TORONTO — Sarasota, Florida’s e-learning Specialist Program, now available on Travelweek’s Learning Centre, offers agents a complete overview of the destination, from its pristine islands and white-sand beaches, to eco-tourism and outdoor adventures, to the city’s lively arts and culture scene.

Not only is Sarasota home to one of the top beaches in the U.S. – Siesta Beach was the #1 pick on TripAdvisor in 2017 – it’s also a mecca for sports activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking and golf, as well as cultural pursuits like the theatre, orchestra, opera and ballet.

Sarasota is also uniquely positioned as ‘The Circus Capital of the World,’ with many attractions honoring the past, present and future of the circus. The city also has a well-deserved reputation as a culinary hot spot, named one of the Best Food Cities in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards in recent years.

“Sarasota is a stunning beach destination with a lively downtown and some of the top arts organizations in the U.S.,” says Virginia Haley, Visit Sarasota President.

The Learning Centre course, at travelweeklearningcentre.com/sarasota-specialist/, “provides agents an insider knowledge of the destination without ever having to step foot in the area. After taking the course, we have seen increased interest from agents who want to book a trip for themselves,” says Kelli Funkhouser, Visit Sarasota County Leisure Group Coordinator.

Sarasota and its string of eight islands are tucked into the Gulf coast of Southwest Florida, less than 100 kilometres south of Tampa and about 120 kilometres north of Fort Myers.

Sarasota County encompasses nearly 65 kilometres of shoreline and includes the City of Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Manasota Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, City of Englewood, Nokomis, City of North Port, Osprey, and the City of Venice.

“When agents book clients into Sarasota, they are booking a surprise and delight experience for guests. The area consistently has over a 90% visitor return rate year after year,” says Kelley Defebo, Visit Sarasota Director of Sales. “Our beachside destination is a hidden gem with cultural offerings that rival much larger cities. Visitors comment that they had no idea Sarasota has so much to offer.”

To take the course, visit travelweeklearningcentre.com.