Sunshine Matters

A lot has changed since Juan Ponce de Leon first set foot on La Florida.  Today, a countless number of different cultures thrive together in Florida.  The impact of their stories, traditions and tastes have woven together to form the vibrant, exciting and energetic fabric of our communities. Continue reading »

During last week’s economic development mission to the U.K., Governor Rick Scott and VISIT FLORIDA co-hosted a summer luncheon barbecue for 60 key in-country travel trade and media executives.  The event, held at Sir Richard Branson’s spectacular Kensington Roof Gardens in central London, was also attended by many of VISIT FLORIDA’s partners based in the U.K.  We were thanked numerous times for “bringing the sunshine,” as our outdoor function marked the first time Brits had seen nice weather in over three weeks. Continue reading »

Glenn Hastings, 2012-2013 VISIT FLORIDA Chairman

With the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, VISIT FLORIDA is ushering in new leadership to serve on our industry committees and Board of Directors.  Glenn Hastings, Executive Director of the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, takes over as the 2012-2013 Chairman of the Board.  Hastings succeeds Tony Lapi, CEO of the ‘Tweens Waters Inn Island Resort on Captiva Island, who served as Chairman during a year in which Florida welcomed a record number of visitors. Continue reading »

According to preliminary estimates* we released today, 23.4 million visitors came to Florida in the first quarter of 2012 (January-March), an increase of 2.4 percent over the same period in 2011.  Direct travel-related employment in Florida also rose 1.9 percent to 1,027,500, adding 19,200 jobs since this time one year ago and representing the largest employment total since first quarter 2008. Continue reading »

As part of today’s opening presentation for the Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations’ Industry Summit, I was proud to announce VISIT FLORIDA’s new founding partnership with Brand USA.  Patterned on the VISIT FLORIDA model as a public-private tourism marketing corporation, Brand USA was created in 2010 to encourage travelers from all over the world to visit the United States.  Through our base commitment of $1 million and significant in-kind investments, VISIT FLORIDA joins Marriott International, the Walt Disney Company and Best Western International as Brand USA’s founding travel partners. Continue reading »