The October 2 show topics were as diverse as the tourism industry itself, but as always, Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and c0-host Robin Hicks-Connors continued to connected the tourism dots.First up was Julie Lentine of Lentine Marine in Stuart, Florida. Julie explained how she and her husband Lou, a highly respected boat dealer, adjusted their business model to successfully navigate today’s choppy economy. The 4th Nautical Flea Market & Boat Show, produced by Lentine Marine, is evidence that 'local' events and activities can be visitor magnets. According to Julie, last year's Nautical Flea Market and Boat Show attracted 4,000 people, coming from as far away as Tallahassee and Miami. Based upon comments heard on Saturday, October 4, this year's show was a smashing success.
Next up was Ted Brown, volunteer board member of the newly formed Friends of High School Lacrosse of Martin County. Now that a lacrosse club has been officially sanctioned by the Martin County School District, Martin County will have the opportunity to host lacrosse tournaments, which attract as many as 30 to 40 teams from outside of the Treasure Coast. This brings an old industry phrase to mind—heads in beds! If you listened to the show live, you learned more about the sport. If you didn't, listen in to the archived show so that you can answer this question: Is lacrosse the fastest growing team sport in the country? The answer might surprise you. And, here's an interesting Lacrosse tidbit from Wikipedia:
Early lacrosse was characterized by deep spiritual involvement,befitting the spirit of combat in which it was undertaken. Those who took part did so in the role of warriors, with the goal of bringing glory and honor to themselves and their tribes.The game was said to be played "for the Creator" or was referred to as "The Creator's Game".
The second half of the show focused on the potential for Stuart to become a homeport for large private yacht charter operators. No, not a second Ft. Lauderdale, just a low key, slower paced beautiful area for owners of large yacht to call home. Paula Wills, owner of Beyond the Sea Yacht Charters has relocated to Stuart from Ft. Lauderdale and is cooking up some great opportunities for the local marine community.
Do you have to be Bill Gates to charter your own private yacht for a fabulous vacation? No you don't. Private yacht charters can be as cost effective as taking a regular cruise. Is it as cost effective as staying at a 5-star Caribbean resort? That answer might surprise you. Download the show and hear Paula’s enthusiasm as she describes the potential for Stuart to become a quieter mecca for the private charter industry.
Congratulations to Ben Martin of Satellite Beach, Florida for being the first to correctly respond to last week’s Talkin' Tourism Question of the Week. Indeed October was designated Historic Preservation Month by the Martin County Board of County Commissioners.
This week’s Getaway Giveaway up for grabs is a three-day, two-night stay at Harborage Yacht Club with complimentary dockage for a vessel of any size, plus a certificate for $100.00 in food and beverage.
This week's Getaway Giveaway question: The Elliott Museum in Stuart, Florida has the second largest collection of what item to be found outside of Cooperstown, NY?
Listen to the show (download HERE) to learn the answer. The first correct answer e-mailed to talkintourism@gmail.com, wins the Getaway Giveaway to Harborage Yacht Club & Marina.
This Friday, tune your dial to WPSL 1590 AM at 10 a.m. for another guest- and fact-filled Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast.
