According to preliminary estimates* we released today, an estimated 85.9 million visitors came to Florida in 2011, an increase of 4.4 percent over 2010. This represents a record year for visitation to Florida, exceeding the previous high of 84.5 million in 2007. Direct travel-related employment in Florida also rose to a near record high of 1,013,100, adding more than 38,000 jobs and representing a 3.9 percent increase over 2010.
“With such significant increases in jobs and visitors to the Sunshine State in 2011, tourism remains the state’s No. 1 industry and the leading driver of Florida’s rebounding economy,” said Governor Rick Scott. “VISIT FLORIDA and the entire Florida tourism industry are leading the way to ensuring that we become the No. 1 travel destination in the world.” Continue reading »
VISIT FLORIDA manages the state’s five Official Florida Welcome Centers located at I-10, I-95, I-75, US 231 and the Florida Capitol. As an invaluable resource for visitors to the Sunshine State, the knowledgeable and helpful staff in Florida’s Official Welcome Centers provide a wealth of information to millions of Florida visitors each year. In addition to offering detailed travel planning advice, the centers also provide maps, brochures and even a free glass of Florida citrus juice!
As a fun way to engage welcome center visitors, and showcase all there is to see and do in the Sunshine State, each of the four highway welcome centers host annual festivals throughout the year. The festivals are designed to give tourism industry participants the opportunity to promote and showcase their destination to thousands of Florida’s visitors firsthand. Continue reading »
Florida ranks second among all 50 states in total international visitation and first in visitor spending. In 2010 alone, Florida’s tourism industry brought in 11.1 million international visitors from 144 different countries who spent $10.6 billion. As a unique opportunity for increasing international visitation to the state and improving the Sunshine State’s economy, VISIT FLORIDA has now expanded the Florida Insider Program to reach overseas audiences.
In addition to our nine Florida-based Insiders, VISIT FLORIDA has added two international Insiders to our roster of vacation experts. Kylie Jenkins, representing the United Kingdom-Ireland and Wiebke Flegel-Wult from Germany, are the newest internationally-based Florida Insiders generating content and providing insight specifically for international visitors to the Sunshine State. Continue reading »
Tracy Vaughan
Director, International Sales & Marketing
Happy Holidays! Today, VISIT FLORIDA put the finishing touches on our annual digital holiday card and sent out it to many of our friends, colleagues and fans around the world. Since we may not have everyone’s email on file, we’ve posted it toYouTube and are sharing it through Sunshine Matters, as well. We had a lot of fun making the card and hope it brings a warm smile to your face during this holiday season.
According to a study released in February 2011 by the Convention Industry Council – widely recognized by the tourism industry as the first, definitive, qualitative, research-based analysis of the economic significance of meetings in the U.S. – nearly 1.8 million meetings took place, attended by 205 million participants, generating over $263 billion in direct spending and creating 1.7 million jobs. Last year in Florida, nearly 10.7 million visitors traveled to the state for business purposes, with more than 55 percent attending conventions, seminars and meetings. Continue reading »
Steven Bonda, CMP
Senior Manager, Corporate Meetings & Events
