Sunshine Matters

This month, the Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) released a report on the state’s return on its investment in VISIT FLORIDA.  I am proud to share that the study found the state generated a positive ROI of 3.2, meaning that $3.20 in tax revenues were received from each dollar that the state invested in VISIT FLORIDA. Continue reading »

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 »

As an industry-driven organization, VISIT FLORIDA’s greatest asset is the input and guidance we receive from you – the members of the Florida tourism industry.  Since our founding in 1996, VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing efforts have been strengthened by the direct involvement of volunteer leaders representing our industry. Continue reading »

Happy Holidays!  As we wrap up what is likely to be a fourth consecutive record year for the Florida tourism industry, I would especially like to thank those who serve on VISIT FLORIDA’s Board of Directors and our various committees for their passionate leadership.  The strength of our organization and the success of our marketing initiatives are directly correlated to the active and engaged participation of our industry Partners.  Nowhere was that more apparent than earlier this month when nearly 200 industry leaders participated in the VISIT FLORIDA Marketing Retreat to help set the course for 2015 and beyond. Continue reading »

I am pleased to share that Brand USA has been re-authorized through 2020 as part of the omnibus spending package that was passed by the U.S. House and Senate over the weekend.   This legislative victory follows months of intense lobbying by U.S. Travel and the exceptional leadership of Florida Rep. Gus Bilirakis and Rep. Peter Welch of Vermont who were the bill’s lead sponsors. Continue reading »