Just about every industry expert is predicting a tough year for vacation companies in 2009, but who wants to listen to them?
Yes, times are going to be harder, but that is no reason to give up your hard-earned break - especially when you can spread the cost by vacationing as a family or with friends at one of our great vacation rental properties on Anna Maria Island.
By going in a group you immediately cut the costs, not only of travel, but the provisions you purchase, the cost of rental vehicles, and gas to name but a few. But if you come as a family you will also get to spend some quality time together in a real home from home. And isn't it about time you did that?
For more information and to find out about some of our excellent online discounts for 09, check out www.annamaria.com and get planning that dream vacation.
After all, there are few better places to forget all about the worries of the world than Anna Maria Island...
Wednesday 31 December 2008
Monday 29 December 2008
Come on in, the water's lovely
When you live in Florida it's easy to forget how the rest of the world lives. Not for them the year-round sunshine, warm seas, sandy beaches and glorious sunsets. Some people actually have to put up with snow!
Perhaps that is why so many visitors flock to our beautiful part of the world every winter for the vacation of their dreams. Anna Maria Island is just the best place to see out the really cold months experienced in the north and remind yourself that the best things in life are free: a stroll along a quiet beach, dipping your toes into a warm sea, watching the sun go down on another perfect day.
And you can do all these things on Anna Maria Island.
Traditionally, the snow birds start to arrive in January, many from Canada as the winter weather starts to get out of hand. And even though the loonie has taken a hit on the global exchanges (but let's face it, which currency hasn't?), they are still expected to travel in numbers.
Sean Shannon, managing director for Expedia Canada, certainly thinks so. "We're starting to see prices and deals that we haven't seen in a couple years, despite the dollar," he says . "It's simply supply and demand."
So come on down to Anna Maria Island, where we can supply all you demand all year round.
Visit annamaria.com for the best in Florida vacation rentals
Perhaps that is why so many visitors flock to our beautiful part of the world every winter for the vacation of their dreams. Anna Maria Island is just the best place to see out the really cold months experienced in the north and remind yourself that the best things in life are free: a stroll along a quiet beach, dipping your toes into a warm sea, watching the sun go down on another perfect day.
And you can do all these things on Anna Maria Island.
Traditionally, the snow birds start to arrive in January, many from Canada as the winter weather starts to get out of hand. And even though the loonie has taken a hit on the global exchanges (but let's face it, which currency hasn't?), they are still expected to travel in numbers.
Sean Shannon, managing director for Expedia Canada, certainly thinks so. "We're starting to see prices and deals that we haven't seen in a couple years, despite the dollar," he says . "It's simply supply and demand."
So come on down to Anna Maria Island, where we can supply all you demand all year round.
Visit annamaria.com for the best in Florida vacation rentals
Wednesday 24 December 2008
Winter weather still affects Florida
We might not get lots of snow and ice, but the wintry conditions being felt across the rest of the country are having their effect on us nonetheless.
According to a report in the Miami Herald, hundreds of travelers trying to get in and out of Florida are being held up because of weather delays elsewhere. The report reads:
South Florida was feeling the effects of blizzard-like conditions in other parts of the country that stranded travelers and left some roadways near impassable.
Piles of snow and plunging temperatures meant major delays for planeloads of passengers in and out of South Florida - heralding the start of the Christmas holiday season.
Even cruise lines were not immune from the impact.
''We've seen a higher number of people showing up at cruise terminals late and missing the ship altogether, because they have been delayed by the weather,'' said Jennifer de la Cruz, spokeswoman for Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines.
The weather was blamed for at least 11 deaths over the weekend, including a collision between a car and a tractor-trailer near New Carlisle, Ind., that killed four Marines based near Detroit.
In New Hampshire, the deep snow added to the misery for nearly 11,000 customers still in the dark from an ice storm more than a week earlier.
Across northern Indiana, nearly 50,000 customers remain without power because of an ice storm last week.
In Marysville, Wash., north of Seattle, heavy snow collapsed part of the roof Monday at a factory. No one was injured.
The 14.5-inch snowfall Sunday in Portland, Maine, surpassed the old record for Dec. 21 of 12.4 inches, set in 1933.
In Portland, Ore., a total of 11 to 13 inches was the biggest snowfall since January 1980. Depending on how much more fell Monday as the snow trailed off, the storm could rank as one of the city's 10 worst on record.
Motorists hitting the roadways were expected to inch over some slippery terrain in their holiday travels.
AAA predicts that more than 52.4 million travelers nationwide will travel by auto during the holiday season, down 1.2 percent from last year.
In Florida, 2.5 million auto travelers are expected this year, an increase of 0.2 percent from last year, said Gregg Laskoski, spokesman for AAA Auto Club South.
So, if you're going anywhere over the holiday period the message is clear and simple: take care.
And have a very happy, peaceful and safe Christmas!
