Sunshine Matters

I recently had the opportunity to represent VISIT FLORIDA as we joined the team from the Florida Attractions Association (FAA) for the 2016 Attraction Regional Forums.  These forums brought together hundreds of FAA members and stakeholders at four locations around the state.  Our hosts included the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, the Miami Children’s Museum, the I-Drive NASCAR Indoor Kart Racing in Orlando and Historic Tours of Flagler College in St. Augustine.

At each stop on the tour, the groups engaged in lively discussions – facilitated by Scott Rose, Chairman of the Board of FAA and Chair-Elect Rick Beddow – on how their attractions have fared over the past year and what they anticipate in the coming months.  Bill Lupfer, President and CEO of FAA, outlined the key legislative issues impacting FAA members this Session, shared their new Bill Tracker, and spotlighted the upcoming launch of VISIT FLORIDA’s Attraction Finder.  Each day concluded with an opportunity for attendees to discuss the benefits provided by the FAA and how they can be improved.

As part of my presentation on behalf of VISIT FLORIDA, I spoke about how the Sunshine State is continuing to develop as a domestic and international tourism destination.  I focused particularly on developing increased international flights into Florida cities and how this will further grow our market.

VISIT FLORIDA was pleased to partner again with the FAA as an annual sponsor and presenter for the Regional Forums.  This opportunity to share knowledge and learn more about the issues impacting the attractions industry is invaluable to us as we strive to create programs that provide added value to tourism businesses around the state.