Sunshine Matters

The Sunshine State’s tourism industry was well represented at the 98th Annual Destination Marketing Association International Convention in Seattle last week, with a contingent of nearly 50 Florida attendees.  There were numerous members of the Florida delegation who received accolades during the convention for their continued excellence and engagement with DMAI, including:

• Walt Disney Parks & Resorts was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Destination & Travel Foundation 2013 Spirit of Hospitality Award winner for excellence in destination marketing, tourism and meetings
• Visit Orlando achieved re-accreditation through the industry-wide Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) for being a DMO that meets or exceeds industry standards Continue reading »

I would like to congratulate Delray Beach for being named the “Most Fun Small Town in America” in Rand McNally/USA Today’s 2012 Best of the Road contest.  Kudos to Deland as well, who was the first runner-up in the “Most Patriotic” category.  Other categories included “Most Beautiful,” “Best for Food” and “Friendliest” small town. Continue reading »

During last week’s economic development mission to the U.K., Governor Rick Scott and VISIT FLORIDA co-hosted a summer luncheon barbecue for 60 key in-country travel trade and media executives.  The event, held at Sir Richard Branson’s spectacular Kensington Roof Gardens in central London, was also attended by many of VISIT FLORIDA’s partners based in the U.K.  We were thanked numerous times for “bringing the sunshine,” as our outdoor function marked the first time Brits had seen nice weather in over three weeks. Continue reading »

Florida’s diverse culinary offerings include a cast of celebrity chefs from around the Sunshine State. VISIT FLORIDA’s Public Relations department is working with our industry partners and the producers at WCTV-TV – a CBS news affiliate in Tallahassee – to provide a platform for awareness and inspiration by showcasing Florida’s local culinary stars and their specialty dishes.  The earned media opportunity with WCTV provides VISIT FLORIDA and its partners a regional broadcast outlet to reach viewers in North Florida and South Georgia. Continue reading »

I am pleased to announce that today VISIT FLORIDA and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service launched the State Parks component of the Share a Little Sunshine campaign.  The new campaign encourages Florida residents to invite friends and family to experience…the Real Florida by visiting its 160 state parks and historic sites and 11 state trails. Continue reading »