FORT LAUDERDALE — This year’s sold-out Florida Huddle event has set new records for participation across all sectors.

“With over 15,000 meetings being held this week between our Florida partners and travel trade and media partners, we are well on our way to establishing Florida as the number one travel destination in the world,” said VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Will Seccombe.

“The level of participation in Florida Huddle this year signals that the state is well positioned to build on our tremendous momentum and make 2015 another record year for Florida tourism.”

Florida Huddle is billed as the Sunshine State’s premier appointment-based, travel-trade show. Now in its second year of being owned and operated by VISIT FLORIDA, the show opens tomorrow at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center.

Some 668 delegates are expected at the show, representing 395 companies. That’s up from 614 delegates and 314 companies last year.

There are 224 travel buyers representing 147 companies, with the highest participation from the U.S. (82 companies) and the UK (20 companies). Seven companies are from Canada.

Altogether there are 15,186 appointments scheduled, up from 12,804 last year. There are 221 appointment-taking Florida suppliers from 210 companies in attendance, representing hotels, attractions, tour companies and destination marketing organizations throughout the state.

Tourism is the Sunshine State’s top industry. Some 93.7 million travellers chose Florida in 2013, spending $76.1 billion.

Follow Florida Huddle happenings at @FloridaHuddle,  #Huddle15 or  FloridaHuddle.com.