Sunshine Matters

I am proud to announce that Toni Caracciolo and Samantha Padgett were officially confirmed as members of VISIT FLORIDA’s Board of Directors during Friday’s Enterprise Florida board meeting. Having already been approved by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Toni and Samantha will fill seats vacated by two retiring board members. Continue reading »

I am pleased to announce that VISIT FLORIDA has selected our new leadership to serve on the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and industry committees.  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 which begins on July 1. Continue reading »

Last night, the Florida Legislature passed the state budget which included a $10.5 million increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding for a record $74 million in FY 2014-15.  This allocation includes $5 million for medical tourism marketing and $1.3 million to promote the Sunshine State to veterans and active duty military.  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. Continue reading »

I am pleased to share that three VISIT FLORIDA Partners – Omni Amelia Island Plantation, Pensacola Lighthouse & Museum and Westgate Resorts – received the first-ever Governor’s Innovators in Business Award in the newly created Tourism & Hospitality category.  The winners were recognized by Governor Scott, as well as Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida (EFI) Gray Swoope, during a special event held at the Governor’s Mansion last night.  The awards, which are announced each year in association with Florida Business Innovators Week, recognize Florida companies in select industries that have influenced the state’s economic growth and diversification over the last year. Continue reading »

On behalf of Governor Scott, Enterprise Florida is issuing a call for nominations for the 2013 Governor’s Innovators in Business Awards which recognize Florida companies for their outstanding contributions to the state’s economic growth. Along with the four existing categories, they have now added a Governor’s Innovation in Tourism Hospitality Award.  With the deadline of Nov. 15 fast approaching, I invite my colleagues in the Florida tourism industry to apply today. Continue reading »