Sunshine Matters

Happy New Year!  The Florida tourism industry kicks off the new fiscal year with a tremendous amount of momentum.  Record visitors, record spending, record hospitality industry jobs and record funding for VISIT FLORIDA.  I would like to thank Governor Scott and the entire Florida Legislature for their visionary leadership and support of the Florida tourism industry.  The tremendous growth in Florida tourism is directly tied to the fact that our elected leaders recognize the economic impact of tourism and our industry’s ability to create jobs for Floridians.

I would also like to thank the private sector leaders who have stepped up to guide VISIT FLORIDA’s sales and marketing efforts through their participation on the Board of Directors, industry committees and cooperative marketing partnerships.  Their passion and commitment are the driving forces that make tourism the No. 1 industry in the State of Florida.  I would especially like to thank our Immediate Past Chair, Tammy Gustafson, for her inspirational leadership this year.

Tammy set the bar high, but I have no doubt that Andrew Hertz, incoming Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, and the 225 individuals who were named to VISIT FLORIDA committees for 2014-2015, are up to the task and ready to establish Florida as the No. 1 travel destination in the world.

Thank you for your continued support.  Here’s to another record year for Florida tourism.