TORONTO — A sea of pink and white flowers – predominantly roses – adorned the event room for Experience Kissimmee’s annual VIP appreciation event.

Hosted at Hotel X on Toronto’s waterfront recently by VoX International, which represents the destination, the welcome mat was rolled out for an evening to “celebrate a season of sunshine and success” with the travel trade community.

Between a signature-inspired cocktail wall, scrumptious canapés, an Alice in Wonderland-themed photo booth (courtesy of Disney), live music, and handheld miniature fans to counter the heat wave and make their guests more comfortable, it all made for a fabulous night as the destination thanked their Canadian partners for their continued support.

On hand was DT Minich, CEO and President of Experience Kissimmee, along with Experience Kissimmee’s International & Domestic Sales Manager, Kristina Lopez, who was excited to visit Toronto for the first time.

“Canada is so important to us, and the trade market is so important to us. I’ve been asked many times this week, ‘What is the purpose of your trip this year?’” said Minich. “The purpose is just to say thank you.”

Minich also shared his Canadian connection and memories of attending grade school in Hinton, AB, where his sister was born and who now holds dual citizenship. ‘I wish I had a Canadian passport,’ said Minich, getting a chuckle from the room.

All kidding aside, Minich shared his personal connection to Canada, as well as the special connection it holds for the destination.

However, despite current challenging times, Minich told Travelweek that they “haven’t seen a huge drop off yet.”

Last winter, most visitors had already booked their vacations, and there was no decline from the Canadian market at that time. Moving into summer, it’s traditionally a slow period for Canadian visitation. However, the telling sign will be this fall as the temperatures cool in the North.

Known as the ‘Vacation Capital of the World’ with 32,000 purpose-built vacation homes ranging from three to 22 bedrooms, Kissimmee is ‘pushing the value prospect’ to help spur future bookings to families and multi-generational groups and help counter the weakened Canadian dollar.

All of the vacation homes are professionally managed and operated, and 100% commissionable to travel advisors.

Minich also points out Central Florida’s unique positioning within Florida, where visitors seeking to visit theme parks will typically come to Orlando and Kissimmee. Whereas the east and west coast Florida beaches face fierce competition with destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean islands.

“You know there are a lot of beach destinations out there, but there is only one theme park capital of the world,” said Minich, adding, “I think we’re in a better position.”

NOT HOLDING BACK

Amidst the political turmoil, some U.S. destinations have or will be scaling back their presence in Canada, including pulling marketing campaigns.

That’s not the case with Experience Kissimmee, assured Minich.

“We are not cutting the Canadian budget. We will continue to work with our partner airlines and tour operators, as well as conduct travel agent trainings and seminars, which are more important than ever to ensure agents understand what is true and false out there,” he said.

Meanwhile the destination recently completed a Western Canada road show with Canadian carriers and tour operator partners and is by no means slowing down its presence.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS ON THE WAY

In addition to the vacation homes, several new hotel and condo projects are underway with completions scheduled for 2027.

Currently, a new Nickelodeon hotel is under construction at Everest Place, a 250-acre site featuring a 20-acre lagoon, along with a new five-star hotel operated by Kempinski.

Moreover, the recent opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in May of this year marks the first new theme park in 25 years. The park will offer visitors access to five incredible worlds, making it an exciting attraction for Canadians this winter.

MESSAGE FOR TRADE COMMUNITY

In his closing comments to Travelweek, Minich said he wanted to send a clear message to the Canadian travel community.

“If people can put politics aside a little bit, we can make some dreams come true and create some great memories with their families. And that’s what we’re all about.”

For more information about travel to Kissimmee see ExperienceKissimmee.com.

Caption for main image at top of story: Experience Kissimmee’s CEO and President, DT Minich, and International & Domestic Sales Manager, Kristina Lopez joined VoX International’s President Sue Webb at the Experience Kissimmee event at Hotel X in Toronto