Sunshine Matters

Today, Governor Scott signed the 2013-2014 state budget.  In a press release sent to media this afternoon, VISIT FLORIDA and several key tourism industry leaders voiced support for its inclusion of increased tourism marketing funding.

Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA

“With the substantial increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding, Florida tourism is extremely well positioned to build on two consecutive years of record visitation and job creation.  I would like to thank Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for their visionary leadership and for their extraordinary support of VISIT FLORIDA and the state’s tourism industry,” said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.

Glenn Hastings, Chairman of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and Executive Director of the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council

“The significant increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding over the past two years is a clear indication that our state leaders recognize the importance of tourism, and our industry’s role in strengthening the Florida economy and creating jobs for Floridians.  It is also a strong endorsement of the industry-driven nature of our public-private partnership and our collective success in generating a substantial return on the state’s investment in VISIT FLORIDA’s cooperative marketing programs.”

Tammy Gustafson, Vice Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and Director of National & Group Sales with Universal Orlando Resort
“Every dollar the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA is matched nearly 2-to-1 in private sector investment by our tourism industry partners. The destination marketing programs VISIT FLORIDA develops give Florida tourism a distinct advantage in today’s highly competitive international travel marketplace.”

Carol Dover, Member of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
“It’s simple math. Every 85 visitors to the state support one Florida job. I applaud Governor Scott and the Legislature for their commitment to increased funding for VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing efforts which will strengthen the Florida economy and create jobs by encouraging more tourism in our great state.”

To view the sections of the 2013-2014 budget pertaining to “Business Development and Job Growth,” click here.

I am pleased to announce that VISIT FLORIDA’s preliminary estimates* for the first quarter of 2013 (January-March) show that 26 million visitors came to Florida, an increase of 4.7 percent over the same period in 2012.  This makes the first quarter of 2013 the biggest quarter for visitation in the history of Florida tourism.

“More people visited Florida this past quarter than ever before,” Governor Scott said. “Record visitation to the Sunshine State means more jobs and opportunities for Florida’s families, which is great news.” Continue reading »

This week, Florida joins the rest of the nation in celebrating the importance of tourism during the annual National Travel & Tourism Week.  Held the first full week in May each year since 1984, tourism entities across America hold rallies, awards luncheons and other activities to help spotlight the power of travel. Continue reading »

Governor Rick Scott and Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark P. Frissora have announced that Hertz will relocate its worldwide headquarters to Estero, Florida.   Here is a statement VISIT FLORIDA released to the media following the official press conference:

“VISIT FLORIDA would like to congratulate our long-time strategic partner Hertz on the relocation of their global headquarters to the Sunshine State, said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.  ”The addition of the world’s largest car rental brand to the No. 1 travel destination in the world is a win-win for Hertz and the Florida hospitality industry.  Congratulations to Governor Scott and Enterprise Florida for establishing a perfect climate for business that continues to attract world leaders like Hertz.” Continue reading »

Today, the Florida Legislature passed the state budget which included a $9.5 million increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding for a record $63.5 million in FY 2013-14.

With this substantial increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding, Florida tourism is extremely well positioned to build on two consecutive years of record visitation and job creation.  I would like to thank Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature for their visionary leadership and for their extraordinary support of VISIT FLORIDA and the state’s tourism industry. Continue reading »