Sunshine Matters

With the start of our new fiscal year beginning July 1, I am proud to announce the 2013-14 leadership who will serve on VISIT FLORIDA’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors and industry committees.  More than 200 partners, including some of the industry’s foremost experts, have been selected to represent the tourism industry for the upcoming term.

Tammy Gustafson, Director of National and Group Sales for Universal Orlando Resort, will take over as the new Chair. Gustafson succeeds Glenn Hastings, Executive Director of the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, who served as Chair during a year in which Florida welcomed a second consecutive record number of visitors, visitor spending and tourism-related employment. Continue reading »

Governor Rick Scott and Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark P. Frissora have announced that Hertz will relocate its worldwide headquarters to Estero, Florida.   Here is a statement VISIT FLORIDA released to the media following the official press conference:

“VISIT FLORIDA would like to congratulate our long-time strategic partner Hertz on the relocation of their global headquarters to the Sunshine State, said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.  “The addition of the world’s largest car rental brand to the No. 1 travel destination in the world is a win-win for Hertz and the Florida hospitality industry.  Congratulations to Governor Scott and Enterprise Florida for establishing a perfect climate for business that continues to attract world leaders like Hertz.” Continue reading »

Today, the Florida Legislature passed the state budget which included a $9.5 million increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding for a record $63.5 million in FY 2013-14.

With this 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 Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature for their visionary leadership and for their extraordinary support of VISIT FLORIDA and the state’s tourism industry. Continue reading »