According to a report in the Miami Herald, hundreds of travelers trying to get in and out of Florida are being held up because of weather delays elsewhere. The report reads:
South Florida was feeling the effects of blizzard-like conditions in other parts of the country that stranded travelers and left some roadways near impassable.
Piles of snow and plunging temperatures meant major delays for planeloads of passengers in and out of South Florida - heralding the start of the Christmas holiday season.
Even cruise lines were not immune from the impact.
''We've seen a higher number of people showing up at cruise terminals late and missing the ship altogether, because they have been delayed by the weather,'' said Jennifer de la Cruz, spokeswoman for Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines.
The weather was blamed for at least 11 deaths over the weekend, including a collision between a car and a tractor-trailer near New Carlisle, Ind., that killed four Marines based near Detroit.
In New Hampshire, the deep snow added to the misery for nearly 11,000 customers still in the dark from an ice storm more than a week earlier.
Across northern Indiana, nearly 50,000 customers remain without power because of an ice storm last week.
In Marysville, Wash., north of Seattle, heavy snow collapsed part of the roof Monday at a factory. No one was injured.
The 14.5-inch snowfall Sunday in Portland, Maine, surpassed the old record for Dec. 21 of 12.4 inches, set in 1933.
In Portland, Ore., a total of 11 to 13 inches was the biggest snowfall since January 1980. Depending on how much more fell Monday as the snow trailed off, the storm could rank as one of the city's 10 worst on record.
Motorists hitting the roadways were expected to inch over some slippery terrain in their holiday travels.
AAA predicts that more than 52.4 million travelers nationwide will travel by auto during the holiday season, down 1.2 percent from last year.
In Florida, 2.5 million auto travelers are expected this year, an increase of 0.2 percent from last year, said Gregg Laskoski, spokesman for AAA Auto Club South.
So, if you're going anywhere over the holiday period the message is clear and simple: take care.
And have a very happy, peaceful and safe Christmas!
Monday 22 December 2008
Tourists still taking flight
Check out this story from The News-Press, for all those who were thinking that fewer and fewer folks are going on vacation because of the expense.
'Procrastinators are in luck this year when it comes to holiday air fares — especially in Southwest Florida, travel experts say.
This season’s low prices popped up in a hurry as the price of oil crashed this fall, said Rick Seaney, chief executive of the travel Web site FareCompare.com.
“I can’t even remember a crazier fall and winter,” Seaney said. Airlines are trying to loosen the pocketbooks of people frozen in fear by this year’s financial turmoil.
“This is really, really good for air travel consumers,” Seaney said. “The airlines are trying to get ’em off the fence. They traded an oil crisis for a global economic crisis.”
Nowhere is that more true than Southwest Florida, Seaney said, noting that a typical flight from New York City to Southwest Florida International Airport would have cost $400 to $600 in October but is now in the $250 to $350 range.
Carol Obermeier, the Lee County Port Authority’s director of aviation market development, said the season’s off to a strong start at Southwest International.
“For the next two or three weeks out the bookings look really solid,” Obermeier said. But the situation is so volatile it’s hard to make predictions much past that. Typically, Obermeier said, business at the airport slows in January.
“Christmas is over, everyone’s back in school,” she said. Then, as the winter tourist season kicks into gear in February, the number of flights and passengers will go back up.
The airlines aren’t dialing back their service here as they are in most Florida markets, Obermeier said. In the week ending Dec. 12, there were 210,874 seats on 1,627 flights compared to 190,000 seats on 1,472 flights in the same week last year, she said
“Compared to December 2007, we’re looking to be up in flights 10 percent and in seats by 3 percent,” Obermeier said. “We’re the only one up in capacity and seats.”
For example, Fort Lauderdale is down 9 percent and Tampa is down 11.5 percent in flights, Obermeier said. That’s a marker of the confidence the airlines have in this area’s growth potential, she said. “Carriers look at those numbers: Who’s coming here, where are they coming from? So they make that decision” on how many flights to have.
Kinda makes you think, no?
What are you waiting for? Visit annamaria.com for the best in vacation rental properties in Anna Maria Island, Fl
'Procrastinators are in luck this year when it comes to holiday air fares — especially in Southwest Florida, travel experts say.
This season’s low prices popped up in a hurry as the price of oil crashed this fall, said Rick Seaney, chief executive of the travel Web site FareCompare.com.
“I can’t even remember a crazier fall and winter,” Seaney said. Airlines are trying to loosen the pocketbooks of people frozen in fear by this year’s financial turmoil.
“This is really, really good for air travel consumers,” Seaney said. “The airlines are trying to get ’em off the fence. They traded an oil crisis for a global economic crisis.”
Nowhere is that more true than Southwest Florida, Seaney said, noting that a typical flight from New York City to Southwest Florida International Airport would have cost $400 to $600 in October but is now in the $250 to $350 range.
Carol Obermeier, the Lee County Port Authority’s director of aviation market development, said the season’s off to a strong start at Southwest International.
