Sunshine Matters

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 »

Next Tuesday, Florida’s elected officials will return to Tallahassee to address redistricting, the budget and other key issues during the 2012 Legislative Session. The following week, on January 18, the Partnership for Florida’s Tourism – a grassroots coalition designed to raise awareness of the importance of tourism and to increase public funding of tourism marketing – will host Florida Tourism Day 2012. The purpose of this annual event is to educate the legislature, media and Floridians about the importance of Florida’s tourism industry and the rationale for the public funding request to increase tourism marketing efforts. It’s the perfect day to let your lawmakers know just how vital tourism is to our state and how crucial it is for them to support Florida’s No. 1 industry. Continue reading »

I am pleased to announce that preliminary estimates* of visitors to Florida for the third quarter of 2011 (July-September) show an estimated 20.4 million travelers visited the Sunshine State.  This represents an increase of 5.1 percent from the same period in 2010.  In addition, Florida’s tourism-related employment for the third quarter of 2011 was 1,009,500, up by 51,400 jobs, which reflects a 5.4 percent increase when compared to third quarter 2010. Continue reading »

Today, as we start our new fiscal year, VISIT FLORIDA ushers in new leadership to serve on the industry committees and Board of Directors.  Tony Lapi, CEO of the ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort on Captiva Island, takes over as the 2011-12 Chairman of the Board.  Lapi succeeds Ed Fouché, Senior Vice President-Travel Industry Sales for Disney Destinations, who has served as Chairman for an unprecedented two-year stint while the industry faced unforeseen environmental and economic challenges.

The Florida tourism industry owes an incredible debt to Ed who provided strong leadership and commitment, through both his personal devotion and his influential role with Disney, during an incomparable period in VISIT FLORIDA’s 15-year history.  As we move forward, I can’t think of a better successor than Tony who epitomizes small business entrepreneurism at its very finest and brings a kinship with the vast majority of the Florida tourism industry to his leadership position. Continue reading »

VISIT FLORIDA is celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week with the release of a new public service announcement (PSA) for our Share a Little Sunshine program featuring Governor Rick Scott.  The PSA showcases the importance of tourism as a job creator and encourages Floridians to help the state by joining in the movement at ShareaLittleSunshine.org. To view the PSA, please click here. Continue reading »