The 2012 PGA Merchandise Show opened this week at Orange County Convention Center and with it came a clear message that the golf industry needs to buck up its ideas and start thinking of some creative ways to attract people to the game.
A total of 26.1 million people played the game in the United States in 2010 and that’s one million fewer golfers than in 2009. Speaking about the new Golf 2.0 initiative, Fore Golf’s vice president of marketing, Fred Augenstein said “the goal is increase the number of golfers to 40 million by the year 2020.”
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus (pictured above) was also on hand to reinforce the message that golf needs to be made more relevant, more welcoming and more flexible to be able to attract a new generation of player in the future. Revealingly he talked about his own three children, one of whom is a scratch golfer, who no longer player the game because they have other things to do.
“I wanted to be part of growing the game around the world. This isn’t just a Jack Nicklaus initiative, this is a golf industry initiative” said Nicklaus of Golf.2.0, “We’ve got to bring them into the game having fun… we don’t want to bring them into the game and lose them right away.”
So, naturally, there is great concern among PGA members about the future of the game and that is why they have designed three strategies to tackle the issue; the first is to retain and strengthen the core, the second is to engage “lapsed” golfers and finally, to drive new players.
The first initiative involves two steps; getting to better know the customer and nurturing them. This involves delivering different experiences and nurturing current players to become the most loyal customers. The second initiative involves recognizing the influence that 73% of women have control on household spending and that the women’s game is becoming more influential, largely through the efforts of younger players like Lexi Thompson (pictured above) and Paula Creamer, both of whom were at the show. Also, part of the “engaging “lapsed” golfers strategy is targeting the 90 million Americans who aspire to play again while also appealing to the entire family. The aging Boomer population also presents another challenge as some of their skills fade away yet they still love the game and want to be involved. Technology will also play a part as not all golfers of the future begin in junior clinics, rather on their X-Box gaming machines.
Finally, the “driving new players” initiative will see efforts to reach families in the 84% of American households who don’t play golf. Alliances will be built with major youth organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and concentrated efforts will be made to make the game appeal to minority groups. “I’m ready to play” will be part of the theme over the next five to ten years of the long term strategic plan.
It promises to be an interesting time for the golf industry and here in Central Florida we’ll be monitoring the progress of how the area’s golf facilities perform. For many years, we have encouraged various golf clubs to find new innovative programs that can appeal to visitors and now the weight of the industry appears to be falling on their shoulders. Hopefully, we’ll now see a renewed willingness to work together with tourism partners to create a really great golfing experience and one that keeps the Orlando area as “Golf Central” for a long time to come.
We’ve now received more details about the plans at Universal Orlando this year and it certainly looks like there will be more adventure, excitement, laughter and awe-inspiring moments than ever before – making 2012 an extraordinary year to be here in Central Florida.
There will be something for everyone and every family. From a new Blue Man Group show and newly re-created experience inside one of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions to a stunning parade, spectacular nighttime show and brand-new blockbuster attraction based on an incredibly popular film – Universal Orlando Resort is bringing guests more new entertainment across our entire destination in 2012 than during any other year in our history.
The new experiences will begin debuting in February. Guests will discover the exhilarating entertainment of a new Blue Man Group show; marvel at breathtaking new animation and effects in TheAmazing Adventures of Spider-Man; dance and celebrate with their favorite animated characters during Universal’s Superstar Parade and relive memorable moments from Universal Pictures most powerful and beloved films during the nighttime show Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories.And coming this summer – families will laugh together as they are transformed into minions for an incredible adventure inside the new Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction.
Universal Orlando will also be marking the Universal Pictures Centennial Anniversary Celebration during 2012 with a series of events to be announced throughout the year.
“We are about to offer our guests a historic range of incredible new entertainment experiences,” said Alice Norsworthy, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Universal Orlando Resort. “This year will be filled with excitement and entertainment for the entire family.”
The new 2012 experiences at Universal Orlando include:
Blue Man Group ~ Opening February 2012 at Universal CityWalk
Universal Orlando’s Blue Man Group show is taking their unique and captivating mash-up of high energy music, comedy, audience participation and collective exhilaration to another level. Featuring a new show environment, new music, new technology and new experiences, the show will allow audiences to join the Blue Men as they discover, engage and explore the world’s obsession with cutting-edge technology. Signature Blue Man Group moments combine with breathtakingly fun new pieces for an explosive evening of entertainment. New show elements include the curious Blue Men interacting with enormous “GiPads,” a funny and insightful look at contemporary communication vehicles, and a pulsating new finale with an original Blue Man Group music score that will have guests jumping to their feet. Look closely – you may even see the Blue Men take a spin on one of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ~ Experience March 2012 at Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando is transforming what is already one of the most amazing attraction experiences ever created into what will feel like an all-new adventure. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man will soon feature all-new, 4K digital high-definition animation, new high tech 3-D glasses and upgrades to the set, audio and lighting systems. The re-animation of the ride film will include an entirely new level of detail for guests to discover, including a cameo by legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator, Stan Lee.