“For the next two or three weeks out the bookings look really solid,” Obermeier said. But the situation is so volatile it’s hard to make predictions much past that. Typically, Obermeier said, business at the airport slows in January.
“Christmas is over, everyone’s back in school,” she said. Then, as the winter tourist season kicks into gear in February, the number of flights and passengers will go back up.
The airlines aren’t dialing back their service here as they are in most Florida markets, Obermeier said. In the week ending Dec. 12, there were 210,874 seats on 1,627 flights compared to 190,000 seats on 1,472 flights in the same week last year, she said
“Compared to December 2007, we’re looking to be up in flights 10 percent and in seats by 3 percent,” Obermeier said. “We’re the only one up in capacity and seats.”
For example, Fort Lauderdale is down 9 percent and Tampa is down 11.5 percent in flights, Obermeier said. That’s a marker of the confidence the airlines have in this area’s growth potential, she said. “Carriers look at those numbers: Who’s coming here, where are they coming from? So they make that decision” on how many flights to have.
Kinda makes you think, no?
What are you waiting for? Visit annamaria.com for the best in vacation rental properties in Anna Maria Island, Fl
Thursday 18 December 2008
Panthers prowling back
This story from the Naples Daily News makes interesting reading. Watch out for a big cat near you!"A plan setting benchmarks to take the Florida panther off the endangered species list is set to be announced.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has taken years to finalize the plan, which changed little since the agency unveiled a draft plan in January 2006.
The big cat has been staging a precarious comeback from a toehold in Southwest Florida, but the plan envisions taking decades, if ever, to declare the panther back from the brink.
Scientists credit a program that transplanted eight female Texas cougars into the panther population with replenishing the gene pool and boosting the number of panthers from fewer than 30 in the 1970s to between 100 and 120 panthers today.
Despite the progress, the panther continues to face an uphill climb to recovery because of threats from increasing human population and development in panther habitat, the recovery plan says.
“Working with our partners and the public is critical if we are to continue making strides toward recovering the Florida panther,” Fish and Wildlife Service regional director Sam Hamilton said in a statement Wednesday.
The plan sticks to an earlier goal of having three “viable, self-sustaining” populations of panthers totaling 720 animals — a goal that will require reintroducing the panther across the southeastern United States.
New to the final plan is an interim goal of having at least 80 panthers in each of two unspecified reintroduction areas and not losing any ground in Florida. The next step is to translate the 230-page recovery plan into more panthers in the wild, environmental advocates said."
Go Panthers! And if you ever make your way across the Manatee, Cortez or Longboat bridge don't forget to look up annamaria.com for the best in vacation rentals. Perfect homes for those with a big pride.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has taken years to finalize the plan, which changed little since the agency unveiled a draft plan in January 2006.
The big cat has been staging a precarious comeback from a toehold in Southwest Florida, but the plan envisions taking decades, if ever, to declare the panther back from the brink.
Scientists credit a program that transplanted eight female Texas cougars into the panther population with replenishing the gene pool and boosting the number of panthers from fewer than 30 in the 1970s to between 100 and 120 panthers today.
Despite the progress, the panther continues to face an uphill climb to recovery because of threats from increasing human population and development in panther habitat, the recovery plan says.
“Working with our partners and the public is critical if we are to continue making strides toward recovering the Florida panther,” Fish and Wildlife Service regional director Sam Hamilton said in a statement Wednesday.
The plan sticks to an earlier goal of having three “viable, self-sustaining” populations of panthers totaling 720 animals — a goal that will require reintroducing the panther across the southeastern United States.
New to the final plan is an interim goal of having at least 80 panthers in each of two unspecified reintroduction areas and not losing any ground in Florida. The next step is to translate the 230-page recovery plan into more panthers in the wild, environmental advocates said."
Go Panthers! And if you ever make your way across the Manatee, Cortez or Longboat bridge don't forget to look up annamaria.com for the best in vacation rentals. Perfect homes for those with a big pride.
Tuesday 16 December 2008
Crist (on a bike)
If you think the travel industry is in dire straits, at least we have Governor Charlie Crist.
Gov. Crist, like anyone else in his position, is entitled to go on trade missions to drum up new business for Florida. But to judge from the costs he racked up and the size of his retinue on the trip to Europe, Mr Crist seems to have lost his sense of proportion.
The trip was supposed to cost $255,000, a hefty sum by most measures but apparently within the expected range for gubernatorial jaunts of this sort. No doubt the dollar's weakness in Europe this summer increased costs. But by $170,000? That's a lot of business development.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Crist's trade trip far eclipsed the original estimated price tag of $255,000. The newspaper found that among the governor's entourage were nine bodyguards. Crist stayed in hotel suites in London, Paris, Rome and St. Petersburg that ran as high as $2,179 a night, and he traveled first-class air at a cost of $8,000, round trip. Oh, lest we forget, there was a $1,300 tab for hotel room service and minibar expenses.
