Sunshine Matters

On the surface, this week’s release of Q2 (April-June) visitor numbers was good news for the Florida tourism industry because more Americans chose to spend their precious time and hard-earned money in the Sunshine State than they did over the same period last year.

However, the increase in year-over-year visitors masks a significant reversal in the trending growth of Florida’s market share of domestic visitors.  Florida’s share of domestic travel steadily increased from 2006-2009 and, for the last 18 months, the state has continually outpaced the rest of the U.S. in terms of total rooms sold. While the total rooms sold in the Sunshine State increased last quarter, Florida’s share of domestic travelers actually declined. Continue reading »

Today marks 100 days since the April 20 Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion.  For Florida’s tourism industry, it’s been a difficult time – attempting to combat misperceptions that our beaches are covered in oil and working diligently to provide open, transparent information to visitors so they could make truly informed travel planning decisions.  Although the well has been capped, there remains a very real and constantly expanding impact to Florida’s economy – of which our $60 billion tourism industry is the driving force. Continue reading »

In an effort to help the Florida tourism industry stay connected and informed as the ever-changing oil situation continues, VISIT FLORIDA began hosting bi-weekly conference calls and webinars that provide an opportunity for participants to network with one another and learn about the latest statewide marketing response efforts.  Hundreds of tourism partners representing all parts of the state have availed themselves of the three webinars conducted to date.  The most recent was held this past Friday, with more than 130 participants asking questions and sharing information. Continue reading »

The Fourth of July is quickly approaching and many Americans will spend the long weekend traveling around the state and country.  In fact, a Sun-Sentinel article cites good news for Florida’s tourism industry saying, “The number of Florida residents taking a trip at least 50 miles from home during the July Fourth holiday weekend is expected to rise 6 percent from last year.”  Continue reading »

With non-stop media coverage about the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, many travelers understandably have questions about their Florida getaways.  VISIT FLORIDA, and our industry partners, have been working hard to be a source of information for travelers and to promote vacation opportunities across the Sunshine State. Continue reading »