Sunshine Matters

Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that according to VISIT FLORIDA’s preliminary estimates* 23.7 million visitors came to Florida in the third quarter of 2014 (July-September), an increase of 3.5 percent over the same period in 2013.  This represents the largest third quarter for visitation Florida has ever experienced, exceeding the previous high of 22.9 million in Q3 2013. Continue reading »

Governor Rick Scott stopped by the VISIT FLORIDA headquarters in Tallahassee today to thank our staff for all we do to make tourism the No. 1 industry in the state.  During his visit, Gov. Scott greeted staff as he walked around the building, shaking hands and offering his appreciation for a job well done.  He also shared what a tremendous impact tourism has on creating jobs for Florida’s families and improving the state’s economy. Continue reading »

Estimated to be a $60 billion global industry, medical tourism has been steadily increasing in the United States and around the world.  With Florida’s attractive weather and well-known health facilities, the Sunshine State is uniquely positioned to garner a larger portion of those traveling to seek medical products, services and training.  Today, VISIT FLORIDA announces the establishment of a new $2.5 million grant program to assist Florida businesses in promoting themselves as a medical tourism destination of choice. Continue reading »

I am pleased to announce that the 2013-2014 VISIT FLORIDA Annual Report is now available online.   This marks the fifth year we have produced the report in an interactive online format, with the opportunity to download a printable PDF version.  The previous four year’s reports are also available.  We hope making the annual reports available online, with links to more details through archived blog posts and other web content, will allow viewers to move more easily through the wealth of information on VISIT FLORIDA’s efforts to market the Sunshine State and serve as a thought leader for the tourism industry this past fiscal year. Continue reading »

I am pleased to announce that VISIT FLORIDA was named the 2014 State Tourism Office of the Year during last night’s Southeast Tourism Society Shining Example Awards banquet.  The awards ceremony, held annually to salute achievements in tourism, was part of the Southeast Tourism Society Fall Forum in Charleston, SC. VISIT FLORIDA’s win marked the second time in the last three years that we received the top honor. Continue reading »