Sunshine Matters

Today, as we start our new fiscal year, VISIT FLORIDA ushers in new leadership to serve on the industry committees and Board of Directors.  Tony Lapi, CEO of the ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort on Captiva Island, takes over as the 2011-12 Chairman of the Board.  Lapi succeeds Ed Fouché, Senior Vice President-Travel Industry Sales for Disney Destinations, who has served as Chairman for an unprecedented two-year stint while the industry faced unforeseen environmental and economic challenges.

The Florida tourism industry owes an incredible debt to Ed who provided strong leadership and commitment, through both his personal devotion and his influential role with Disney, during an incomparable period in VISIT FLORIDA’s 15-year history.  As we move forward, I can’t think of a better successor than Tony who epitomizes small business entrepreneurism at its very finest and brings a kinship with the vast majority of the Florida tourism industry to his leadership position. Continue reading »