Sunshine Matters

Today Governor Rick Scott released his 2016-17 “Florida First” budget.  I am happy to share that the Governor recommended an $80 million investment in VISIT FLORIDA.  With this funding, VISIT FLORIDA will focus on continuing to create successful integrated global marketing efforts that maximize the economic impact of travel and tourism to Florida.

On behalf of the statewide tourism industry,  I would like to thank the Governor for his visionary leadership and his recognition of VISIT FLORIDA’s ability to deliver a significant return on the state’s investment in tourism marketing.

Here are the reactions of key tourism industry leaders to today’s announcement:

John Tomlin, Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors

“Through the vision of Governor Scott, supported by increased funding over the past several years, Florida surpassed the 100  million visitor mark for the past 12 months, a first for the state.  Increasing the number of people visiting Florida helps everyone, providing much needed sales tax revenue, job creation and the opportunity to showcase the state to future residents.  VISIT FLORIDA leverages state funding with matching industry expenditures to maximize the impact of those dollars.  Continued funding growth will enable VISIT FLORIDA to attain Florida’s new goal of reaching $100 billion in travel-related spending by 2020.  This will generate an additional 230,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in additional tax revenue.”

Andrew Hertz, Immediate Past Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & General Manager of Miami Seaquarium

“Tourism is a key driver for the state’s economy and Governor Scott’s continued support for increased VISIT FLORIDA funding is a wise investment that will benefit Florida’s families for many years to come.”

Carol Dover, Public Affairs Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association

“It is clear that Governor Scott is ready to build on the successes of Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry by committing the necessary dollars to VISIT FLORIDA that will create jobs and generate revenue for the state.  He is a true advocate for more than one million Floridians who work to create wonderful guest experiences and under his leadership the state’s No. 1 industry will continue to be a leading job creator.”

Bill Talbert, Vice Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

“Governor Scott’s support of VISIT FLORIDA has resonated throughout the state, resulting in multiple years of record-breaking tourism.  New jobs and increased tourism-related taxes are fueling our state’s ability to attract even more business and leisure visitors.  Thanks to the Governor’s vision, VISIT FLORIDA will continue to reach new goals and records that ultimately benefit all Floridians.”

Bill Lupfer, Member of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Florida Attractions Association

“The Florida Attractions Association salutes Governor Scott for his strong endorsement of Florida’s tourism industry through his proposal of public funding for VISIT FLORIDA in the FY 2016-17 budget.  With a demonstrated ROI of more than $3 in revenue to Florida taxpayers for every dollar they devote, tourism is a great investment in Florida’s future.  With irrefutably the greatest natural and man-made attraction assets on the planet, and the collaboration of the Governor, the Florida Legislature, and the private sector, Florida is poised to become the No. 1 travel destination in the world.”