Universal’s Superstar Parade ~ Opening Spring 2012 at Universal Studios Florida
Some of today’s most beloved characters and stories will bring new adventure to the streets of Universal Studios during Universal’s Superstar Parade – an all-new daily parade that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology and hundreds of energetic street performers. Guests will sing and dance along with characters like the minions from Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit comedy, Hop, Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants during the interactive experience. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy performances and character meet and greets prior to the parade at select locations throughout the day.
Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories ~ Opening Spring 2012 at Universal Studios Florida
Narrated by award-winning actor and recent Golden Globe – Cecil B. DeMille honoree, Morgan Freeman, Universal Orlando’s brand-new nighttime show, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular, will celebrate the most powerful and emotional moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films – all on cutting-edge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon and surrounded by colorful fountains and pyrotechnics. The experience will take guests on a journey through epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good vs. evil and triumph. The new show opens this spring, runs all summer and then on select nights through the end of the year.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ~ Opening Summer 2012 at Universal Studios Florida
Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, will take guests on an unforgettable 3-D adventure with their favorite characters from the hit film – Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes and the mischievous minions. The experience begins when guests enter Gru’s home, where they learn that they’re being recruited to become minions and undergo “minion training.” Things don’t go as planned, and guests find themselves on a wildly hysterical journey with Gru and his daughters. Once guests make it through training, they join an interactive, minion-inspired dance party where they can show off their best moves.
Universal’s Creative team is working closely with Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment to bring this all-new adventure to life in the most authentic way possible. In fact, the beloved characters in the attraction will be voiced by the film’s original cast: Steve Carell (Gru), Miranda Cosgrove (Margo), Dana Gaier (Edith) and Elsie Fisher (Agnes). The ride’s experience is being developed by the same creative team that brought you the award-winning film, Despicable Me. The motion-picture event Despicable Me 2 arrives in theaters on July 3, 2013.
Other New Experiences Opening this Year
Hollywood Drive-In Golf, a unique 36-hole miniature golf experience inspired by the classic drive-in movie era, will open in February at Universal CityWalk.
A great, new immersive retail entertainment experience that will become home to SpongeBob SquarePants and other characters from the number one kids animated TV series, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants. It will open inside Universal Studios this year.
Minutes away from Universal Orlando, the popular Wet ‘n Wild water park will open its first interactive family water play area this summer – allowing everyone in the family to splash and swim together. Amidst lush, tropical landscaping, the new area will feature 15 water slides and more than 100 soakers, jets, waterfalls and water cannons – making it the largest interactive water play experience in Florida.
Today, Universal Orlando Resort revealed details about a wide range of all-new exciting guest experiences that will open across the destination this year.
The new experiences will begin debuting in February and include:
A new Blue Man Group show – opening in February
HD enhancements and more to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – experience in March
Universal’s Superstar Parade – a new interactive parade experience featuring characters like the minions from Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit animated film, “Hop,” Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants that is opening in Spring
Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – a new nighttime show that will celebrate the most powerful and emotional moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films – all projected on cutting-edge waterfall screens – and opening this Spring
The highly-anticipated 3-D attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, which is opening this summer.
We’ll be bringing you more details in the coming days about each new attraction and event as more is known. Meanwhile, here’s some video:
Orlando City Lions coach Adrian Heath (pictured above) sat down with me this morning to talk about the upcoming 2012 season for the Lions. There’s no doubt that it’s an exciting time for soccer in the Orlando area as the team looks forward to defending their 2011 USL Pro Championship title.
The club has come along way in a short time and this time last year everyone at the club was just settling into the area after the move from Austin, Texas. Orlando City was originally named Orlando Pro Soccer when it was announced on March 4, 2010, and it was initially affiliated with the Orlando Titans National Lacrossse League team. Unfortunately the Titans ran into financial difficulties and in October 2010, the Orlando Pro Soccer USL rights were purchased by Phil Rawlins, a board member of English Premier League team Stoke City. It was his decision to move the club from Austin to Orlando and the team was then officially announced on October 25, 2010. At the press conference, Rawlins stated that he intended to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to Orlando “within 3–5 years” as well as bringing international matches to the city as well. So far he’s half way to his target and it’s been an impressive start.
