Christmas Eve, High Above the Atlantic

One of the great things about producing a tourism centric radio show is the good fortune to see so many different places that help make a destination unique and special. Last Friday, Talkin’ Tourism took advantage of the opportunity to broadcast the Christmas Eve show from a Treasure Coast hotel, which is one of the best beach front hotels on the Treasure Coast---the Courtyard Marriott Jensen Beach!! Thanks to the Courtyard's general manager, who is also one of the show's special guest host's, Ed Griffith, the Talkin' Tourism studio was on the top floor in a deluxe ocean view room. Spectacular views!! While we had given guests the day off to celebrate and finish their last minute Christmas shopping, Ed, who showed up to make sure everything went off without a hitch, decided to stay and chat on-air with the crew. That’s the kind of service you can expect at the Courtyard Marriott!

Radio Man and Robin delivered all the preshow planned topics, including the Christmas Wish List for Treasure Coast tourism organizations, when the tourist season really starts, and a Bahamas update. And, just for kicks and grins, Gary threw in a fun session of Christmas Trivia. Unplanned but unveiled was Governor-Elect Scott’s plan to boost tourism in Florida. You will want to hear what appears to be good news for the industry. We will definitely be following that story closely.

And last, Robin shared the recipe of Janet Hutchinson's famous punch served every Christmas open house at the Elliott Museum. Exacty what we need right now to stay warm!

If you missed last week's show and want to be "in the know" on the tourism scene, here's the link to the show's audio file for your listening pleasure! See you this Friday, New Year's Eve, from another fun location on the Treasure Coast!

Enjoy our beachside Christmas views!

Shopping, Santa, Special Deals and the 'Season's' Best Special Events

Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin with special guest host
Lisa Gilrane, from Ocean Properties, Ltd., and
Roberta Murray, local leasing manager for
Treasure Coast Square

There is a first time for everything and this week was no exception.  Last Friday’s edition of Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!) was indeed broadcast from a regional shopping mall, the Treasure Coast Square in Jensen Beach, Florida.  Typically a free-flowing and unscripted affair, this week’s show was even more so.

Agreeing to serve as a special guest host for her first time, Lisa Gilrane of Ocean Properties, Ltd. did an outstanding job. Loving to talk and loving the tourism industry made Lisa the perfect special guest co-host.  She was very excited to have the opportunity to talk about Ocean Properties, hotels on the Treasure Coast and specifically the Port St. Lucie Holiday Inn and the Courtyard Marriott-Hutchinson Island.  

The main event was guest Roberta Murray, the local leasing manager for  Treasure Coast Square.  Yes folks, Treasure Coast visitors and valued seasonal residents certainly do positively impact our local economy when it comes to the retail industry and Roberta shared exactly how important it is to our retail economy.  In addition to providing information about trends in the retail tourism industry, Roberta listed a host of special holiday deals mall merchants are offering. If you missed last week's show, listen to it now so that you too can take advantage of these pre-Christmas offers. 

What else was covered?  Bahamas updates, New Year’s Eve boat parades (on Bimini) and pool parties, guided beach walks, boat shows, Cape Eleuthera wahoo tournaments, and more.  You will only get the full scoop by downloading the show. Don't forget to grab some cookies and eggnog when you listen to the show, and close your eyes. Santa will be sitting right next to you, as he was with us at the mall. Enjoy! See you next Friday.