And then there is the question of Carole Rome, Crist's then fiance. Rome tagged along on the trip but was listed on the travel list as a "delegate" representing her New York company. That company is a wholesaler of Halloween costumes.
Crist's staff has defended the trip, saying it was largely funded by Enterprise Florida, the public-private partnership that promotes economic development in the state. Enterprise Florida officials say the junket enabled Florida companies to make $5.5 million in sales and laid the groundwork for another $96 million in business and 2,245 new high-tech jobs.
Even if that's true, overspending on an official trip and going first class and maybe beyond is either a sign of cluelessness or crassness on Crist's part. Especially at at time when so many of his constituents are worrying about having a job or, worse, a home.
Florida leads the nation in jobs lost. Florida is being hit harder by the mortgage crisis than any state but California.
The latest forecast by state economists shows the state facing a potential $6 billion revenue shortfall for the coming year, on top of $6 billion in cuts last year.
And as of now, neither the governor nor the Legislature has a plan to keep our schools and our social services adequately funded.
Crist should quit trying to defend a trip that was filled with unjustifiable extravagances and was shamefully over budget. That's hardly a message a man who calls himself "the people's governor" should be sending.
Times are tough, and in Florida, they are worse than most places. The governor should act like it when conducting his own affairs and the public's affairs, and not just when it comes time to cut the budgets for public services.
Gov. Crist, like anyone else in his position, is entitled to go on trade missions to drum up new business for Florida. But to judge from the costs he racked up and the size of his retinue on the trip to Europe, Mr Crist seems to have lost his sense of proportion.
The trip was supposed to cost $255,000, a hefty sum by most measures but apparently within the expected range for gubernatorial jaunts of this sort. No doubt the dollar's weakness in Europe this summer increased costs. But by $170,000? That's a lot of business development.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Crist's trade trip far eclipsed the original estimated price tag of $255,000. The newspaper found that among the governor's entourage were nine bodyguards. Crist stayed in hotel suites in London, Paris, Rome and St. Petersburg that ran as high as $2,179 a night, and he traveled first-class air at a cost of $8,000, round trip. Oh, lest we forget, there was a $1,300 tab for hotel room service and minibar expenses.
And then there is the question of Carole Rome, Crist's then fiance. Rome tagged along on the trip but was listed on the travel list as a "delegate" representing her New York company. That company is a wholesaler of Halloween costumes.
Crist's staff has defended the trip, saying it was largely funded by Enterprise Florida, the public-private partnership that promotes economic development in the state. Enterprise Florida officials say the junket enabled Florida companies to make $5.5 million in sales and laid the groundwork for another $96 million in business and 2,245 new high-tech jobs.
Even if that's true, overspending on an official trip and going first class and maybe beyond is either a sign of cluelessness or crassness on Crist's part. Especially at at time when so many of his constituents are worrying about having a job or, worse, a home.
Florida leads the nation in jobs lost. Florida is being hit harder by the mortgage crisis than any state but California.
The latest forecast by state economists shows the state facing a potential $6 billion revenue shortfall for the coming year, on top of $6 billion in cuts last year.
And as of now, neither the governor nor the Legislature has a plan to keep our schools and our social services adequately funded.
Crist should quit trying to defend a trip that was filled with unjustifiable extravagances and was shamefully over budget. That's hardly a message a man who calls himself "the people's governor" should be sending.
Times are tough, and in Florida, they are worse than most places. The governor should act like it when conducting his own affairs and the public's affairs, and not just when it comes time to cut the budgets for public services.
Sunday 7 December 2008
Florida still a big draw
This from CBS News.
ORLANDO -- Central Florida's theme parks and attractions have played host to more than 100 international travel agents this week as part of a big push to bring in more visitors from abroad.
News 13 caught up with the visitors as they made through way through Universal Orlando Resort.
Nearly all the agents News 13 spoke with said they were having a great time in Central Florida, and felt extremely welcome, something they did not feel a few years ago.
"After 9/11, there was this possible misconception that Americans didn't want a lot of tourists to come over," said Iain Fleming, a travel agent from the United Kingdom.
The Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau brought over the travel agents, saying international travel is becoming increasingly important.
The number of international travelers coming into Orlando International Airport was up 10 per cent in October.
Check out the video that accompanies this news piece here
Any positive news for the Florida tourism industry is good, we say. So come on all you Brits, you're more than welcome...
ORLANDO -- Central Florida's theme parks and attractions have played host to more than 100 international travel agents this week as part of a big push to bring in more visitors from abroad.
News 13 caught up with the visitors as they made through way through Universal Orlando Resort.
Nearly all the agents News 13 spoke with said they were having a great time in Central Florida, and felt extremely welcome, something they did not feel a few years ago.
"After 9/11, there was this possible misconception that Americans didn't want a lot of tourists to come over," said Iain Fleming, a travel agent from the United Kingdom.
The Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau brought over the travel agents, saying international travel is becoming increasingly important.
The number of international travelers coming into Orlando International Airport was up 10 per cent in October.