None of this would have been possible though if it wasn’t for the involvement of Coach Heath who has brought a style of play to the team that has many admirers throughout US soccer. The team ran away with the regular season championship and swept to the Championship final where it found a tough opponent in Harrisburg City Islanders, eventually winning on penalties after a thrilling last period of the game that saw the teams matched at 2-2.
The bar has certainly been set high by Heath and his squad. It remains to be seen if they can conjure up a repeat performance with which to impress MLS Commissioner Don Garber and perhaps seal that elusive MLS place but you can be sure that maximum effort will be exerted to achieve the goals.
The season kicks off with a friendly match against Philadelphia Union on February 18th at 6pm at the Florida Citrus Bowl and then a week later the team is involved in the 2012 Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic. The Disney event runs from 24th February through to 3rd March and will feature six MLS teams (Toronto, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Sporting Kansas City, Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps) and Swedish Allsvenskan side BK Hacken. This action-packed event will be located at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World and the eight teams will compete in 14 games across the 7 days. It promises to be a soccer feast and the full schedule is featured below:
After that, the Lions will be looking forward to the start of the 24 game USL PRO regular season that kicks off in Charlotte on April 7th. A week later sees the home opener on April 15 at 6 p.m. against the Wilmington Hammerheads at the Florida Citrus Bowl.
The 2012 schedule sees Orlando City enjoy two visits from close rivals Charleston Battery on June 9 and July 28. In 2011, the Lions and Battery faced off five times in 2011 with Orlando winning the series 4-1 including a 3-1 overtime victory in the first round of the playoffs. In total, Orlando and Charleston will face off three times in the regular season, twice in Orlando and once in Charleston.
The USL PRO Championship Game rematch between Orlando City and Harrisburg City Islanders will be eagerly anticipated and it will take place in Orlando on June 22 ahead of the late season clash on August 1 in Harrisburg.
One interesting game sees City pitched against new opponents as they will face the Los Angeles Blues on May 24 in Orlando. The Lions will then face the Blues twice in LA in a Friday/Sunday series on July 6 and 8. The Blues were the only USL PRO side Orlando did not face in 2011 although LA qualified for the playoffs last season, but were eliminated by Harrisburg.
The 2012 season sees one major change to the league format as just 11 teams return to USL PRO in 2012. FC New York is no longer a member of USL PRO so now the 11 teams will now be grouped into a single table, resulting in the elimination of the divisions.
The shift away from separate divisions also brings small changes to the playoff format as now the top 6 teams will qualify for the 2012 USL PRO Playoffs. The top two teams will then receive a bye in the first round, similar to the NFL format and all playoffs will be single-elimination matches with the higher seed hosting each game. The 2012 Championship Game is then set for the weekend of September 7-9.
During the close season, Heath has been busy tweaking his squad (roster) and he’s recruited English midfielders James O’Connor (above left) and Anthony Pullis (above right) as well as forward Matt Luzunaris (pictured below) from San Jose Earthquakes. O’Connor and Pullis were much needed recruits as Lawrence Olum and Yordany Alvarez have both departed for MLS teams Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake respectively.
Of the three new signings to date, perhaps the one who needs the least introduction is Matt Luzunaris. Luzunaris made quite an impression on supporters last season as he played for the Lions on several occasions on loan and he scored a couple of vital goals to help seal the regular season title. In doing so he provided more than enough evidence to warrant the Lions permanently signing the former UCF Knight.
O’Connor is a 14-year veteran of England’s Championship division, and the 32-year old Irishman joins the Lions on a free transfer after playing the last three and half seasons at Sheffield Wednesday. In addition to his vast experience he also brings a UEFA “A” coaching license and will be assisting Heath and Assistant Coach Ian Fuller with the teams coaching duties.
Pullis is the son of Stoke City manager Tony Pullis and has played with several Premier League and Championship sides including Portsmouth, Stoke City, and Southampton as well as appearances for the Wales Under 21 National Team.
Heath isn’t resting on his laurels yet though and he insisted that every position could use one more player before the pre-season kicks off. “One player in each position would be the best to fill out the club,” Heath said “and we’re working hard to fill our roster.”
