Sunshine Matters

Each year, just about this time, we all see certain signs that let us know spring is just around the corner.  For some, it is the weather, March Madness or even the start of the Grapefruit League.  And, for others, it is the start of the new legislative session.

This year is no different, and yesterday our elected Representatives and Senators reported for the 2011 Regular Legislative Session.  This year, in addition to other issues and the overall budget, the legislature will decide on appropriations for tourism marketing.  Governor Rick Scott has recommended $26.7 million for VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing efforts for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. 

VISIT FLORIDA appreciates the Governor’s recognition of the importance of tourism in his budget recommendation. However, our work is not done.  We must continue to aggressively educate our legislators and communities about the importance of tourism marketing.  Over the coming months, VISIT FLORIDA and the rest of the Partnership for Florida’s Tourism – a grassroots coalition advocating for public funding of tourism marketing – may ask those in the Florida tourism industry to assist with media interviews and to contact their legislators and community leaders to discuss the importance of Florida tourism on a local level.  We hope we can count on your support.  Please visit FloridasTourismCounts.org and download the advocacy toolkit to learn how you can make an impact with your state legislators.

VISIT FLORIDA staff has been making the rounds with legislators and their committees to tout the important returns on investments tourism marketing provides to our state.  As the No. 1 industry in Florida, tourism is an integral part of the Sunshine State’s economy, which provides nearly 1 million jobs to Floridians and adds nearly $4 billion in state sales tax revenues.  Tourism-related tax revenues provide the necessary funding for road construction, education, health care and other vital programs.  In a time of budget crisis, Florida cannot afford to jeopardize this crucial contributor to the state’s economy.  In fact, if there is one industry that has the greatest opportunity to help the state coffers and create jobs—tourism is it.

The Partnership for Florida’s Tourism looks forward to this upcoming session that runs from March 8 until May 6.  If you would like to keep up with what is going on, please visit our website at FloridasTourismCounts.org.  If you have any questions, comments or if you are a tourism professional interested in attending Florida Tourism Day in Tallahassee on March 22, please feel free to contact me via email at dia@VISITFLORIDA.org or by calling (850) 205-3863.