Muck Monsters, Airlifts, David & Goliath

After today’s show, it appears that David and Goliath will be working together to collaborate on opportunities and programs that will be beneficial to the region. Palm Beach County Tourism Development Council Executive Director Roger Amidon was very specific that Palm Beach County has and will continue to demonstrate their commitment to collaboration. Sharon Glenn, Martin County's Tourism Development Council Chairman who shared the guest spotlight today, concurred the time is right for Palm Beach and Martin counties to take advantage of potential opportunities.

What did we cover on the show? Here are some of the highlights: Palm Beach County wants to increase year-round airlifts into Palm Beach International Airport and will be targeting two specific markets. The Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau has a five year contract as the destination marketing arm for the county. How does that compare to the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau? Is there really a Muck Monster? Listen or download the show HERE.

Congratulations to Pamela McCarthy, employed by the legendary boat building company Whiticar Boatworks of Stuart, Florida, the winner of last week’s Getaway Giveaway, which was a Harborage Yacht Club and Marina package that included two-nights dockage and a $100 certificate for dinner. Last week's question was: What special collection is housed at the Elliott Museum on Hutchinson Island, Stuart, Florida that is second only to the collection in Cooperstown, NY? The answer? The second largest collection of autographed baseball memorabilia.

This week's Getaway Giveaway question is: What new Palm Beach County attraction that was never in the county’s marketing plan has received national attention? E-mail your answer to talkintourism@gmail.com.

Special thanks to Best Western, Stuart, Florida for providing this week’s Getaway Giveaway package.

Hope to see you here next week, same time (10 a.m.), same station (WPSL 1590 AM or http://www.wpsl.com/!

PHOTO: Roger Amidon, executive director of the Palm Beach County Tourism Development Council.

Palm Beach and Martin Counties—Future Tourism Partners?

This week Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast goes 'right to the top.' How? By having the executive director of the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council and the chairman of the Martin County Tourist Development Council both in the studio at the same time!

The tourism and hospitality industry has long been recognized as a very important element in Palm Beach County's economic mix. With world class assets, an international airport, great small towns and downtowns, and spectacular diving and fishing, as well as major cultural attractions, Palm Beach County has been a visitor magnet for decades. Considering the opening of Henry Morrison Flagler's Royal Poinciana Hotel in 1894 followed by his Palm Beach Inn in 1896, tourism industry roots are very deep in Palm Beach County

Roger Amidon has recently been hired as the new executive director of the Palm Beach County Tourism Development Council (TDC). Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors will query Roger on his five-and-ten year tourism forecast, as well as how the TDC and its various partners will continue to educate residents on the importance of a strong tourism related economy.

Sharon Glenn, the resort manager at Plantation Beach Club at Indian River Plantation on our very own Hutchinson Island, is the current chairman of the Martin County Tourist Development Council (MCTDC). The MCTDC is charged with overseeing the overall tourism plan for Martin County. This responsibility includes annual review of the bed tax ordinance and determines where and how the bed tax funds collected will be dispersed.

In the spirit of collaboration and 'coope-tition' (yes folks, a Robin-ism), this week's show will also explore if there are opportunities for a 'Goliath,' like Palm Beach County, and a 'David,' like Martin County, to collaborate. And, whether visitors to both counties really care about political boundaries or not?

Finally, another Getaway Giveway will be up for grabs. Listen closely for the Question of the Week. The first correct e-mail received at talkintourism@gmail.com will be a winner!

'See' you on Friday (Oct 9) on WPSL 1590 AM or http://www.wpsl.com/ at 10 a.m.

Photo credit: trialsanderrors'@flickr.com