Canadian visitors to America, including those "snowbirds" who fly south for the winter, have long suffered an exchange rate which gives them only about 70¢ to their dollar. That makes a big difference, especially for long trips or extensive stays, so the Daytona Beach Area Visitors Bureau has decided to do something about it. Like issuing Canadian Sand Dollars, for instance.
Bona fide Canadian visitors can latch onto a booklet of about 100 coupons that will give them big discounts, in some cases effecting parity between the currencies, otherwise bringing some big buck savings. The coupons are valid from now through August 31, 2003.
For lodging, some coupons offer up to 50% off (Bahamas House) or flat rates ($29 per room, Beachside Ocean Inn) or freebies (stay 5 nights, get 2 free at the Buccaneer Motel, which also says "we absorb the taxes"). Though one place offers only 5% off, the majority of participating vendors are discounting between 10-30%. Nearly 60 hotels and motels are participating in the program.
The rules are simple: request the Canadian Sand Dollar rate when making your reservations, then present the coupon at check-in. All reservations are based on availability, and some blackout dates may apply over special event periods and holidays. Lodging rates are subject to an 11.5% tax unless otherwise noted.
About 15 restaurants participate in the scheme, some offering a 10% discount (Daytona Surfside Inn & Suites restaurant), a free appetizer (Mick's Dublin Station), a piece of Key Lime Pie (Inlet Harbor) or $3 off (Marko's). To receive your discount at a restaurant, present the Canadian Sand Dollar coupon and proof of Canadian residency.
Five golf courses participate, offering a variety of discounts. LPGA International gives you 10% off the guest rate, Pelican Bay South Course offers $5 from the green fee and cart rental, as does the Riviera Country Club before noon ($2 after). Tomoka Oaks says you get 10% off memberships or 2 free green fees with cart rental, and Spruce Creek Country Club says 20% off posted rates from January through April, $24 before 11 AM the rest of the year.
About 20 attractions and entertainment facilities participate, with $1 or $2 off admission fees, up to $7 off a $20 adult combo ticket at Daytona USA speed racing, or 15% off rental car rates (Enterprise). Or buy one, get one free (Sunshine Park Ice Arena, one admission & skate rental). Even the Daytona Beach Symphony offers $5 off a concert, and the Sun Cruz Casino says you can board free with coupon, no limits. Other attractions and entertainment offers include those for miniature golf, photo processing, motorbike rental, concert tickets, coastal cruises, gift shops, museums, horseback riding, go-karts and a ghost tour. There's even a parity offer from Aristocrat Limousine Service, transporting you to and from the airports, for example, which says "We accept Canadian Money at Face Value," which turns out to mean parity with the U.S. dollar, in effect at least a 30% discount. For all attractions, etc., show your Sand Dollar voucher and proof of Canadian residency on entrance.
To get your Canadian Sand Dollars, contact the Daytona Beach Area Visitors Bureau at 800/854-1234 or visit their Web site at www.daytonabeach.com.