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In this video you’ll hear from Kelly Clark, director of global affairs at Bradenton Area CVB.
Further information
Learn more about the Bradenton Area at bradentongulfislands.com
And discover more top tips for selling this jewel in the Gulf coast’s crown
Video transcript
With Kelly Clark, director of global affairs, Bradenton Area CVB, and TTG Media’s Charlotte Cullinan.
Charlotte: Hello and welcome to our In The Spotlight video with the Bradenton Area. Kelly, the destination has had a strong recovery since Hurricane Milton hit Florida in 2024, so tell us what visitors can expect now.
Kelly: Yeah, so we were actually very fortunate that we didn’t have as much damage as originally expected. We had some renovations, we had some debris clean-up, but we are excited to say that we are open for business. And if you didn’t know that there was a hurricane, you wouldn’t know when you were in the destination.
Charlotte: Brilliant. Thank you. And of course, you’re famed for your incredible beaches. Give us a flavour of Anna Maria Island. Because that’s home to one of your award-winning beaches, isn’t it?
Kelly: Yes. We have world-class beaches. Our island is seven miles long and about a mile wide in its widest area, so you can look forward to having seven miles of sugar-white sand beaches, turquoise waters, gentle surf. It’s just a wonderful place to sit on the beach and relax and enjoy your vacation. And we were really excited, as Anna Maria Island was voted one of the top 10 best islands in the US by Conde Nast Traveller UK.
Charlotte: Amazing. Thank you. And talk us through some of the other top selling points that agents can promote to their clients in the destination.
Kelly: Sure. Other than world-class beaches we have an amazing culinary scene. We have some of the freshest seafood you’re going to find in the United States. We are set in the middle of three natural estuaries, so our sand has so many nutrients, which makes for delicious Floridian-style dining, which is seafood with a little bit of Caribbean spices and a citrus twist.
Charlotte: Lovely. Thank you. And tell us a bit about the range of accommodation that’s on offer as well.
Kelly: Sure. We’re really lucky that we have a diverse range of accommodations. So whether you’re looking for small boutique-style hotels or resorts, or if you’re looking for a full self-catering holiday home, we have plenty to choose from, whether it’s a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or eight-bedroom, we have beautiful beach, cottages, houses, villas, resorts and condos available for rent.
Charlotte: Lovely, thank you. And do you have any suggestions for clients who are interested in a twin-centre holiday in Florida?
Kelly: Absolutely. I think we’re the perfect destination for a twin-city centre because we do offer that laid-back, effortless style which you need after you’re in some of the bigger destinations in Florida.
So from Orlando, we’re about two hours away. And then just 45 minutes south of Tampa, so very close to get to. We’re very centrally located on the Gulf of Mexico, so we like to say that we’re close to all the major cities, yet you’re going to feel very far away when you’re in our destination.
Charlotte: Oh, brilliant. So it sounds like a really great option for customers who want to relax and unwind after a week in the parks.
Kelly: Absolutely. That’s perfect.
Charlotte: Fabulous. And I know you’ve got a really high visitor return rate. Tell us about that.
Kelly: Yeah we actually have a 94% return rate, so we like to say, visit the Bradenton Area once and you’re sure to fall in love with it. It’s a great place to make memories and I guarantee you, your heart will be left in the destination.
Charlotte: Thank you for that brilliant introduction to the destination, Kelly. And thank you for watching our In The Spotlight video with the Bradenton Area.
