Camping in the Wonderful Outdoors!

Grab your sleeping bags, canteens, and mess kits! This week, in the quest to explore all forms of tourism endeavors, Talkin’ Tourism delves into the wonderful world of camping. How popular is camping and who is the "average" camper? According to the Outdoor Federation:

• In 2008, 33.7 million Americans between the ages of 6 and older participated in car or backyard camping activities and 16.5 million Americans participated in RV camping
• 56 percent of all campers are male and 43 percent are female
• 24.7% of campers have a household income between $50,00 and $75,000 and 24.9% over $100,000

Well, according to the facts above, camping represents a substantial segment of the overall tourism industry. So, how does the world of camping fit into the Treasure Coast, and specifically Martin County? We plan to find out.

Talkin' Tourism hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors have been invited by Joe Pilla, the park supervisor of Phipps Park located in Martin County, Florida, to learn more about camping and RV opportunities in our neck of the woods. Phipps Park is the only County managed campground in Martin County. The remaining campgrounds and parks in the county are either run by the State of Florida or federal government.

Phipps Park has recently been significantly improved and we'll learn more about those improvements. In addition, Joe will share his insights into his segment of the Treasure Coast tourism scene.

Also rumored to be joining this week’s show is Mark Nichols, founder of the popular DOA Fishing Lures company based in Martin County, and fishing guide Capt. Mike Conner, freelance outdoor writer and contributor to numerous national fishing publications. This should be a great show for all outdoor enthusiasts!

So, get the campfire going, bring out the marshmallows and keep watch for Yogi and Boo-Boo because Friday, January 28, Talkin' Tourism is headed for fun in the great outdoors! Tune in to the fun at 10 a.m. on either your radio dial--WPSL 1590 AM--or via your Internet browser--www.wpsltv.com.

One of the Treasure Coast's Hidden Gems: Club Med Sandpiper Bay

Being able to step out of a day-to-day routine and into a very international, fun, lively scene (for most people) is not easily done. But those who live on Florida’s Treasure Coast have the opportunity to do so. Why?  Because if you live on Florida’s Treasure Coast you are within easy (and we mean EASY) driving distance to the only Club Med in the USA!

On Friday, Talkin' Tourism hosts Gary Guertin (aka Radio Man) and Robin Hicks-Connors (aka History Lady) jumped in the car and within 20 minutes were in a totally different world. After hearing about the completion of Club Med Sandpiper Bay's $25 million renovation, the Talkin’ Tourism duo had put the location on their broadcast "bucket list," and with last Friday's show, that one may be crossed off the list, but with a few notations like, "we have to go back."

With fantastic assistance from the Club Med’s local and corporate leadership, Gary and Robin had a chance to speak with the managers of four very important resort departments. Got children? Then Patrick Olivieri is your man! Patrick is the Club's Family Products Manager. He talked about all the awesome programs the Club has for children from 0 to 17 years. At any given time, Patrick can be uncle to 250 Club Kids!

When you vacation, do you want to totally relax or do you like to get up and go? Guests to Club Med Sandpiper can do both. For those on the go, they have options to participate in super excursions on property or around the Treasure Coast. Mathew Fontix, the Club's Spa and Discovery Manager, was all over the choices. From river cruises with dolphins, to relaxing massage, to offshore fishing, nothing is impossible. Entertainment? Club Med has that covered too, including a flying trapeze act, a circus, dancing, music by international bands and more! Entertainment Manager Dahiana Leidy could have had her own two-hour talk show to describe all that is happening. Do you prefer a sports vacation getaway? Then meet Brian Tranbarger, the Club Med Sports Manager. Brian described some of the offerings including Club Med’s golf, tennis and fitness academies, which are led by some of the world’s best coaches and trainers.

If you were unaware of all that Club Med Sandpiper Bay has to offer, you NEED to listen to this show (download it here). And, best yet, you don't have to travel hundreds or thousands of miles to enjoy this world-class resort. We didn't have the time to talk about the $25 million in renovations, but the photo album below will tell the story better that we can!

"See" you next week, and as always, thanks for listening!

• Download Talkin' Tourism's Club Med show (January 21).

Check out below, the Talkin' Tourism slide show of Club Med Sandpiper Bay:

Italy Comes to the Treasure Coast

Treasure Coast Italian Fest!

Come on out and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Italy...here on the Treasure Coast.

Great fun for the entire family...wine tastings, entertainment, games, kid's zone, Italian cuisine.

LOCATION:  Martin County Fairgrounds 

INFO:  (772) 486-4867 or www.TreasureCoastItalianFest.com 

The Treasure Coast Italian Festis proudly produced by Unique Events Florida!

International Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast (A Peek at Club Med Sandpiper)

International tourism on the Treasure Coast has always been low profile, compared to more urban and hip metro centers such as Miami, Orlando and even certain areas on Florida's west coast. Despite being somewhat under the radar, there have been efforts by various groups on the Treasure Coast over many years to cultivate a basic level of international tourism awareness, but with no real measureable success. However, for many years, Club Med Sandpiper, one of the finest family oriented Club Med’s in the world tucked away on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, has been attracting visitors from all of the world to the Treasure Coast. These visitors to our Treasure Coast region frequently get off campus and visit our local restaurants, take sportfishing charters, shop in our stores, patronize our art galleries and so much more.

This week, Talkin' Tourism hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors will broadcast live from Club Med Sandpiper. Having recently undergone a $25 million renovation, Club Med Sandpiper has repositioned itself to continue to attract thousands of international visitors to the Treasure Coast. Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond) will bring our listeners the latest information on this genuine asset to our region's international tourism efforts.

Our guest line-up this week includes: Family Product Manager Patrick Olivieri, Sports Manager Brain Tranbarger and Leidy Dahina, Entertainment Manager. Radio Man has memories of many years ago when the property first became a Club Med property. It will be great to hear what the new renovations produced in terms of the overall guest experience!

Tune in and you may even hear Gary and Robin doing a little “Parlez vous Francais.”