Sunshine Matters

With the start of our new fiscal year on July 1, VISIT FLORIDA ushers in new leadership to serve on our Executive Committee, Board of Directors and industry committees.  I am proud to share that more than 220 VISIT FLORIDA partners, including some of the industry’s foremost experts, have been selected to represent the tourism industry for the upcoming term. Continue reading »

Today the Florida tourism industry mourns the passing of one of our greatest cheerleaders.  Throughout his distinguished career in tourism, Harvey Campbell served on the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and the Florida Commission on Tourism.  In addition to numerous committee appointments, he also served as chair of VISIT FLORIDA’s Promotions and then-named Rural Tourism Committee.  Harvey also served as a founding member and past chair of the Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations. Continue reading »

Today, Governor Scott signed the 2014-2015 state budget, which included a record $74 million for tourism marketing.  With the substantial increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding, Florida tourism is well-positioned to build on three consecutive years of record visitation, visitor spending and job creation. I would like to thank Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for their visionary leadership and extraordinary support of VISIT FLORIDA and the state’s tourism industry. Continue reading »

This month, Florida joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the importance of tourism during the annual National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW).  Held in May each year since 1984, tourism entities across America hold rallies, awards luncheons and other activities to help spotlight the power of travel. Continue reading »

In case you missed it, a wonderful article by Tim Mullaney in today’s issue of The New York Times entitled “A Bet on Florida Pays Off” showcases the momentum of Florida’s tourism industry and the vital role it plays in the continued growth of the state’s economy.  To read the full article, click here. Continue reading »