Sunshine Matters

Congratulations to Carol Dover, member of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, for winning the first-ever Dick Pope Legacy Award at the 2013 Grand Tour Gala.  The Grand Tour Gala Foundation created the new Dick Pope Legacy Awards to recognize leaders that have strengthened the sustainability of Florida’s hospitality and tourism industries.  In addition to being presented each year at the Grand Tour Gala, the award recipients will be immortalized on the walls of the Orange County Convention Center. Continue reading »

Today, Governor Scott signed the 2013-2014 state budget.  In a press release sent to media this afternoon, VISIT FLORIDA and several key tourism industry leaders voiced support for its inclusion of increased tourism marketing funding.

Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA

“With the substantial increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding, Florida tourism is extremely well positioned to build on two consecutive years of record visitation and job creation.  I would like to thank Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for their visionary leadership and for their extraordinary support of VISIT FLORIDA and the state’s tourism industry,” said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. Continue reading »

This week, Florida joins the rest of the nation in celebrating the importance of tourism during the annual National Travel & Tourism Week.  Held the first full week in May each year since 1984, tourism entities across America hold rallies, awards luncheons and other activities to help spotlight the power of travel. Continue reading »

Below please find a press release that VISIT FLORIDA sent to the media this afternoon after Governor Scott unveiled his proposed 2013-2014 budget.

Governor Scott Recommends Increased Funding for VISIT FLORIDA

2013-2014 Proposed Budget Allocates $75 Million for Tourism Marketing Efforts

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 31, 2013) – Today, Governor Scott announced his proposed budget for 2013-2014. The Governor recommended that VISIT FLORIDA receive $75 million in public funding to support statewide tourism marketing efforts for the coming year. The recommendation represents a 39 percent increase over last year’s allocation. Continue reading »