Sunshine Matters

As I always say, what’s the one thing better than a Florida vacation?  A free Florida vacation.  Participating in VISIT FLORIDA’s promotions programs is an easy way for Florida tourism businesses to promote themselves, not only through the promotion itself, but through the winners who will become new brand ambassadors.

Last week, I got a Christmas card in the mail from a winner.  The card said, “Yes, I know it’s not Christmas, but it sure felt like it when I won the trip to Amelia Island, Florida.  The trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience from start to finish.  We couldn’t decide which was the best part – our hotel room overlooking the ocean or walking along the beach.  Heartfelt thanks for this fabulous trip.  Sun-tanned and glowing, Nancy”

It’s a rare winner who will go to the lengths to send a thank-you card, but you can bet that most winners are talking about their experience on social media, at work, to their extended families, and in their communities.

In the 2013-14 fiscal year, VISIT FLORIDA and our Partners awarded 1,611 vacation packages through VISIT FLORIDA promotions programs.  That’s 1,611 winners and their guests talking about their Florida vacation experiences.  These promotions generated $80 million in media value and 1.9 billion consumer impressions.

For tourism businesses not already participating in VISIT FLORIDA promotions programs, what are you waiting for?  To start receiving promotion opportunities, just click here to give us your contact information and let us know which markets you’re interested in.

You could be a part of promotions like these:

Lands’ End Set Sail Summer Sweepstakes – play every day for the chance to win a $25 or $50 Lands’ End eGift Card. Every time you play, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a luxurious trip for four to Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada.  Check it out (until July 12) here.

Florida’s Beach Within Reach Sweepstakes – enter for a chance to win your choice of one of four Florida beach getaways.  Enter daily until September 1 at win.VISITFLORIDA.com.

New York Daily News Passport to Summer Fun – click here to learn more.