Sunshine Matters

As summer winds down, I hope you’ve been able to take some time off to rest, relax and unplug. Unfortunately, Americans are taking less vacation today than at any point in the last 40 years.  Last year alone, 429 million earned vacation days went unused.  This startling statistic is not good for Americans workers or the Florida tourism industry. Continue reading »

I am pleased to share that today Governor Scott joined tourism leaders at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to highlight the $74 million allocation in the “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget for VISIT FLORIDA.  This funding will allow our Partners in the Florida tourism industry to continue attracting record numbers of tourists to Florida. Last year, Florida welcomed a record 98.9 million visitors, who spent a total of $82 billion while in the Sunshine State. Continue reading »

Last week, Florida’s tourism industry participated in the 2015 Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Convention in Austin, TX.  The Sunshine State was well represented, with 19 individuals or DMO Partners bringing home accolades and designations for their continued success and engagement with DMAI. Continue reading »

Happy New Year!  The Florida tourism industry kicks off the new fiscal year with a tremendous amount of momentum.  Record visitors, record spending and record hospitality industry jobs.  I would like to thank Governor Scott and the entire Florida Legislature for their recognition of the economic impact Florida’s tourism industry brings to the state and their continuing support of public funding for VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing efforts. Continue reading »

This evening, the Florida Legislature passed the state budget which included $74 million in funding for VISIT FLORIDA in FY 2015-2016.  I would like to thank Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature for their visionary leadership and for their extraordinary support of VISIT FLORIDA and the state’s tourism industry. Continue reading »