Sunshine Matters

This week, VISIT FLORIDA and five of our industry Partners traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the U.S. Travel Association’s Destination Capital Hill  fly-in.  The annual event brings travel leaders from across the country to the nation’s capital to learn about upcoming legislation that impacts travel, network with peers and meet with members of Congress to stress the importance of travel as an economic driver.

The fly-in provided an incredible opportunity for us to meet with members of our Florida delegation to advocate for tourism prior to their vote on key bills that affect the industry.  The main topics included improving infrastructure, strengthening and expanding the Visa Waiver Program and enacting trade promotion authority rules.  My personal thanks to Carlos Molinet, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB; David Downing, Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater; Tamara Pigott, Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel; DT Minnich, Experience Kissimmee; and Jack Wert, Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB for traveling to D.C. to help represent Florida tourism.

As part of Destination Capital Hill, the group had the opportunity to support Florida Representative Gus Bilirakis as he was presented with the U.S. Travel Association Distinguished Travel Champion Award.  Rep. Bilirakis, one of only four legislators to receive the honor, was singled out for championing passage of the Brand USA re-authorization bill.

While in the Capital, we also attended the Destination & Travel Foundation Dream Dinner and Auction to celebrate the power of travel and raise important resources for research, education, scholarships and programs that support our industry.  We were also proud to support Brand USA as they were honored with the distinguished Spirit of Hospitality Award.  They were recognized for having been instrumental in ensuring the travel industry plays a pivotal role in leading economic stimulus.

Advocating on the local and national level is critical as we continue to promote Florida as the No. 1 travel destination in the world.  To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit TourismWorksforFlorida.org.