Check out the video that accompanies this news piece here
Any positive news for the Florida tourism industry is good, we say. So come on all you Brits, you're more than welcome...
Thursday 4 December 2008
Great White visitors in Florida
Hello there travel bugs!
And that goes double for all our Canadian friends. It seems more and more of them are making the trip to Florida for vacations and conferences - and they are most welcome as far as we are concerned.
A report in the Orlando Sentinel quotes a new report from the federal government which shows that Canadian travel to Florida climbed 18 percent in 2007.
It says: 'Just under 2.8 million Canadians visited Florida during the year, according to the US Commerce Department. That made Florida the No. 2 destination for travelers from the Great White North, behind only New York state. Florida ranked ahead of New York in total number of nights spent by Canadian visitors.
'Altogether, Florida drew 14 per cent of all Canadian traffic to the US but 33 per cent of the total number of visitor nights spent in the US by Canadians. Not surprisingly, the vast majority (86 per cent) of Canadian travel to Florida was for either vacations or conventions.'
As Florida gears up for high season, we say keep em comin!
If you want to stay somewhere really special, check out the vacation rental properties at annamaria.com
And that goes double for all our Canadian friends. It seems more and more of them are making the trip to Florida for vacations and conferences - and they are most welcome as far as we are concerned.
A report in the Orlando Sentinel quotes a new report from the federal government which shows that Canadian travel to Florida climbed 18 percent in 2007.
It says: 'Just under 2.8 million Canadians visited Florida during the year, according to the US Commerce Department. That made Florida the No. 2 destination for travelers from the Great White North, behind only New York state. Florida ranked ahead of New York in total number of nights spent by Canadian visitors.
'Altogether, Florida drew 14 per cent of all Canadian traffic to the US but 33 per cent of the total number of visitor nights spent in the US by Canadians. Not surprisingly, the vast majority (86 per cent) of Canadian travel to Florida was for either vacations or conventions.'
As Florida gears up for high season, we say keep em comin!
If you want to stay somewhere really special, check out the vacation rental properties at annamaria.com
Friday 28 November 2008
It's Black Friday shoppers!
If you're still indoors on Black Friday, you are either unwell from too much Thanksgiving turkey, or you hate shopping. Everyone else is out in search of a bargain at the many malls and shopping outlets around the Anna Maria and Bradenton area.
One outlet in Ellenton took some interesting steps this year - opening at midnight and encouraging shoppers to come dressed in their pyjamas!
Take a look at this news excerpt from ABC news. Were you one of the midnight shoppers?
One outlet in Ellenton took some interesting steps this year - opening at midnight and encouraging shoppers to come dressed in their pyjamas!
Take a look at this news excerpt from ABC news. Were you one of the midnight shoppers?
Wednesday 26 November 2008
Here's the 511 for travelers
Here is some important news for Thanksgiving travelers from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) which encourages drivers to plan for holiday travel by using its free 511 Travel Information System before getting on the road.
The 511 system provides free, real-time travel information that can save drivers time and money by helping them avoid congestion on all Florida interstate highways, toll roads including Florida’s Turnpike and many metropolitan roadways.
Drivers can also plan trips before getting on the road by creating up to 10 personalized travel routes on http://www.fl511.com/, the website accompanying the service. The site allows users to access and hear roadway updates on their specified routes immediately when calling 511. By creating alternate travel routes, travelers can hear information on other roads if their primary travel route is congested.
The time-saving system is a resource from FDOT that helps manage congestion, reduce emissions and increase safety. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), knowing of congestion or delays helps prevent accidents.
If you are on the roads this week, then be a smart traveler and call 511 before you set off.
The 511 system provides free, real-time travel information that can save drivers time and money by helping them avoid congestion on all Florida interstate highways, toll roads including Florida’s Turnpike and many metropolitan roadways.
Drivers can also plan trips before getting on the road by creating up to 10 personalized travel routes on http://www.fl511.com/, the website accompanying the service. The site allows users to access and hear roadway updates on their specified routes immediately when calling 511. By creating alternate travel routes, travelers can hear information on other roads if their primary travel route is congested.
The time-saving system is a resource from FDOT that helps manage congestion, reduce emissions and increase safety. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), knowing of congestion or delays helps prevent accidents.
If you are on the roads this week, then be a smart traveler and call 511 before you set off.
Monday 24 November 2008
Florida Aquarium up there with the best
Hello fellow Florida travelers,
Did you know that ForbesTraveler.com, one of the most prestigious travel websites for world travelers, has recently named The Florida Aquarium among the top dozen US aquariums?
According to the site, The Florida Aquarium was included for its 'diverse guest programs including Dive with the Sharks, Penguins: Backstage Pass and Explore A Shore, the outdoor water fun zone for children'.
This is the fourth such honor the aquarium has received in as many years. Coastal Living and TripAdvisor.com ranked Tampa's aquarium in its top 10 aquariums in America and Parents Magazine ranked it in their top five "family-friendly aquariums in the country".
