Sunshine Matters

Today, the Florida Legislature passed the state budget which included a $9.5 million increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding for a record $63.5 million in FY 2013-14.

With this substantial increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding, Florida tourism is extremely well positioned to build on two consecutive years of record visitation and job creation.  I would like to thank Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature for their visionary leadership and for their extraordinary support of VISIT FLORIDA and the state’s tourism industry.

The significant increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding over the past two years is a clear indication that our state leaders recognize the importance of tourism, and our industry’s role in strengthening the Florida economy and creating jobs for Floridians.  It is also a strong endorsement of the industry-driven nature of our public/private partnership and our collective success in generating a substantial return on the state’s investment in VISIT FLORIDA’s cooperative marketing programs.

I would like to thank our Florida tourism industry Partners on the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and marketing committees, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, the Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations, the Florida Attractions Association, the Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, the Florida Association of Museums, the Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Association of Broadcasters, Enterprise Florida and the Florida Chamber for their collective leadership, support and advocacy.

If we continue to work together, I have no doubt that we will achieve our vision of establishing Florida as the No. 1 travel destination in the world.