Sunshine Matters

Yesterday, VISIT FLORIDA and ten other statewide organizations hosted the industry’s annual Florida Tourism Day at the Capitol. This all-day event provided an excellent opportunity to educate the legislature, media and Floridians on the significant role tourism plays in the success of our state’s economy.

The day kicked off with speeches from Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, Senator Jack Latvala and Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Ken Lawson.  Click here to see WTXL’s coverage of the morning events.

In the afternoon, the industry met with legislators at the Capitol and the day concluded with a street festival in downtown Tallahassee. The key messages of the day were to urge lawmakers to support Governor Scott’s recommendation of $80 million for VISIT FLORIDA’s tourism marketing efforts by reminding them that for every dollar the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA, $3.20 in tax revenue is generated, and that every 85 visitors supports one Florida job.  Click to view additional coverage of the day’s activities from WCTV, WTXL and The Florida Channel (story begins at 25:45).

As part of Tourism Day, more than 550 industry representatives from 42 counties around the state traveled to Tallahassee and held scheduled meetings with 88 legislators and government leaders.  The street party Wednesday evening featured live entertainment and showcased food and exhibits from numerous members of the tourism industry and supporting organizations.

The 2016 Florida Tourism Day hosts included the Partnership for Florida’s Tourism – which is comprised of VISIT FLORIDA, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Florida Attractions Association, the Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations and the Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds – as well as the Florida Association of Museums, Film Florida, Florida Sports Foundation, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Vacation Rental Managers Association and the Florida Cattlemen’s Association.

Florida’s record visitation numbers prove that the state’s investment in tourism marketing is paying off.  The tourism industry generates billions of dollars in visitor spending each year, contributing to sales tax revenue and job creation.  With continued support from Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature, our state is well on its way to reaching $100 billion in travel-related spending by 2020.

While Florida Tourism Day was a huge success, our industry must continue to share these positive messages year-round.  To learn how you can help, please visit TourismWorksforFlorida.org.

I want to thank everyone who traveled to Tallahassee to advocate on behalf of our state’s No. 1 industry for your passion, commitment and support of VISIT FLORIDA.