Thom Stork, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium, likes the trend. "We are constantly striving to improve our guest experience," says Stork. "With the addition of our new gallery, Ocean Commotion, we feel we have added to the ways people can enjoy the wonder of our aquatic world."
See for yourself the wonders of the deep, check out the aquarium's website here
Did you know that ForbesTraveler.com, one of the most prestigious travel websites for world travelers, has recently named The Florida Aquarium among the top dozen US aquariums?
According to the site, The Florida Aquarium was included for its 'diverse guest programs including Dive with the Sharks, Penguins: Backstage Pass and Explore A Shore, the outdoor water fun zone for children'.
This is the fourth such honor the aquarium has received in as many years. Coastal Living and TripAdvisor.com ranked Tampa's aquarium in its top 10 aquariums in America and Parents Magazine ranked it in their top five "family-friendly aquariums in the country".
Thom Stork, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium, likes the trend. "We are constantly striving to improve our guest experience," says Stork. "With the addition of our new gallery, Ocean Commotion, we feel we have added to the ways people can enjoy the wonder of our aquatic world."
See for yourself the wonders of the deep, check out the aquarium's website here
Thursday 20 November 2008
Anna Maria recession proof?
Despite almost everything working against us, the figures released by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau show tourism on Anna Maria Island during October climbed nearly 15 per cent compared with the same month last year.
Even with the Anna Maria Island Bridge closed for the month, occupation rates on the island rose from 40.9 percent in October 2007 to 46.6 percent for October 2008, a 14.1 percent rise.
A recent national news story claimed that, according to government figures, Americans have reduced their discretionary spending dramatically because of the economy. Consumer spending dropped 2.8 percent in October, the largest decline in history.
It seems there are some things we just cannot give up - and Anna Maria Island is one of them!
If you haven't come to stay with us yet, visit annamaria.com for the best in island accomodation.
Even with the Anna Maria Island Bridge closed for the month, occupation rates on the island rose from 40.9 percent in October 2007 to 46.6 percent for October 2008, a 14.1 percent rise.
A recent national news story claimed that, according to government figures, Americans have reduced their discretionary spending dramatically because of the economy. Consumer spending dropped 2.8 percent in October, the largest decline in history.
It seems there are some things we just cannot give up - and Anna Maria Island is one of them!
If you haven't come to stay with us yet, visit annamaria.com for the best in island accomodation.
Tuesday 18 November 2008
Hidden doors no more
Heaven forbid you do, but should you ever have occasion to visit city hall on your visit to Anna Maria Island, that particular task is about to become a whole lot easier.
At present there is a sign on the door to the entrance that faces Gulf Drive which advises you to use another (unspecified) entrance. The door to the side of the building facing Pine Avenue says it's for employees only. The east side entrance provides access to the Sheriff's Office, and most of the time, deputies are out in the city, so that entrance is locked.
"People really wander around up there before they find the entrance," Commissioner Jo Ann Mattick said.
But change is afoot. Soon the Pine Avenue parking lot will be open to callers and an entrance placed leading directly from it.
"We have an address on Gulf Drive, and we should have an entrance on Gulf Drive," Mayor Fran Barford said. "As it is now, people can’t find our entrance off Spring Avenue, and if they do get into one of our parking lots, they can’t find the entrance to the building." Not for much longer Fran...
At present there is a sign on the door to the entrance that faces Gulf Drive which advises you to use another (unspecified) entrance. The door to the side of the building facing Pine Avenue says it's for employees only. The east side entrance provides access to the Sheriff's Office, and most of the time, deputies are out in the city, so that entrance is locked.
"People really wander around up there before they find the entrance," Commissioner Jo Ann Mattick said.
But change is afoot. Soon the Pine Avenue parking lot will be open to callers and an entrance placed leading directly from it.
"We have an address on Gulf Drive, and we should have an entrance on Gulf Drive," Mayor Fran Barford said. "As it is now, people can’t find our entrance off Spring Avenue, and if they do get into one of our parking lots, they can’t find the entrance to the building." Not for much longer Fran...
Monday 17 November 2008
Head for the beaches!
Trust a survey to tell us something we already know - like when people come to Anna Maria Island, they want to head straight for the beaches. Well, d'uh...
A study by Research Data Services Inc conducted for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau between March and August, found 96.4 per cent of visitors interviewed said the principle activity during their stay was enjoying the island's beaches, while their second favorite activity was dining out. So people come here to enjoy the beaches in the day, then dine out at night? Hmmm, interesting...
Perhaps more surprisingly, a huge 38.9 per cent said the Anna Maria City Pier was their second favored attraction to visit, following St Armands Circle, which had a 58.9 per cent approval rating. Perhaps even more surprisingly, the Rod & Reel Pier came in as the third most favored attraction to visit, with 38.7 per cent of those surveyed saying they enjoyed the private pier in Tampa Bay just north of the Anna Maria City Pier. Maybe those fishing tales are starting to work.
