 |
         |
      |
 |
      |
| Volume XXV, Number 5 | April 9, 2004 |
By Michael Goodman
BERLIN, GERMANY — The Seminole Tribe of Florida played a lead role in “See Native America-One Nation at a Time,” a first ever cultural exchange sponsored by The United States Commercial Service and American Embassy in Berlin, Germany. This historic event educated German children and their families about Native Americans. It also promoted travel to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and other tribal nation landmarks during International Travel Borse (ITB), the world’s largest annual tourism trade show.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Stomp Dancers, Victor Billie, Lucille Jumper, Scarlett Jumper Young and Herbert Rainey Jim, joined other traditional musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers representing some ten Native American nations at the John F. Kennedy School in Berlin. The Kennedy School was chosen as the venue for this very special event because of its mission to embody the finest spirit of international cooperation and teach tolerance and respect for others.
The Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla Tribes of Oregon, Pueblo Picuris, Navajo Nation and the Miccosukee Tribe joined the Seminole Tribe to share centuries of traditions. The program included a tribal flag bearing, storytelling, historic references and a variety of dances. The Seminole Tribe led the other tribal representatives and a majority of the audience in the Friendship Dance. The following day, the groups returned to the school and educated two large audiences about the Seminole Tribe.
“ This was truly an enriching experience for all of us,” said Tom Gallaher, Director of Development and Promotions for the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. “The German families embraced us all as we colorfully demonstrated tribal diversity in Native American cultures.”
In addition to the well-received cultural exchange events, the Seminole Tribe was very visible during ITB. For three consecutive days, consumers had the opportunity to see Seminole dance performances in the See America Pavilion and to register to win a family vacation package.
More than 5,000 people visited the Seminole Tribe’s booth and registered to win a Seminole Tribe of Florida/Fort Lauderdale Family Vacation. This vacation package included a roundtrip airfare for a family of four to Fort Lauderdale compliments of Delta Airlines, 5-night stay at the Hollywood Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, two-day/one-night stay at Billie Swamp Safari with passes to enjoy all tours, rides and shows, including the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, $1,000 Sawgrass Mills Mall shopping certificate, world famous Mai Kai dinner and show and complimentary car rental from Dollar Rent-A-Car. Doris Dolgner of Berlin was randomly selected as the winner of the contest.
“ Knowing that the German market is one of the leading international visitors to Billie Swamp Safari and the museum, I was able to partner with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and other tourism partners for a very successful promotion,” said Lucy Evanicki, Marketing Director for Billie Swamp Safari. “Developing promotions like this one to reach out to potential visitors will continue to increase traffic at both attractions and the soon to open Hard Rock Hotel.”
Spree Radio 105.5, a popular radio station in Berlin, included the Seminole Tribe as part of a live radio show broadcast from ITB for three consecutive days. One week prior, the radio station broadcasted a special feature about the Seminole Tribe’s Everglades Experience as part of a Fort Lauderdale vacation. Also, colorful banners and posters throughout the halls of ITB and the cover and lead story of Florida Sun Magazine magnified the Seminole Tribe’s visibility at the world’s largest travel show.
“ The Seminole Tribe of Florida has worked hard to preserve the natural environment and as a result, the wonders of the Florida Everglades. The Seminole culture continues to bring joy to visitors from around the world,” said Evanicki.
| Home · History · Culture · Tourism & Enterprises · Government · Services · Employment |
Copyright © MMIV Seminole Tribe of Florida
6300 Stirling Road
Hollywood, Florida 33024
Phone: (800) 683-7800
URL:
All questions/comments: tribune@semtribe.com
Webmaster: webadmin@semtribe.com
Web site maintained by Seminole Tribe of Florida
Page Updated: Wednesday, April 7, 2004 8:43 AM