Sunshine Matters

This weekend, Florida Travel + Life magazine presents the second show of its new television series on the Discovery Channel, “Florida Travel + Life: Affordable Luxury,” which is about getting acquainted with affordable luxury in Florida.  American Express® and VISIT FLORIDA are presenting sponsors of the program, which features a different destination in the Sunshine State each show.  The first episode focused on Daytona and was broadcast in June.  Airing this Saturday, July 17 at 7:30 a.m., the latest installment in the series gives viewers an opportunity to get familiar with the affordable luxury of Northwest Florida’s unexplored coast.  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 »

I am pleased to announce that today VISIT FLORIDA rolled out a new initiative that offers all Florida tourism businesses the opportunity to take advantage of a Free Web Listing on VISITFLORIDA.com.  As a public/private partnership, VISIT FLORIDA previously limited listings on the website to our more than 3,400 co-operative marketing Partners.   Continue reading »

Media Coverage Overview – July 2, 2010

KEY TOPICS

During the last 24 hours, traditional print and online media coverage have continued to report on travel expections statewide during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Overall, coverage continues to report on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and its impact on Florida’s beaches and tourism industry. Continue reading »

On Tuesday, June 29, I was afforded an opportunity to brief members of Congress and their staff on the BP oil spill and its impact on tourism in Florida.  The briefing was sponsored by the U.S. Travel Association, the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the National Restaurant Association in cooperation with the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus.  California Representative Sam Farr, Co-Chair of the Caucus, was in attendance, as was Florida Representative Allen Boyd.  I was invited to speak along with Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tom Dow, former president of the Alaska Visitor Association, and Adam Sacks, managing director of Oxford Economics. Continue reading »