So, it looks like it’s going to be another exciting season and not content with adding new players to the roster, the club has also unveiled a new kit at its first ever supporters evening tonight in Orlando. Hundreds of Orlando City fans packed Mojo Cajun Bar & Grill in Downtown Orlando and the centerpiece of the evening was the unveiling of the 2012 kits. Here’s a look at the details of this year’s kit.
Purple is the new red. The 2012 Orlando City kit features one of the three primary colors of the Orlando City crest- purple. For the upcoming season, Orlando City will be wearing their all purple kit at each home match.
New features of the jersey include a white trim below the neckline and around the shoulders, making the purple even more evident for the 2012 Lions. The socks and shorts match the purple top with the same royal purple color. The socks have a break in the middle with a white bar emphasized with an Umbro logo.
Orlando Health will be entering their second year as the primary jersey sponsor of Orlando City Soccer. Their logo is predominantly placed on the chest of the jersey. The Umbro patch is located at the top left of the jersey, with the Orlando City crest on the top right. Also new to the 2012 Orlando City jersey is the updated crest. A gold star now sits below the three-headed lion in remembrance of City’s 2011 USL PRO Championship victory.
The new scudetto will also be added to the jersey before the Lions start the regular season, with three crowns inside the outline of the Orlando City crest. The three crowns represent the three titles Orlando City won during the inaugural 2011 campaign- the USL PRO championship, USL PRO regular season championship, and the American Division championship.
The new purple jerseys will be available for purchase next week and season tickets are still available at www.OrlandoCitySoccer.com
Here’s some video from our conversation about the upcoming season:
The world’s largest auto auction begins at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee today and runs through to Sunday 29th 2012. In that time, some 2100 vehicles will have passed through the auction block and sales will probably exceed $50 million!
The Mecum Auction is an event that has grown from a small regional event in conjunction with the NCRS Corvette Clubs to a stand alone Annual National Event which has captured the crown as the world’s largest.
Over 100 acres of grounds hosts tents, car parking, and truck and RV parking and nearly 6,000 registered bidders are expected to attend in addition to 50,000 fans who will be there to see some great vehicles.
The auction isn’t all about cars though as the auction also includes antique and classic motorcycles and collectible antique and wood boats. There’s really something for everyone, so if you’re in Orlando this week, make sure a trip to Mecum Kissimmee 2012 is on your hit list!
Legoland Florida is adding a new attraction to their theme park and with it comes the chance to cool off on a hot sunny day in Florida… the LEGOLAND WATER PARK.
The park is on schedule to open for the Summer of 2012 and with it comes a chance for all the family to relax as well as spark the creativity in young ones. The park will feature several areas and we preview them below:
• LEGO Wave Pool – Families can catch a gentle wave or simply cool off in this perfectly sized wave pool where the waves are just big enough for all ages to enjoy
• Twin Chasers – Friends ride tubes 375 feet down an intertwining pair of enclosed water slides before plunging into a refreshing pool below
• Splash Out – The thrill seekers of the family can ascend to the tallest point of the water park attraction and choose from one of three unique slides, then speed down a 60-foot drop and “splash out” into the water below
• Joker Soaker – A fun, interactive playground with various lengths, heights and types of slides that offer something different for every member of the family. Guests can wade in the surrounding pool and be surprised with a torrential spill from a 300-gallon bucket
• Build-A-Raft River – Families can imagine, design and build a unique LEGO vessel and set afloat on a maiden voyage around the 1000-foot-long lazy river, set amongst playful LEGO Friends, flowering vegetation and palm trees
• DUPLO® Splash Safari – Toddlers will rule at this water play area with shorter slides and interactive, larger-than-life DUPLO creatures
Military charities Welcome Back Veterans and the American Freedom Foundation will benefit at the Mecum Auction as two custom motorcycles go under the hammer.
The MLB Stars and Stripes – a 2011 Bourget Radius Python 330 Super Stretch Chopper (Lot W195) – will cross the auction block on Wed., Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m. Designed and built by Bourget’s Bike Works for New Era Caps, the motorcycle was unveiled during Daytona Bike Week 2011 and toured the country visiting MLB stadiums and bike rallies. It features a Pearl White-based all-American baseball/armed services theme, including a Wilson baseball-glove saddle, Major League club logos and strategically placed official baseballs. The bike runs a 124 CI S&S V-twin engine with diamond cut heads.
All proceeds from this chopper sale will benefit Welcome Back Veterans, an organization committed to providing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment to veterans and their families. For more information, visit www.welcomebackveterans.org.
