Mediaboss Marketing

Lets face it. Osceola County is never going to match the attendance that the big three theme parks (Disney, Universal, Sea World) attract.

So, what do we do? We use what we have to the best of our ability. And thats exactly what our local marketing officials are doing.

Experience Kissimmee, Osceolas tourism department, just executed an inspired outreach plan by awarding a Michigan family 10 years of vacations in our area through its Decade of Kissimmee Memories. The family was one of 1,500 that entered and will receive 10 Kissimmee vacations. The trips include airfare, rental car and accommodations at Westgate, the largest vacation timeshare in the world.

Yes, this is a clich but here it comes thats thinking outside of the box.

In the shadow of Disney, Osceola County will have to work smarter to attract more visitors. This promotion should give Kissimmee national exposure. When you have families from Michigan competing for vacations in Osceola County, this says something about what we have to offer.

While families always will flock to theme parks, the summer heat, long lines and expensive concessions no doubt make some parents long for a quieter way to relax. Osceola Countys beautiful lakes with world-class fishing and the revitalized downtown and lakefront areas in Kissimmee and St. Cloud are worthy alternatives.

Speaking of effective marketing strategies, news broke this week that the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee was named to a list of the top venues in gross revenue for the preceding 12 months by Venues Today, a trade publication in the venue industry. According to the report, the arena took in $1.5 million in gross event receipts for the year-long period ending May 31, placing third among venues with a seating capacity of 10,001-15,000, behind only Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena and the USF Sun Dome in Tampa.

The facility reached that figure by hosting nearly three times (51) as many events as others on the top 10 list. Many of those, including the Mecum Car Auction and Florida High School Athletic Associations state championships, can last more than a week. Thats a lot of sweat and hustle from the professionals at Osceola Heritage Park. It shows they know what markets to tap into by bringing quality entertainment to Osceola County. Well done.

Osceola County most likely will never be the tourism giant that Orlando is. But you know what? It doesnt have to be. Were doing just fine.

See the article here:
Using what we have to the best of our ability