From 29 July 2021, Florida’s Paradise Coast will be even more accessible to holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland following the launch of the first non-stop service from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Orlando International (MCO) with Aer Lingus.
Just over 3.5 hours’ drive from Orlando towards the Gulf of Mexico, Florida’s Paradise Coast is located in Southwest Florida where 30 miles of pristine, soft white, sandy beaches meet outdoor adventure and natural wilderness. Comprising three distinct areas, including Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, all holiday types from family-friendly breaks to luxury escapes will enjoy year-round warm temperatures, award-winning beaches, a thriving culinary scene, famed golf courses and a variety of beachfront resorts and boutique hotel accommodation options.
Perfectly placed for a post-pandemic holiday, Florida’s Paradise Coast offers those in search of a once of a lifetime trip the opportunity to embrace the great outdoors with wide open spaces, miles of tranquil and expansive beaches, fresh sea air, access to nature and seemingly endless blue skies with spectacular sunsets to match. Surrounded by rare, pristine landscapes, including the UNESCO certified Everglades National Park and neighbouring Big Cypress National Preserve, the destination is ideal for bird watching, and wildlife spotting with much of the tropical forests, islands and estuaries providing safe habitats for rare and endangered species.
With many hotels and resorts steps away from the beach, activities out on the water are a popular way to pass the time, from paddle, body and kite boarding to swimming, snorkeling and shelling. In the Everglades, there are many guided eco-tours available to join from kayaking to swamp walking, each showcasing local residents in their natural habitat. For the adrenaline-seeking explorer, the WaveRunner is an exciting way to explore protected areas and mangroves in the Ten Thousand Islands.
“Commitment to the health and safety of our residents and visitors is our number one priority, and in 2020 we launched the Paradise Pledge.” said Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB Executive Director Jack Wert. “This initiative is dedicated to welcoming back visitors to a safe and healthy environment. Local businesses throughout the destinations have taken the Pledge and implemented strict measures to ensure the highest standard of hospitality and experiences were in place.”
In addition to the latest nonstop Florida service announcement, there are multiple fly-drive options to reach Florida’s Paradise Coast from the UK & Ireland via Florida’s main airports and several US gateways. Additional nonstop options include Miami and Tampa and connecting services to Southwest Florida Airport/Fort Myers (RSW), approximately a 30–40-minute drive to Naples, are available from Boston & New York JFK with JetBlue coinciding with additional new Are Lingus routes.
“Earlier this year, reports released by ABTA indicate that the USA is the most sought-after destination for holiday makers looking to travel in the next year with Florida cited as one of the top three destinations.” confirmed Oonagh McCullagh, Director UK & Ireland, Florida’s Paradise Coast.
Similarly, ABTA also highlighted Florida in reference to one of its six key travel trends identified for 2021. Embracing Old Favourites will see people return to familiar destinations with Florida high up on the list for those looking to go further afield.
