Sunshine Matters

A team from VISIT FLORIDA has begun a four-month odyssey to capture stunning images of the Sunshine State’s 825 miles of beaches using Google’s Street View Trekker technology.  These 360-degree images will be integrated into Google Maps, enabling potential visitors from around the globe to experience interactive views of Florida’s world-renowned beaches before they ever leave home. Continue reading »

This week VISIT FLORIDA entered a new fiscal year with a new marketing plan, an increased budget and higher expectations.  We also welcomed a new industry leadership team.

The changing of the guard on VISIT FLORIDA’s Board of Directors and industry committees is a powerful reminder of the incredible amount of time, energy and resources that the Florida tourism industry invests to lead VISIT FLORIDA. Continue reading »

Two consecutive years of record visitation.  A record 26 million visitors in Q1 2013.  Thirty-six consecutive months of job growth and a record 1,080,000 Floridians employed in the hospitality industry.  Florida is the No. 1 domestic vacation destination, the top family vacation destination, the top U.S. beach destination, the top vacation destination for Baby Boomers and Millennials, the  No. 1 destination for African American leisure travelers and one of the top international travel destinations. Continue reading »

With the start of our new fiscal year beginning July 1, I am proud to announce the 2013-14 leadership who will serve on VISIT FLORIDA’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors and industry committees.  More than 200 partners, including some of the industry’s foremost experts, have been selected to represent the tourism industry for the upcoming term.

Tammy Gustafson, Director of National and Group Sales for Universal Orlando Resort, will take over as the new Chair. Gustafson succeeds Glenn Hastings, Executive Director of the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, who served as Chair during a year in which Florida welcomed a second consecutive record number of visitors, visitor spending and tourism-related employment. Continue reading »

Today, Governor Scott signed the 2013-2014 state budget.  In a press release sent to media this afternoon, VISIT FLORIDA and several key tourism industry leaders voiced support for its inclusion of increased tourism marketing funding.

Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA

“With the substantial increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding, Florida tourism is extremely well positioned to build on two consecutive years of record visitation and job creation.  I would like to thank Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for their visionary leadership and for their extraordinary support of VISIT FLORIDA and the state’s tourism industry,” said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. Continue reading »