Sunshine Matters

Every year laws are passed at the state level that affect tourism funding and operations.  It is important that those of us in the tourism industry get involved in the legislative process to ensure lawmakers understand how funding affects local tourism.  It is not only necessary to understand the legislative process, but also desirable to establish a personal relationship with your legislator.

The only way a government of the people, by the people, and for the people can work is if the people actually get involved.  You know that tourism is important and works for Florida, but did you know you can make a big impact at home?  The best time to meet with legislators is actually when they are not in session because they have more time to spend with you.  When not in session, legislators are in their hometown, where they have more time to get to know constituents like you and your concerns.

Here are some advocacy tips that can help you ensure that tourism stays at the top of our legislators minds:

• Check your legislators’ websites regularly to find out what they are doing
• Meet them in their office to talk about the importance of tourism in your area
• Invite them to visit your business to meet staff and put a face on the decisions they make about tourism funding
• Ask to be added to their newsletter email list and ask if you can include them on your email list
• Attend town hall meetings
• Attend official functions (delegation meetings, groundbreaking ceremonies, awards ceremonies)
• Find opportunities to honor your legislator for his/her service to the community and tourism
• Always be grateful, even if you disagree on an issue, by sending a note or letter thanking them for their public service

Also, keep in mind that you are not alone.  Members of the Partnership for Florida’s Tourism have legislative experience and can share valuable information. We are happy to provide assistance with background research, meeting strategy, education on the appropriations process and will even help you write letters and testify in town hall meetings on the importance of tourism funding.

Remember, making contact with your legislators when they are not in session will go a long way when you come to Tallahassee for Florida Tourism Day.  The purpose of Florida Tourism Day is to educate the legislature, media and Floridians about the importance of Florida’s tourism industry and the rationale for a public funding request to increase tourism marketing efforts.  It is the perfect day to let our lawmakers know how just how vital tourism is to our state and how crucial it is for them to support Florida’s No. 1 industry.  Mark your calendars now for Florida Tourism Day, January 18, 2012.

For more information, please visit www.FloridasTourismCounts.org or contact Dia Kuykendal, Public Affairs Manager for VISIT FLORIDA, at dia@VISITFLORIDA.org.