variety of experiences and offerings around the state, there is so much for visitors to discover and explore,” noted Tammy Heon, Manager Tourism Development for Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau, “ I am excited for the future of FATN and how we can grow this segment of travel by working together to create quality adventures, in a responsible and inclusive manner, that benefit our destinations, our partners, and our visitors.”
Jess Bertolini, Digital Marketing Manager, VisitSarasota.com, attended a number of training workshops in the lead-up to the development of this initiative and noted, "I am excited as we launch the Florida Adventure Travel Network and look forward to the limitless potential ahead. The workshops provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded adventure operators and further strengthen our community connections."
Kate Chunka, Vice President of Industry Engagement, VISIT FLORIDA, shared “We’re thrilled to connect our partners with the ATTA and watch the Florida Adventure Travel Network evolve and grow to further establish Florida as an adventure destination.”
The ATTA will hold a webinar for Florida Adventure Travel Members and those interested in learning about the network in the spring. For more information or to join the network please contact either Eva Mossberg or Russell Walters at the ATTA.