The study reported 246,800 visitors came to the area during the six-month period, with Florida the most common point of origin. Between March and May, 26.4 per cent of visitors came from a Florida location, while 34.5 per cent of visitors between May and August came from Florida. European visitors accounted for 15.2 per cent of visitors during the winter months and 16.2 per cent during the summer period.
In terms of spending, visitors had a total economic impact of $223 million in the area between March and August, the study said.
Among the respondents between March and May, 59 per cent said they did not consider another location to visit, while 44 per cent had the same answer during the summer months. An average of 33 percent said it was their first visit to the area and 83.5 percent said they planned a return trip.
More than 66 percent of visitors said they received information about the Island from the Internet, while 27.5 per cent said they heard about the Island in a recommendation from friends and relatives.
Well, we're telling you straight, if you don't come to Anna Maria Island, you must be 100 per cent crazy!
A study by Research Data Services Inc conducted for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau between March and August, found 96.4 per cent of visitors interviewed said the principle activity during their stay was enjoying the island's beaches, while their second favorite activity was dining out. So people come here to enjoy the beaches in the day, then dine out at night? Hmmm, interesting...
Perhaps more surprisingly, a huge 38.9 per cent said the Anna Maria City Pier was their second favored attraction to visit, following St Armands Circle, which had a 58.9 per cent approval rating. Perhaps even more surprisingly, the Rod & Reel Pier came in as the third most favored attraction to visit, with 38.7 per cent of those surveyed saying they enjoyed the private pier in Tampa Bay just north of the Anna Maria City Pier. Maybe those fishing tales are starting to work.
The study reported 246,800 visitors came to the area during the six-month period, with Florida the most common point of origin. Between March and May, 26.4 per cent of visitors came from a Florida location, while 34.5 per cent of visitors between May and August came from Florida. European visitors accounted for 15.2 per cent of visitors during the winter months and 16.2 per cent during the summer period.
In terms of spending, visitors had a total economic impact of $223 million in the area between March and August, the study said.
Among the respondents between March and May, 59 per cent said they did not consider another location to visit, while 44 per cent had the same answer during the summer months. An average of 33 percent said it was their first visit to the area and 83.5 percent said they planned a return trip.
More than 66 percent of visitors said they received information about the Island from the Internet, while 27.5 per cent said they heard about the Island in a recommendation from friends and relatives.
Well, we're telling you straight, if you don't come to Anna Maria Island, you must be 100 per cent crazy!
Friday 14 November 2008
Want to see what we're talking about?
If you want to know why Anna Maria Island is so popular with tourists from all over the world year after year, check out this YouTube video produced by the good folks at VisitFlorida. It offers just a brief look at all the attractions Anna Maria has to offer - but don't just take our word for it, come visit yourself.
For the best in Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, click over to annamaria.com and make a reservation today. You won't regret it.
For the best in Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, click over to annamaria.com and make a reservation today. You won't regret it.
Wednesday 12 November 2008
Special day on Anna Maria
Anna Maria Island is not just popular with regular holidaymakers, who bring their families year after year to enjoy its safe waters, clean beaches and wonderful weather, there is another niche market who choose our island over any other.
Anna Maria has long been a top destination for happy couples wanting to get married and spend their special somewhere, well, special.
To help those undecided take the final step, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will host the second annual Strolling Wedding Festival to showcase and market ceremony and reception sites and vendors on the island. The event, which will be held January 25, 2009, will feature at least 40 bridal vendors among 12 locations.
As last year, the free island trolley will be available to shuttle couples to merchants, and there will also be a complimentary limousine service for that extra touch of class.
The event will be held from 11am to 6pm. Advance tickets are $7 a person, a $10 per person the day of the event.
This from the AMI Chamber website: 'The registration fee along with visiting at least nine out of the 12 location sites automatically enters you into the prize drawings. There is over $15,000 in prizes including a wedding package which includes many of the amenities for a wedding. Examples of the prizes include dinner gift certificates, spa services, beach or wedding portraits, limo rentals, floral arrangements, music or DJ services, jewelry, island business gift certificates, complimentary resort stays, water sport certificates, sailing certificates and much, much more.
'Upon check in each attendant will receive a complimentary wedding festival tote (to collect information in throughout the day), an island map to all the vendor sites and a schedule of activities and events going on throughout the day. At 5pm everyone will meet at the Sandbar Restaurant for the Sunset celebration where visitors can view a mock wedding after which the prizes will be awarded.'
For more information or to pre-register, call (941) 778-1541 or click on this link
Anna Maria has long been a top destination for happy couples wanting to get married and spend their special somewhere, well, special.
To help those undecided take the final step, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will host the second annual Strolling Wedding Festival to showcase and market ceremony and reception sites and vendors on the island. The event, which will be held January 25, 2009, will feature at least 40 bridal vendors among 12 locations.
As last year, the free island trolley will be available to shuttle couples to merchants, and there will also be a complimentary limousine service for that extra touch of class.
