Sunshine Matters

During the 46^th Annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, being held this week at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, VISIT FLORIDA announced the 2013 Florida Tourism Hall of Fame inductees, 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 »

In support of the state’s No. 1 industry, Governor Scott met last week with a contingent of international airline executives and tour operators to discuss ways to increase airlift to Florida.  VISIT FLORIDA coordinated the event, which brought together key executives from Aer Lingus, British Airways, Copa Airlines, Etihad, Iceland Air, iTravel2000, Monarch Travel, Qatar Airways, Sunwing Travel and Tour America. Continue reading »

I am pleased to announce that VISIT FLORIDA has recently awarded $378,353 to Florida tourism industry organizations as part of our 2013-2014 grant program.  The grants are given in four program categories, including Advertising Matching Grants; Cultural, Heritage, Rural and Nature Tourism Grants; Minority Convention Grants; and Small Business Grants.  This year, VISIT FLORIDA received a record 126 applications and was able to award grants to 85 deserving businesses. Continue reading »

Each Spring, VISIT FLORIDA invites the tourism industry to submit applications for the Flagler Awards and to nominate peers for the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame and Florida Tourism Honor Roll. Continue reading »

This October, I will have spent 14 years as an executive with VISIT FLORIDA.  I’ve seen the organization grow, stumble and prosper, and the past six years have proved to be the most challenging and rewarding.

I announced my intention to retire last July, but with proposed changes taking place I wanted to ensure my departure would not disrupt a smooth transition.  I will stay through September in my current role.  Until then, I also have agreed to be an “Executive on Loan” one week each month to Brand USA. Continue reading »