Sunshine Matters

Visitation to VISIT FLORIDA’s five Official Florida Welcome Centers – located at I-10, I-75, I-95 , U.S. 231 and in the State Capitol – is already at 1.9 million travelers so far in 2013, reflecting a 3.2% increase over the same time period last year.  A big draw for these visitors is always the great travel planning tips our knowledgeable staff have to share and, of course, a free cup of Florida orange or grapefruit juice.  But what brings them back each time they pass through on their way to another fabulous Sunshine State vacation are the interactive displays of quintessential Florida destinations and activities that provide information as well as fun photo ops. Continue reading »

The Florida Council of Tourism Leaders, comprised of the former chairs of VISIT FLORIDA’s Board of Directors, met recently in conjunction with the Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism.  The Council is committed to our mission to preserve, protect and defend the Florida tourism industry and are showcasing this by taking on our first task. Continue reading »

VISIT FLORIDA’s 2013-2014 PR Media Missions & Receptions season has gotten off to a stellar start with a return to an emerging domestic market we haven’t visited in several years – Los Angeles.  Other new markets on this year’s schedule include Charlotte/Greensboro, Detroit and Cleveland/Cincinnati.  These four new markets were selected based on research showing the strength of their media assets and the benefit to Florida’s tourism industry of fostering increased media relations.  The PR team will also be returning to our traditionally successful markets of New York City and Washington, D.C. Continue reading »

Health and wellness are top of mind at the VISIT FLORIDA headquarters in Tallahassee.  Will Seccombe, VISIT FLORIDA’s President & CEO, feels happy employees are healthy and life-balanced employees, and is leading the charge to create a wellness environment for his entire team. Continue reading »

The Senate Committee on Gaming is hosting a series of workshops throughout the state between October 23 and November 15 to hear public input, and have invited members of the Florida tourism industry to participate. The Committee is especially interested in public reactions to the two-part “Florida Gambling Impact Study,” commissioned by the Florida Legislature earlier this year.  To learn more, here is some information on the topic the Committee has provided. Continue reading »