Sunshine Matters

As the state’s No. 1 industry, welcoming visitors who generate $11.3 billion in state and local taxes and employ 1.4 million Floridians, it’s important to let our lawmakers know how vital tourism is to Florida and its residents.  It’s also crucial that our legislators understand the role VISIT FLORIDA plays in ensuring the Sunshine State remains a top tourism destination for visitors from around the globe. Continue reading »

Today marks four weeks on the job as President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, and I want to thank the industry for your support.  Let me tell you what’s been happening.

Today, industry representatives from hotels, restaurants, attractions and every other type of tourism business across the state came to Tallahassee to speak up for VISIT FLORIDA.  You showed up to help and your voice was heard.

While the bill to eliminate public funding for VISIT FLORIDA may have passed out of the House Careers and Competition Subcommittee this afternoon, I could not be prouder of the way the industry has rallied to make a difference. Continue reading »

This week, VISIT FLORIDA and five of our industry Partners traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the U.S. Travel Association’s Destination Capital Hill  fly-in.  The annual event brings travel leaders from across the country to the nation’s capital to learn about upcoming legislation that impacts travel, network with peers and meet with members of Congress to stress the importance of travel as an economic driver. Continue reading »

Yesterday, VISIT FLORIDA and nine other statewide organizations hosted the industry’s annual Florida Tourism Day at the Capitol.  This all-day event provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the state’s No. 1 industry to the legislature. Continue reading »

This year’s Florida Tourism Day is being held on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 in Tallahassee. Each year the Partnership for Florida’s Tourism hosts this special event to educate the legislature, media and Floridians on the significant role tourism plays in the success of our state’s economy. As the state’s No. 1 industry, it is important to let our lawmakers know just how vital tourism is to the Sunshine State. Continue reading »