Sunshine Matters

Three members of the VISIT FLORIDA staff – David Dodd, Joyce Stillwell and I – recently attended the annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO), hosted by the U.S. Travel Association.  The event was held Aug. 30 – Sept. 1 in Reno/Tahoe, Nevada.  Staff attends this important event each year in order to network with our peers from across the country and benefit from the sharing of best practices. 

An annual highlight of ESTO is the National Council of Destination Organizations’ Awards banquet, where the NCDO Destiny Awards for excellence in destination marketing are given out.  On behalf of everyone at VISIT FLORIDA, I am proud to congratulate Suya Davenport, Executive Director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for earning top honors in the “Complete Marketing Program/Full Campaign” category for their integrated Island Sanctuary brand marketing campaign.  As one of VISIT FLORIDA’s Founding Partners and an avid participant in both our co-op advertising and public relations programs, I am delighted for Suya and the VCB to be acknowledged for their creativity and dedication to the tourism industry.