Sunshine Matters

A bipartisan bill to re-authorize Brand USA—the Travel Promotion, Enhancement and Modernization Act of 2014—was offered earlier this month by leaders in the U.S. House and Senate, a first step in the process to extend this vital program and provide continuity for the nation’s travel promotion program through 2020.  Special thanks go to Florida’s own Rep. Gus Bilirakis  and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), as well as Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), for introducing this critical legislation. Continue reading »

In recognition of World Health Day, VISIT FLORIDA joined the Florida Department of Health in encouraging Floridians to consider the many health benefits associated with taking vacation time off from work.

“The Florida Department of Health is pleased to partner with VISIT FLORIDA in recognizing World Health Day,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong, “We are encouraging Florida’s families to recognize the health benefits that travel and vacation time can bring to overall well-being.” Continue reading »

Yesterday, the Partnership for Florida’s Tourism and five other statewide organizations hosted the industry’s annual Florida Tourism Day.   This all-day event at the Florida Capitol provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the state’s No. 1 industry to the legislature and to educate them on the rationale for tourism marketing public funding. Continue reading »

I am delighted to share that today Governor Scott announced VISIT FLORIDA’s preliminary estimates* showing 94.7 million visitors came to Florida in 2013, an increase of 3.5 percent over 2012.  This represents a record year for visitation to Florida, exceeding the previous high of 91.5 million in 2012.  The number of direct travel-related jobs in 2013 was also a record high, with 1,088,200 Floridians employed in the tourism industry – up 2.9 percent from 2012. Continue reading »

I am pleased to announce that Sharon Siskie, Vice President of International Marketing and Sales for Disney Destinations, has joined VISIT FLORIDA’s Board of Directors.  Enterprise Florida, in conjunction with the Department of Economic Opportunity, approved her appointment during today’s EFI board meeting.  Sharon is filling the vacancy on VISIT FLORIDA’s Board created by Ed Fouché’s retirement last month.  Her term runs through June 30, 2016. Continue reading »