Treasure Coast Cuisine and the SMERF Tourism Market

Talkin' Tourism co-host Robin Hicks-Connors with
Scripps Treasure Coast Food Critic Diana Foote and
Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort and Marina
Sales Manager Tenille McLeod.

Well, no little blue men showed up in the studio but show hosts Robin Hicks-Connors and Gary Guertin were treated to some great SMERF information with guest Tenille McLeod, sales manager for Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort and Marina, Stuart, Florida. And Diana Foote, the restaurant reviewer and food critic for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, filled the first half-hour with food!

Speaking of food, Diana Foote talked about Florida signature foods, such as alligator tail and frog legs. Robin became a bit squeemish when Diana mentioned an establishment where the gator could be served up looking like the real thing, but the two shared an affinity for a couple of local establishments where the food and service shouldn't be missed. Dianna shed light on the diversity of culinary experiences found from Vero Beach in Indian River County to Jupiter, Florida in Northern Palm Beach County. Yes, diverse dining opportunities do make a difference. Do Treasure Coast restaurants make the grade?

Without a doubt the SMERF (social, military, educational, religious and fraternal) group markets do play and important role in our regional tourism efforts. Tenille shared what this market likes to do after their meetings, whether being within walking distance of shops, restaurants and activities is important, as well as her thoughts on whether a convention and meeting facility centrally located in Historic Downtown Stuart might help Martin County attract more SMERF’s. Gary also brought up an interesting point: boating SMERF's do exist!

The Bahamas update keyed in on next month's Bahamas Wahoo Challenge and a Bahamas Tourist Office sanctioned Grand Bahama/South Florida Fly-in slated for December 10-20, 2010 that will include "LSA’s," as well as general aviation aircraft. What's an LSA? You'll have to listen to the show or follow this LSA link to know.

As always, thanks for listening and if you missed us, pour yourself your favorite beverage and enjoy this week's episode of Talkin' Tourism.

Treasure Coast Tourism Forecast from the 'Experts'

What happens when you get two Realtors and a marina/boatyard general manager in one place and give them a chance to talk? A great show of course! Thanks to Todd Doss (REMAX of Stuart), Jeannie Baron (Beach Front Mann Realty) and John Smith (River Forest Yachting Centers), this week’s show shed great light on the importance of valued seasonal residents.

Points covered during the hour broadcast include new trends in today's fragile economy, the ways valued seasonal landlubbers and boaters contribute to regional economies, which county in South Florida had the highest average hotel rom rate and which one had the highest occupancy, and how this August's tourism figures compared to last year's.

If your business depends on the southern migration of this important group of people, you will know that you are not alone! Tune in and you’ll hear the group's forecast for this winter season.

Besides the main topic of the day, show hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors dove into other fun topics and community events lining up along the Treasure Coast. For avid offshore anglers, the duo talked about the Bahamas Wahoo Challenge. The first leg is right around the corner and it's on one of Gary and Robin's favorite Bahamian islands.

As always, the hour flew by! See you next Friday, same time (10:05 a.m), same station (WPSL 1590 AM or http://www.wpsl.com/). And, please pass along to your favorite valued seasonal resident, family and friends the link to Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast (and Beyond!).

In case you missed the show, here's the (9/24/2010) audio file for your listening pleasure!