The event will be held from 11am to 6pm. Advance tickets are $7 a person, a $10 per person the day of the event.
This from the AMI Chamber website: 'The registration fee along with visiting at least nine out of the 12 location sites automatically enters you into the prize drawings. There is over $15,000 in prizes including a wedding package which includes many of the amenities for a wedding. Examples of the prizes include dinner gift certificates, spa services, beach or wedding portraits, limo rentals, floral arrangements, music or DJ services, jewelry, island business gift certificates, complimentary resort stays, water sport certificates, sailing certificates and much, much more.
'Upon check in each attendant will receive a complimentary wedding festival tote (to collect information in throughout the day), an island map to all the vendor sites and a schedule of activities and events going on throughout the day. At 5pm everyone will meet at the Sandbar Restaurant for the Sunset celebration where visitors can view a mock wedding after which the prizes will be awarded.'
For more information or to pre-register, call (941) 778-1541 or click on this link
Tuesday 11 November 2008
Fears for missing woman
Anna Maria Island is in the news as police step up their search for Sabine Musil-Buehler, the co-owner of Haley’s Motel in Holmes Beach, who was officially reported missing on November 6. Friends and family on Anna Maria Island say they last saw the 49-year-old on election day.
Musil-Buehler was first reported missing by her husband — from whom she was separated — business partner and friend, Tom Buehler.
Buehler and Musil-Buehler have been married for 14 years. They have been separated for six years even though they continued living together recently, he said. They own Haley’s Motel on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.
Buehler reported his wife missing Thursday morning after he received a 3:30am call from authorities, when deputies made a traffic stop on her car — a white 2000 Pontiac Sunfire — saying three men were in the car.
Deputies stopped Robert Corona, 38, of Bradenton, driving her car. Corona told deputies he had been partying with Musil-Buehler all night and he had lost track of her.
Musil-Buehler was first reported missing by her husband — from whom she was separated — business partner and friend, Tom Buehler.
Buehler and Musil-Buehler have been married for 14 years. They have been separated for six years even though they continued living together recently, he said. They own Haley’s Motel on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.
Buehler reported his wife missing Thursday morning after he received a 3:30am call from authorities, when deputies made a traffic stop on her car — a white 2000 Pontiac Sunfire — saying three men were in the car.
Deputies stopped Robert Corona, 38, of Bradenton, driving her car. Corona told deputies he had been partying with Musil-Buehler all night and he had lost track of her.
Monday 10 November 2008
Bridging the gap
Hello there. Those of you who have been to Anna Maria Island before will have travelled over one of the bridges connecting our beautiful island to the mainland of Florida. If you came here recently you will also have noticed the repairs going on to Anna Maria Bridge as part of a $10.1million renovation and repair project.
Well, after pre-construction estimates said the bridge would need to close for 45 days it was re-opened Thursday, six days ahead of schedule.
FDOT representative Audrey Clarke, speaking to ABC7 news, said: "The bridge is 51 years old. This is basically just regular maintenance. We know that this is a tourist season and the tourists are starting to come back into the area, so it provides access to the business owners, to the visitors, and to residents who live in the area. You don't want to hit tourist season with that thing closed, that was for sure."
You're not wrong there Audrey, but thanks for making our lives, and those who are coming to vist Anna Maria, that much easier.
Well, after pre-construction estimates said the bridge would need to close for 45 days it was re-opened Thursday, six days ahead of schedule.
FDOT representative Audrey Clarke, speaking to ABC7 news, said: "The bridge is 51 years old. This is basically just regular maintenance. We know that this is a tourist season and the tourists are starting to come back into the area, so it provides access to the business owners, to the visitors, and to residents who live in the area. You don't want to hit tourist season with that thing closed, that was for sure."
You're not wrong there Audrey, but thanks for making our lives, and those who are coming to vist Anna Maria, that much easier.
Friday 7 November 2008
Vacation staying, says America
Hello travel fans, welcome to our new travel guide. It will concentrate on Anna Maria, where I work, but I'll be adding all sorts of goodies here from now on, so make sure you check back regularly and keep up to date with all that's going on in the world of travel.
The credit crunch and global financial troubles might be biting, but it seems the world still needs a break and according to research done by Apple Vacations. Sandy Babin, Vice President of Marketing, Apple Vacations said: "Consumers will be able to keep their vacation plans for 2009 without giving up the things they love."
That's right, so why not get your new year off to the perfect start with a break in sunny Florida? Check out the prices on Annamaria.com and come join us in paradise.
Happy trails...
The credit crunch and global financial troubles might be biting, but it seems the world still needs a break and according to research done by Apple Vacations. Sandy Babin, Vice President of Marketing, Apple Vacations said: "Consumers will be able to keep their vacation plans for 2009 without giving up the things they love."
That's right, so why not get your new year off to the perfect start with a break in sunny Florida? Check out the prices on Annamaria.com and come join us in paradise.
Happy trails...
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