Mecum will also offer a 2005 Big Bear Choppers Venom ProStreet bike (Lot T190.1) on Thurs., Jan. 26 at 5:20 p.m. Featuring distinct character and style, the bike has a large diameter single radius downtube, the famous arched Venom swingarm, a low 23.5 inch seat and standard neck height with a 40 degree rake. Additional components include the proprietary low vibration 100 SMOOTH polished engine in front for a Baker 6-speed overdrive transmission, exclusive primary drive, and chrome frontend and controls.
Proceeds from the Big Bear Venom will go to the American Freedom Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation co-founded by SMA (retired) Jack L. Tilley whose mission is to honor the men and women of America’s armed forces and raise awareness for their service and sacrifice, and raise money for organizations that serve and support our veterans, active duty military and their families. Visit www.americanfreedomfoundation.org for more information.
NASCAR driver Ken Schrader will sign autographs on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012 from 2-3 p.m. during the annual Mecum Kissimmee Auction at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee.
More than 2,000 collector cars will cross the block at Mecum’s six-day Kissimmee auction Jan. 24-29, including the 2011 Federated Auto Parts 300 Pace Car – a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS (Lot S173). Schrader, who returns to the NASCAR Sprint Series in 2012 driving the #32 Federated Auto Parts Ford, will pilot this official pace car across the auction block on national television, where Mecum will offer it to bidders on Jan. 28 around 5 p.m.
Patterned after the legendary Z11 Indy 500 Pace Car and built by the “Two Guys Garage” TV crew, the 2010 Camaro RS/SS features a Whipple supercharger, NHRA-approved roll bar, controls for the Pace Car strobe lighting system and autographed dash.
Federated Auto Parts has participated in the past three Mecum Kissimmee Auctions as part of their Federated/Standard(r) “Dream Car Sweepstakes” program. This annual promotion awards one lucky Federated technician or counterperson with an all-expenses paid trip to the Mecum Kissimmee Auction, plus $15,000 to spend on a car during the event. This year’s winner is Marc Duebber, owner of Duebber’s Automotive Service Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The annual Kissimmee event will kick off the 2012 auction season for Mecum as they celebrate 25 years in business. For a complete consignment list, visit www.Mecum.com and click on the Kissimmee Auction link. The auction will broadcast with four days of live national TV coverage on Discovery’s Velocity network during the “Mecum Auto Auctions: Muscle Cars & More” show.
Tickets are available in advance or at the door for $15. For additional consignment and bidder information, call 262.275.5050 or visit www.Mecum.com.
The annual Mecum Kissimmee Auction will kick off next week at Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee and the 2012 auction season is a big one for Mecum as they celebrate 25 years in business.
This years auction will feature close to 2,000 collector cars crossing the auction block from Jan. 24 thru Jan 29, and as usual, there’s some pretty amazing machinery to be had by some lucky collectors.
First there will be the legendary 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Gulf Oil Race Car, a SCCA B-Production National Championship winner driven by Dr. Dick Thompson, “The Flying Dentist,” and the most dominant Corvette racer of its time. Ordered new by Don Yenko for Grady Davis, VP of Gulf Oil, this Corvette boasts the RPO354 fuel-injected 283/315 HP engine, Borg Warner 4-speed transmission, Positraction rear end, heavy duty brakes and suspension, and quick steering adaptor. This Corvette has earned the 2011 NCRS American Heritage Award, been part of the Bloomington Gold Special Collection and has been inducted into the Corvette Hall of Fame and the Bloomington Gold Hall of Fame.
In addition to the high-quality Corvettes, muscle cars and exotics being offered, Mecum will present more than 1,500 pieces of automotive memorabilia and one of the most interesting lots will be Miss America VIII.
Miss America VIII, Gar Wood’s two-time Harmsworth Trophy winning race boat, was the winner of the coveted Harmsworth Trophy in 1929 and 1931. Miss America VIII is fitted with its original one-off Miller V16 1113 CI engines, which were specially designed for Miss America VIII by the legendary Indy car and engine builder, Harry Miller, to break the World’s Speed Record. Regarded as the most valuable wooden boat offered by Mecum so far, Miss America VIII is a collectible of historic proportions.
