Sunshine Matters

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.

I would also like to thank the private sector leaders who have stepped up to guide VISIT FLORIDA’s sales and marketing efforts through their participation on the Board of Directors, industry committees and cooperative marketing partnerships.  Their passion and commitment are the driving forces that make tourism the No. 1 industry in the State of Florida.  I would especially like to thank our Immediate Past Chair, Andrew Hertz, for his passionate leadership this year.

Andrew set the bar high, but I have no doubt that John Tomlin, incoming Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, and the more than 220 individuals who were named to VISIT FLORIDA committees for 2015-2016, are up to the task and ready to establish Florida as the No. 1 travel destination in the world.

Thank you for your continued support.  Here’s to another record year for Florida tourism.