Sunshine Matters

I am proud to announce that Bill Waichulis was officially confirmed as a member of VISIT FLORIDA’s Board of Directors during yesterday’s Enterprise Florida board meeting.  Having already been approved by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Bill will fill a regional seat representing the eight counties of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, and Lee. Continue reading »

I am proud to share that today National Geographic launched its new online hub dedicated to the 50 best wild and natural experiences in Florida.  The first 25 experiences — by land — are live today, and another 25 — by sea — are planned for launch in February.  These are transformative travel experiences that are accessible to locals and visitors alike.  The hub is the result of a three-year partnership between National Geographic and VISIT FLORIDA to tell the world about Florida’s great outdoors. Continue reading »

Florida Huddle 2015, held Jan. 14-16 in Broward County, was a resounding success in its second year of being owned and operated by VISIT FLORIDA.  Three high scores for this travel trade show continue to tell the story of Florida Huddle: more buyers, more time for appointments, more Florida travel business transactions.  Sponsored by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, the show was sold out, reflecting the tourism industry’s interest in the show. 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 »

Each year, VISIT FLORIDA contracts with Strategic Marketing and Research, Inc. (SMARInsights) to conduct a survey to determine the return on investment from our domestic marketing efforts.  I am pleased to share that VISIT FLORIDA’s 2013-14 branded advertising and sponsorship efforts generated $300 in traveler spending and $18 in new sales tax revenue for every $1 of sponsorship and media spend.  These results were unveiled during today’s VISIT FLORIDA Marketing Council Steering Committee meeting. Continue reading »