Sunshine Matters

I am pleased to announce that the 2015-16 VISIT FLORIDA grant application period is now open.  Each year, VISIT FLORIDA administers a total of six grant programs to assist tourism industry businesses with their marketing efforts and in publicizing the tourism advantages of the state to attract in- and out-of-state visitors.  During the 2014-15 fiscal year, VISIT FLORIDA was able to award $550,048 in grants to 128 deserving businesses, an increase of 31 percent and 34 percent respectively over the previous year. Continue reading »

I am pleased to share that VISIT FLORIDA has recently updated and revamped our Tourism Industry Grant Program.  VISIT FLORIDA administers several reimbursement grant programs to assist Industry Partners with marketing their business and publicizing the tourism advantages to the State of Florida. Continue reading »

I am pleased to announce that VISIT FLORIDA has recently awarded $483,105 to Florida tourism industry organizations as part of our 2014-2015 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 number of applications and was able to award grants to 107 deserving businesses. Continue reading »

I am proud to announce VISIT FLORIDA’s new Airline Grant Program, which will support Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) within the state and stimulate the Florida economy by expanding international air service to the Sunshine State. VISIT FLORIDA will budget up to $250,000 per year through 2016 to support the program.

“The Airline Grant program is an innovative initiative that will ensure Florida remains at the forefront of international air service expansion opportunities,” said Chris Thompson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “As we continue to position ourselves as the No. 1 travel destination in the world, this is a great way for the state to attract new overseas travelers by creating inbound flights to Florida.” Continue reading »