Sunshine Matters

This afternoon, the Florida Legislature passed the state budget which included $76 million in funding for VISIT FLORIDA in FY 2016-2017.  I would like to thank Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature for their extraordinary support of the state’s tourism industry and VISIT FLORIDA.  We are very fortunate to have elected leaders that recognize the importance of tourism, our industry’s role in strengthening the state’s economy and creating jobs for Floridians. Continue reading »

As an industry-driven organization, VISIT FLORIDA’s greatest strength is the input and guidance we receive from the members of the Florida tourism industry.  Since our founding in 1996, VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing efforts have benefited tremendously from the direct involvement of volunteer leaders representing our industry. Continue reading »

During a press conference at Epcot this morning, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida set another record in tourism by welcoming 105 million visitors in 2015.  This is the fifth consecutive record year for visitation to Florida, exceeding the previous high of 98.5 million in 2014 by 6.6 percent.  The average number of direct travel-related jobs in 2015 was also a record high, with 1,199,200 Floridians employed in the tourism industry – up 53,400 or 4.7 percent over the same period last year.  Click here to see a quick YouTube video of the announcement. Continue reading »

I am proud to announce that Toni Caracciolo and Samantha Padgett were officially confirmed as members of VISIT FLORIDA’s Board of Directors during Friday’s Enterprise Florida board meeting. Having already been approved by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Toni and Samantha will fill seats vacated by two retiring board members. Continue reading »

Yesterday, VISIT FLORIDA and ten other statewide organizations hosted the industry’s annual Florida Tourism Day at the Capitol. This all-day event provided an excellent opportunity to educate the legislature, media and Floridians on the significant role tourism plays in the success of our state’s economy. Continue reading »