Sunshine Matters

I am pleased to share that during today’s Cabinet meeting, Governor Rick Scott announced that according to our preliminary estimates* 24.0 million visitors came to Florida in the second quarter of 2014 (April-June), an increase of 3.0 percent over the same period in 2013.  This represents the largest second quarter for visitation Florida has ever experienced, exceeding the previous high of 23.3 million in Q2 2013.  Visitor spending is up 7.4 percent for January through May 2014, over the same time period in 2013, at $35.7 billion. Continue reading »

Happy New Year!  The Florida tourism industry kicks off the new fiscal year with a tremendous amount of momentum.  Record visitors, record spending, record hospitality industry jobs and record funding for VISIT FLORIDA.  I would like to thank Governor Scott and the entire Florida Legislature for their visionary leadership and support of the Florida tourism industry.  The tremendous growth in Florida tourism is directly tied to the fact that our elected leaders recognize the economic impact of tourism and our industry’s ability to create jobs for Floridians. Continue reading »

With the start of our new fiscal year on July 1, VISIT FLORIDA ushers in new leadership to serve on our Executive Committee, Board of Directors and industry committees.  I am proud to share that more than 220 VISIT FLORIDA partners, including some of the industry’s foremost experts, have been selected to represent the tourism industry for the upcoming term. Continue reading »

Today, Governor Scott signed the 2014-2015 state budget, which included a record $74 million for tourism marketing.  With the substantial increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding, Florida tourism is well-positioned to build on three consecutive years of record visitation, visitor spending and job creation. I would like to thank Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for their visionary leadership and extraordinary support of VISIT FLORIDA and the state’s tourism industry. Continue reading »

Below please find a press release that VISIT FLORIDA sent to the media this afternoon after Governor Scott unveiled his proposed 2013-2014 budget.

Governor Scott Recommends Increased Funding for VISIT FLORIDA

2013-2014 Proposed Budget Allocates $75 Million for Tourism Marketing Efforts

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 31, 2013) – Today, Governor Scott announced his proposed budget for 2013-2014. The Governor recommended that VISIT FLORIDA receive $75 million in public funding to support statewide tourism marketing efforts for the coming year. The recommendation represents a 39 percent increase over last year’s allocation. Continue reading »