Why sell it
Most UK clients think they know Florida: theme parks, coastline, repeat. Lakeland, in the heart of Central Florida, offers something different – a genuine community with a real food scene, natural beauty and world-class architectural credentials, all within easy reach of the two main gateway airports.
LEGOLAND®, Peppa Pig Theme Park and the SEA LIFE aquarium are all close by, so families needn’t choose between the “real” Florida and rides – a Lakeland add-on gives depth to a trip that would otherwise be theme parks alone.
How to sell
Position Lakeland as the easy extension: it is under an hour from both Tampa and Orlando, so it slots into an existing itinerary rather than requiring one of its own.
For architecture and design-minded clients, the pitch is strong – Florida Southern College holds the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world, and it’s free to walk around the open campus grounds to view the outside of all 13 structures.
A self-guided map can be purchased for $5 and a guided tour ranges from $35 for a 90-minute basic tour to $125 for in-depth tours, which includes access to interior spaces like the Usonian House and Annie Pfeiffer Chapel.
For families craving a break from queues and admission fees, Circle B Bar Reserve and the Se7en Wetlands offer wildlife-spotting – alligators, herons, osprey – without the theme-park crowds.
Golfers are a market of their own: Streamsong Resort, built on former phosphate land south of Lakeland, delivers 54 holes from four legendary designers, with a fifth course opening late 2026, alongside a Lodge with grotto spa and nine restaurants. It’s a genuine bucket-list sell.
Food-led travellers respond well to specifics: recommend Nineteen61’s fusion menu and rooftop bar, which was a recommended restaurant in 2026 by the Michelin Guide. Or Peebles’ smoked meat, serving since 1947 (Thursday to Sunday, so advise clients to plan ahead).
What to sell
Central Florida rewards a slower pace. Bok Tower Gardens, near Lake Wales, suits the growing garden-tourism market, with its 205-foot Singing Tower and 60-bell carillon.
For something more energetic, Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo offers a Saturday-night rodeo, horseback riding and glamping in tepees or Conestoga wagons – a slice of Florida’s Spanish-era ranching heritage.
The common thread in Lakeland is this: an authenticity clients won’t find on a standard Florida itinerary. It is loved by families and groups for its choice of affordable vacation homes in popular Davenport and Haines City.
Become an insider
To find out more about Polk County and become a Visit Central Florida Insider, sign up online at centralfloridatourisminstitute.com/login or scan the QR code.
This programme is a complete training, marketing and sales tool with shareable resources consisting of two 12-minute chapters which you can complete at your own pace.
Complete the training by October 31, 2026 to be entered into a draw to win one of five £50 gift vouchers.
