Sunshine Matters

VISIT FLORIDA is proud to announce an exciting opportunity to highlight Florida destinations through a new television show hosted by celebrity chef and new Sunshine State resident Emeril Lagasse.  We all know Emeril knows food, but did you know he’s quickly becoming a Florida lifestyle and travel expert as well? The show, “Emeril’s Florida” will feature its high-energy host exploring dining, entertainment and travel opportunities all over the Sunshine State.  The show will air on the Cooking Channel, with the first episode in January slated to be about Orlando. Continue reading »

A lot has changed since Juan Ponce de Leon first set foot on La Florida.  Today, a countless number of different cultures thrive together in Florida.  The impact of their stories, traditions and tastes have woven together to form the vibrant, exciting and energetic fabric of our communities. Continue reading »

During the 45^th Annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, being held this week at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, VISIT FLORIDA announced the 2012 Florida Tourism Hall of Fame inductee, as well as the winners of the Flagler and Iris Larson Awards.  Annually, leaders in Florida tourism are chosen by a selection committee to receive these prestigious honors and awards. Continue reading »

The Sunshine State’s tourism industry was well represented at the 98th Annual Destination Marketing Association International Convention in Seattle last week, with a contingent of nearly 50 Florida attendees.  There were numerous members of the Florida delegation who received accolades during the convention for their continued excellence and engagement with DMAI, including:

• Walt Disney Parks & Resorts was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Destination & Travel Foundation 2013 Spirit of Hospitality Award winner for excellence in destination marketing, tourism and meetings
• Visit Orlando achieved re-accreditation through the industry-wide Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) for being a DMO that meets or exceeds industry standards Continue reading »

I’m pleased to share that today VISIT FLORIDA announced the lineup of speakers and special events for our 45^th Annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism being held September 5-7, 2012 at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld.  For more than four decades, this event has been recognized as the premier educational conference for the Florida tourism industry, providing the opportunity for participants to learn the latest in marketing strategies, receive critical industry research data and share best practices. Continue reading »