PRESS RELEASE

 4 November 2016

Daytona Beach Expert OTT Training Programme rated highest performing North American Course since launching in May 2016

Following the successful launch in May 2016 of the Daytona Beach Expert training programme, a first in the UK and Ireland for the destination, over 512 agents have completed the course with 374 agents successfully passing.

Figures from OTT show that since the course was launched, the Daytona Beach Expert training programme is performing well above the average and is in fact, the highest performing North American course since the beginning of May 2016.

Agents visiting WTM are invited to come by stand NA300A where they can pick up information on how to join the Daytona Beach Expert programme and the opportunity to be entered into a draw to win a fantastic Apple Watch on completion of the course.

Says Linda McMahon, Director of Group Sales Meetings/Conventions Travel Trade, Daytona Beach Area CVB: “We are delighted with the fantastic response and take up for our Daytona Beach Expert training programme by UK and Irish agents. We are experiencing an exciting chapter in our destination's history with nearly $2 billion being invested in renovations, new hotels and shopping experiences.  The world-famous Daytona International Speedway completed a $400 million renovation project in January and with so much happening our Expert training programme aims to give agents all the information and tools they need to sell Daytona Beach as the “must-do” Florida holiday destination.”

The Daytona Beach Area CVB has worked closely with OTT to bring agents an engaging training programme that is broken down into five easy modules covering: 'Destination Overview', 'Beaches & Waterways', 'Away from the Beaches', 'Festival Capital of Florida' and 'Groups & Lodgings'. Each module is followed by four to five multiple choice questions and agents can also find out more about key selling points, events calendar and fun facts - all geared to provide them with the latest information on the destination.

 -ENDS-

Notes to Editor:

About the Daytona Beach Area
Discover the new Daytona Beach and its surrounding area, a resurging destination along Florida's East Coast comprising eight distinct communities. Recognized worldwide for its annual events including Bike Week, Biketoberfest®, the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Daytona 500, Daytona Beach's famed heritage also claims the headquarters of LPGA and NASCAR -- and is home to Daytona International Speedway, the 'World Center of Racing.'  With more than 12,000 beds, the destination boasts accommodations for all lifestyles and budgets including resorts, B&Bs, hotels and everything in between.  In 2016, TripAdvisor named Daytona Beach one of the “10 Most Affordable Beach Vacations on Florida's East Coast” and one of “25 Most Popular Summer Vacation Rental Spots in the US.” Visitors can enjoy the quintessential vacation experience beginning with the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, or choose from a surprising list of attractions and cultural venues and a colorful culinary scene.  With 23 miles of world-famous beaches ideal for shelling, swimming and surfing, it is no surprise Daytona Beach was chosen as a Best Florida Attraction and Best Spring Family Break Beach Destination in the Top 10 Best Readers' Choice travel award contests sponsored by USA TODAY.  To order a complimentary comprehensive Official Visitors Guide or book a stay, visit DaytonaBeach.com. For real-time updates, visit Facebook.com/DaytonaBeach or Twitter.com/DaytonaBeachFun.