“Since the final gavel fell at last year’s event, enthusiasts and collectors have been anxiously awaiting our larger-than-life Kissimmee Auction, which we have expanded once again to encompass six full days,” said President Dana Mecum. “We are off and running with an incredible inventory of cars for this year’s event, including a staggering group of investment-grade Corvettes, muscle cars and several collections offered at no reserve. Collectors flock to Florida for Mecum’s fast-paced, customer-centered auctions, and as last year proved and this year promises, Kissimmee will again be the must-attend collector car event in January.”
For a complete consignment list, visit www.Mecum.com and click on the Kissimmee Auction link.
Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction takes place at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla. with tickets available in advance or at the door for $15. The auction will broadcast with four days of live national TV coverage on Discovery’s all new Velocity network during the “Mecum Auto Auctions: Muscle Cars & More” show.
For additional consignment and bidder information, call 262.275.5050 or visit www.Mecum.com.
Air Force One touched down at Orlando International Airport at 11:36 a.m., four minutes early, and the president was greeted by a crowd of about 75 supporters. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who had been in Washington at the National Conference of Mayors, and Commerce Secretary Jon Bryson flew with Obama before they then set off for the “Happiest Place on Earth”, Walt Disney World.
Ruben Perez, a Cuban-American restaurateur who operates the Zsa Zsa Café at Orlando International Airport and Yayas in Orlando opened proceedings at Magic Kingdom before introducing the President and he said: “Anything that increases travel to Orlando is good for all our businesses.”
The President took the stage at 12.40pm and by 12.53pm it was all over as he amplified an executive order that he had issued earlier in the day. Available here… 2012visitor.eo.rel
The order was really as much an appeal to Brazilians and their dollars as it was to Florida voters and their jobs. With Cinderella’s Castle rising in the background, the president’s speech touched on procedures to speed up the issuance of tourist visas to citizens of Brazil and China, who currently wait months to get permission to travel to the United States.
“People want to come here. And China and Brazil are two of the countries with the biggest backlogs,” he said. “So this is what it’s all about – telling the world that America is open for business,” he added.
The executive order mandates a 40 percent increase in personnel to Brazil and China over the next 12 months and requires that that 80 percent of “nonimmigrant visa” applicants be interviewed within three weeks. The plan, as explained by the White House, would dispatch more than 100 additional State Department employees to Brazil and China, and more broadly expand a program that allows “low-risk” international visitors to get through airports more smoothly.
Obama assured the “invitees only” 220 strong crowd that the United States would continue to “protect our borders” even as it fosters a more welcoming environment for tourists.
There was room for some brevity as Obama started his comments by recognizing Mickey Mouse as he quipped: “It’s always nice to meet someone who has bigger ears than me,”
The speech was simulcast at the Hall of Presidents in Liberty visitors for Disney visitors, who were kept away from the speech site, and in backstage areas so that Disney cast members could watch.
Central Florida’s unemployment rate, just less than 10 percent, still is worse than the national average. So a bigger flow of tourists and their money from Brazil, which has a relatively strong economy, means support for the region’s still dominant industry.
Obama is the fourth sitting president to visit a Walt Disney World park, the first since George H.W. Bush in 1991 and he was the first to visit the Magic Kingdom since Jimmy Carter in 1978. He left with a message ringing in the ears of the travel industry “I want the United States to be the top tourist destination in the world.”
So what do we make of it all?
Well, while any message that is pro tourism is to be welcomed, it really felt a very staged managed affair with only select dignitaries invited to hear a very well rehearsed message. OK, so we’re going to make it easier for people in certain parts of the world to enter the United States but if you ask any British visitor who has to meet the ESTA requirements, they’ll say it is still too cumbersome an affair and essentially this will be the program that will be rolled out on a wider scale.
Further, there are still many issues at immigration that need to be resolved as visitors often have long lines to encounter after a long and tiring journey. Do the people who currently visit really feel welcomed the moment they touch down on US soil? Not from what I hear.
And then, here’s another question… how does any of this help domestic tourism? No mention of how he and his administration are actually helping everyday people to be able to afford vacations and to keep the money flowing around.
At the end of the day, I can’t help but think it was a rather pointless exercise. Was it really necessary to take a trip to Orlando just to spend 13 minutes on stage talking about tourism? Surely that could have been done without leaving his desk in Washington?
Further, I pour scorn on any stage managed event of this nature anyway. Apart from one restaurant owner, how many other people who actually own and run tourism businesses were actually invited? It’s all very well inviting chosen dignitaries who claim to represent the industry but ultimately they’re not the people on the shop floor interacting with the visitors and guests.
Au revoir Mr. President. Can’t wait for your next visit.
