A three-county tourism soiree on air

What do you get when four dynamic, passionate, ebullient tourism professionals mix it up in the Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast studio? One fantastic show!

History Lady's adoring fans kicked off the show by sending her some happy birthday wishes, and then Radio Man and Robin jumped right into this week’s theme - National Travel and Tourism Week and Tourism 101. Gary gave a rundown of the who, when, what and why of this special industry week that promotes the travel and tourism industry. Tune in to find out which United States President issued the Presidential Proclamation that created this annual week of travel appreciation!

Then it was time for our listeners to learn the ropes of Treasure Coast tourism under the tutelage of three very qualified instructors - St. Lucie County Tourism Development Council coordinator Charlotte Lombard, Mary Jayne Kelly from the Cultural Council of Indian River County, and Rozeta Mahboubi, executive director of the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Each of our distinguished guests took turns explaining the ins and outs of the tourism industry across the three Treasure Coast counties, including the pros and cons of how Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties go about promoting travel. Some counties operate their tourism promotions through a Convention and Visitors Bureau, others market tourism through a Chamber of Commerce. Listen in to hear what about what makes each county distinct, and what the three Treasure Coast counties have in common to offer to travelers.

On a side note - “Are You a…Culture Vulture” is a great publication produced by the Cultural Council of Indian River County…is it for the birds?

As suspected, each county will be recognizing National Tourism and Travel Week in its own unique way. Radio Man may have offered a suggestion to promote the week, and the girls may have liked what he had to say. Those are all the details you'll get unless you tune in!

And finally, Erica Byfield, president of Comet Creative, helped revisit the Treasure Coast-Bahamas connection in the works in St. Lucie County. Are these folks who are garnering support for the St. Lucie County/Grand Bahama Island Initiative near reaching a plan of action?

As always, a big Talkin' Tourism thanks to our guests for appearing on the show this week to share a wealth of knowledge about our coast's tourism industry.

Listeners, it took 12 shows before we finally made it to Indian River County and we certainly were not disappointed.

At the top of the show, Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors discussed the proposed beach parking fees being researched by the Martin County Commissioners. There are certainly pros and cons to this concept.

Seems like Harborage Yacht Club and Marina keeps the trophies coming to the Club. Last week, Harborage Yacht Club and Marina participated in the 'Taste of Martin County' benefitting Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Martin County and won the 'Best Soup Award.'

Lori Burns, Tourism and Marketing Director for the Indian River County (IRC) Chamber of Commerce, provided IRC Tourism 101: what the Bed Tax percentage is now; what it was in 1988 when the first established; and, much more.

Monica Smiley, Director of Operations for the Gloria and Emilio Estefan owned Costa d’Este Beach Resort in Vero Beach, Florida, a native of Houston, Texas is loving her life and career on the Treasure Coast. The resort's wining restaurant 'Oriente,' specializing in Cuban Fusion cuisine and headed by acclaimed Chef David Rodriguez, is the 'talk of the town.

Monica share with listeners why Ms. Estefan decided to open a great resort property on the Treasure Coast.

Also in the mix, Mary Jayne Kelly, CEO of the Cultural Council of Indian River County, provided an insiders look at the many wonderful environmental, cultural, and art related activities, museums and venues to be found in Indian River County.

Enjoy the show! Listen or download HERE.