Impact

In Polk County and the surrounding area, the Legoland Florida impact is going to be felt beyond the walls of the park. Berkeley Young, president of Young Strategies, along with Legoland Florida and Polk County government representatives held a tourism and economic development forum on Wednesday. The event took place at the Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing offices in Auburndale.

In morning and afternoon sessions, Young and associates from his firm along with representatives from both Legoland Florida and Polk County government helped local business and tourism leaders outline plans to get Polk County ready for visitors to a modern internationally-known amusement park.

The article at the News Chief outlines the topics covered. Here is a brief overview, but I highly recommend reading the entire article.

Big Draw

Kim Isemann, director of sales and marketing for Legoland Florida, said the park will attract families with children ages 2 to 12. Nearly 90 percent of the parents are married, 70 percent with a combined household income of $100,000 or more, and college educated.

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Polk County’s tourism success depends on getting people to room and eat here, then stay for local attractions, Young said.

“How do we motivate them to stay here instead of there?” he asked, pointing toward Orlando.

Other topics discussed included:

• Friendly Service
• Sharing Information
• Unique Attractions
• Coopetition and Adaption
• Suggestion Box

In creating a positive impact for Polk County, Legoland Florida is only part of the equation. A large part of the success will come if and when local businesses and government find ways to take part in the excitement Legoland Florida will bring.