Sunshine Matters

VISIT FLORIDA recently launched a new media site, improving how we engage with media and collaborate with industry on showcasing story ideas and content.  The site includes a media blog page, where we will showcase recent travel stories by journalists, updates from VISIT FLORIDA’s PR and Content team, and news about our tourism industry that would be of interest to consumer and trade media.

When tourism businesses or destinations garner results from marketing campaigns, media visits, trade shows or participation in VISIT FLORIDA’s media missions program, we will feature those earned media examples on the blog.  By showcasing these stories, we’ll be recognizing the travel writers who are helping to tell inspiring stories about Florida while reminding media of the inexhaustible range of stories waiting to be told.

In order to better serve the needs of print, online and broadcast media, there are three content areas under the Story Ideas section: VISIT FLORIDA-produced press releases and corporate news; Industry Partners’ press releases; and free, ready-to-use resources from our Content team.

VISIT FLORIDA’s Marketing Partners have the option of submitting press releases to be featured on our media site.  To submit your press release:

• Email your press release to pr@VISITFLORIDA.org
• The news release should be in a Word document (no PDFs, please)
• All news releases are subject to review and approval by VISIT FLORIDA’s PR team

Successful press releases meet the following criteria:

• Provide news worthy updates for consumer travel media
• Offer a story idea that is compelling and unique to Florida or the local DMO, attraction, hotel, restaurant or other tourism businesses
• Include photos or video that we can showcase on the media site

Press releases not posted to the site will be shared with our in-house Content and Social Media team for consideration through social channels, VISITFLORIDA.com or with the Insiders.

Elevating the opportunity to connect the media with our Partners, the media site features links to each DMO’s press room.  Click here and scroll down on the Story Ideas page to see the complete listing.

An overview of the resources on the media site include:

• VISIT FLORIDA consumer and corporate press releases
• Tourism Industry and Partner press releases
• Free ready-to-use content
• Digital assets
• Current research data
• List of Press Rooms from Florida’s destination marketing organizations
• VISIT FLORIDA’s domestic and international PR contacts
• Blog posts on recent Florida travel stories by journalists

For questions about the media site, blog or VISIT FLORIDA’s PR programs, contact me at kmorgan@visitflorida.org.