Sunshine Matters

Spring is always a busy time at our state’s Capitol building, and this season has been no exception.  The Official Florida Welcome Center at the state Capitol has certainly followed suit, working hard to keep up with the hustle and bustle of the legislative session that concluded last Friday. Continue reading »

This week, Florida joins the rest of the nation in celebrating the importance of tourism during the annual National Travel & Tourism Week.  Held the first full week in May each year since 1984, tourism entities across America hold rallies, awards luncheons and other activities to help spotlight the power of travel. Continue reading »

Governor Rick Scott and Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark P. Frissora have announced that Hertz will relocate its worldwide headquarters to Estero, Florida.   Here is a statement VISIT FLORIDA released to the media following the official press conference:

“VISIT FLORIDA would like to congratulate our long-time strategic partner Hertz on the relocation of their global headquarters to the Sunshine State, said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.  “The addition of the world’s largest car rental brand to the No. 1 travel destination in the world is a win-win for Hertz and the Florida hospitality industry.  Congratulations to Governor Scott and Enterprise Florida for establishing a perfect climate for business that continues to attract world leaders like Hertz.” Continue reading »

Today, the Florida Legislature passed the state budget which included a $9.5 million increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding for a record $63.5 million in FY 2013-14.

With this substantial increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding, Florida tourism is extremely well positioned to build on two consecutive years of record visitation and job creation.  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 »