Safe And Secure In Kissimmee

The central Florida destination of Kissimmee is inviting people to vacation a stone’s throw from the area’s famed theme parks, saying those who choose Kissimmee for their stays will be able to holiday safely at a time when concerns about coronavirus continue to put a damper on travel.

D.T. Minich, president of the Experience Kissimmee tourism board, told a Tuesday webinar that the Kissimmee area has taken widespread measures to safeguard people against coronavirus.

Safety “has always been a core of Kissimmee…” Minich said. “They (visitors) can be really confident when they bring their families.”

Many of those who appeared in the webinar promoting different aspects of Kissimmee’s tourism trade wore masks, underscoring their commitment to safety.

Vacationers often arrive at nearby Orlando International Airport, which webinar viewers were told requires airport terminal visitors to wear masks, has placed hand-sanitizing stations throughout the facility, asks people to practice social distancing and has taken other steps, such as using plexi-glass shields to separate airport counter staff from airport passengers.

The airport has also stepped up cleaning, with airport official, Victoria Jamarillo saying there has never been a time when it has “been cleaner … You can rest assured that you are safe and secure” when using the facility.

Minich said the Kissimmee area has thousands of vacation homes, with that type of accommodation seen as being particularly suited for those who want to socially distance.

Minich explained that vacation home options range from “cozy bungalows” to 15-bedroom “ultra-luxury” properties. Some of the homes have the likes of bowling alleys.

Kissimmee’s proximity to Orlando and its theme parks is a major selling point, with Kissimmee tourism officials noting their destination is only 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport. Minich said it’s “really easy” for those staying in Kissimmee to visit all the Orlando parks.

Being close to the theme parks helps explain Kissimmee’s “huge” family market.

However, Minich added that Experience Kissimmee also likes to promote the area’s natural side. Indeed, the Kissimmee area has an “abundance of just wonderful nature and nature-oriented attractions,” he continued.

Visitors can opt for such outdoor activities as kayaking and hot-air ballooning.

“We kind of got the best of both worlds,” Minich said, referring to nature and the nearby theme parks.

Those watching the webinar were also told that Florida beaches are only 90 minutes away.