Hey, it's
Denise Graham!
Account Manager,
Experience Kissimmee
How have you been coping during the pandemic and how have you been keeping busy?
I think back to early February, just as we started to hear about the virus and leading up to my last work-related trip to my second home in Kissimmee with a spectacular group of partners to celebrate Galentine’s Day together. I spent the day running errands with my elderly mother who was concerned about my upcoming travel plans (as most overprotective mothers are, no matter our age!) and continually emphasized the importance of protecting myself by wearing a mask on the flight and staying safe. In all honesty, I couldn’t wait to drop her off back at home that day. Who would have thought within a few short weeks, her foresight would become our new reality. Mothers really do know best.
Over the past nine months, I have found myself looking more closely and more mindfully at my life and my relationships with friends, family and colleagues in the industry who have also become great friends not only here in Canada, but also the US and around the world who are currently experiencing far more hardship than myself. It goes without saying, I am thankful every day to still be employed throughout the pandemic and am very fortunate to be working with an amazing and supportive team at VoX International as well as at Experience Kissimmee in Florida.
When joining VoX back in 2016, one of the greatest perks was the ability to work from a home office, however the pandemic has taken this to a whole new level with the elimination of meetings throughout the week, escaping my four walls to visit with partners and attend events. We are such a social industry. Nothing will ever replace face-to-face time and I miss it greatly. Living alone has not been easy as I am sure many can attest. Thank goodness for our amusing furry, four-legged companions. I’ve taken up scrapbooking, reminiscing and arranging old family photos from birthdays, christenings, first communions, graduations, proms, the dreaded high school ‘80s hair, weddings and many, many vacations over the years as well as quality time with my daughter and regular, invaluable zoom or phone calls with colleagues and my work husband (those who know, know!) and reconnecting with friends in Vancouver, Mexico, the UK, California and Argentina over a glass (or two!) of wine to both catch up and keep each other’s spirits up.
I know when this is all over, it’s the simple things in life that will matter the most and time spent with family and something as simple as hugging my daughter and mom will mean more than ever before. The words/phrases zoom, you’re on mute, unprecedented and bubble to name a few, are words I will not miss. Until that time, I’ll continue to stay safe and stay home.
“It’s never too early to dream and I am hopeful the worst is behind us. We are all in this together and I strongly believe by working together and continuing to support one another, we will come out of this stronger and better than ever.”
Denise Graham
Experience Kissimmee
It’s not easy to market a destination while people aren’t travelling. What have been some of your strategies to engage the trade? How are you staying connected with travel advisors during this time?
This is very true, however, we feel it is very important to stay relevant and continue to engage our travel advisor community on the destination with webinars, virtual trainings and trade show participation, as well as contests and virtual shows. We really appreciate all of the support from everyone who tuned in for the updates. Although the land borders remain closed, we are very thankful flights have resumed back into Orlando and are starting to see bookings for winter 2021 and beyond. We are very proud of our Kissimmee On-The-Go short videos highlighting the new health and safety protocols and procedures with a number of our accommodation and attraction partners in destination and have been featured on my separate Kissimmee Facebook profile for travel advisors to watch and share with their clients. We are also working on a fantastic, not to be missed virtual fam scheduled for the much-anticipated new year. It’s never too early to dream and I am hopeful the worst is behind us. We are all in this together and I strongly believe by working together and continuing to support one another, we will come out of this stronger and better than ever.
What’s something someone shouldn’t leave Kissimmee without seeing, doing or eating?
Now more than ever, outdoor experiences are and will continue to be in high demand and Kissimmee offers a plethora of nature-based experiences right in our own backyard. From zip lining and tree trekking, to airboat rides, hot air balloon experiences and bicycle tours in Celebration to paddle boarding just to name a few. We also offer 22 eighteen-hole golf courses. There’s always something new and exciting happening in Kissimmee! Our new Margaritaville Resort has already been making quite a splash and there are so many fantastic dining options at Sunset Walk including the must-experience Estefan’s Kitchen owned by Emilio and Gloria Estefan and offering authentic Cuban flare and fare complete with dance routines to the singer’s well-known music. We’re also really excited about the theme parks opening of two new roller coasters in 2021 including the Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Ice Breaker at Sea World.
Do you have anything you want to share with travel agents?
As many advisors are aware, we are known as the Vacation Home Capital of the World with over 50,000 rentals available ranging in size from cozy one-bedroom condos and cottages to 15-bedroom luxury homes and although always a popular choice pre-pandemic, they have been incredibly popular throughout 2020 with the domestic US market and is already trending well in Canada for future stays as they offer a great opportunity to vacation with family in the safety and security of a home-away-from-home private rental complete with a swimming pool in your own backyard yet still being in very close proximity to all of our world famous theme parks, restaurants, shopping and attractions with the option of doing as little or as much as you feel comfortable. Once the land borders re-open we feel the drive market will bounce back quickly for those not yet comfortable with flying but still wanting to get away, which will be great for Kissimmee.
Is there something that you think people may not know about Kissimmee?
Being located at the headwaters to the Florida Everglades, an afternoon or sunset air boat ride experiencing the natural beauty of Kissimmee is definitely a must-do for anyone visiting the area. Wild Florida offers thrilling air boat rides as well as a new drive-through safari park, home to currently over 150 rescued and relocated wildlife animals including giraffes… a great selfie photo-op spot for social media. They are also very well-known for their animal and gator park, goat yoga sessions and extremely popular paint nights.
There’s been a lot of talk about the travel industry coming out better on the other side of COVID-19. What are your hopes?
The travel industry is like one big family. Many of us have been around for a very long time. We’ve survived other disasters in the past and we will get through this one too. We can only look forward, stay positive, continue to support one another and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and although some days it may not seem that way, that there are better days ahead. The announcement of the vaccine, rapid testing in Calgary which hopefully will be expanded to include Toronto are all positive steps to a bigger and better future. Canadians are ready and eager to travel again when the time is right to do so.
How has travel impacted your life?
From a very young age, travel has been in my blood. The number of trips this year whether for business or pleasure that were wiped from my calendar seriously makes me very sad. For me, it’s all about seeing old friends, exploring new places, experiencing new cultures and leaving with amazing memories. As the saying goes, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” There are many places still on my bucket list. My bags are packed, so when the time is right, I’m ready to go! Besides, where else but at an airport can you eat pizza and have a glass of wine at 7 a.m. — pre-pandemic anyways.
Do you have anything to add?
It’s been very encouraging the past few weeks to start receiving email requests again from advisors looking for suggestions and sample itineraries as they plan future family getaways both personally and for clients. I’m always here to help and am just a phone call or email away. Our website experiencekissimmee.com is a fantastic resource tool and is updated on a regular basis with COVID-related protocols and procedures from our partners throughout the destination. Lastly, if we’re not friends yet on Facebook, please reach out at: Denise Graham – Kissimmee. You can also follow both Experience Kissimmee and VoX International on social media through Facebook and Instagram.
Happy Holidays and I look forward to seeing all of you in person in the not too distant future.
