Sunshine Matters

For months now I have been touting the benefits of joining the Power of Travel Coalition.

The Power of Travel Coalition is the grassroots army of the American travel community.  The Coalition seeks to amplify the voices of millions of travel employees with a vested interest in rewarding leaders who champion our industry and advocating for policies that promote travel to and within the United States.

I am pleased to announce that Florida’s participation in the Power of Travel Coalition has reached 50,000.  That is a great milestone, but with nearly one million Floridians directly employed by tourism, we can definitely increase our numbers. Continue reading »

Every year laws are passed at the state level that affect tourism funding and operations.  It is important that those of us in the tourism industry get involved in the legislative process to ensure lawmakers understand how funding affects local tourism.  It is not only necessary to understand the legislative process, but also desirable to establish a personal relationship with your legislator. Continue reading »

I am delighted to report that yesterday’s 2011 Florida Tourism Day at the Capitol was a huge success.  The purpose of Tourism Day is to educate the legislature, media and Floridians about the importance of Florida’s tourism industry and the rationale for public funding.  It serves as a platform to let our lawmakers know just how vital tourism is to our state and how crucial it is for them to support Florida’s No. 1 industry.  Continue reading »

As you know, travel and tourism not only works for Florida—it works for America.  Our industry is one of America’s largest employers, with one out of every nine non-farm jobs relying on travel.  In the Sunshine State, every 85 visitors to Florida support one  tourism job.  Continue reading »

Each year, just about this time, we all see certain signs that let us know spring is just around the corner.  For some, it is the weather, March Madness or even the start of the Grapefruit League.  And, for others, it is the start of the new legislative session.

This year is no different, and yesterday our elected Representatives and Senators reported for the 2011 Regular Legislative Session.  This year, in addition to other issues and the overall budget, the legislature will decide on appropriations for tourism marketing.  Governor Rick Scott has recommended $26.7 million for VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing efforts for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.  Continue reading »