Sunshine Matters

During a press conference at the Tampa International Airport this morning, Governor Rick Scott announced that according to VISIT FLORIDA’s preliminary estimates 97.3 million visitors came to Florida in 2014, an increase of 3.9 percent over 2013.  This is the fourth consecutive record year for visitation to Florida, exceeding the previous high of 93.7 million in 2013.  The number of direct travel-related jobs in 2014 was also a record high, with 1,135,700 Floridians employed in the tourism industry, up 3.6 percent from 2013. Continue reading »

Today Governor Rick Scott released the 2015-16 “Keep Florida Working” budget.  I am happy to share that the Governor recommended an $85 million investment in VISIT FLORIDA.  With this increased funding, VISIT FLORIDA will continue to build on the state’s momentum and will be able to expand our successful integrated global marketing efforts. Continue reading »

Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that according to VISIT FLORIDA’s preliminary estimates* 23.7 million visitors came to Florida in the third quarter of 2014 (July-September), an increase of 3.5 percent over the same period in 2013.  This represents the largest third quarter for visitation Florida has ever experienced, exceeding the previous high of 22.9 million in Q3 2013. Continue reading »

Governor Rick Scott stopped by the VISIT FLORIDA headquarters in Tallahassee today to thank our staff for all we do to make tourism the No. 1 industry in the state.  During his visit, Gov. Scott greeted staff as he walked around the building, shaking hands and offering his appreciation for a job well done.  He also shared what a tremendous impact tourism has on creating jobs for Florida’s families and improving the state’s economy. Continue reading »

I am pleased to share that during today’s Cabinet meeting, Governor Rick Scott announced that according to our preliminary estimates* 24.0 million visitors came to Florida in the second quarter of 2014 (April-June), an increase of 3.0 percent over the same period in 2013.  This represents the largest second quarter for visitation Florida has ever experienced, exceeding the previous high of 23.3 million in Q2 2013.  Visitor spending is up 7.4 percent for January through May 2014, over the same time period in 2013, at $35.7 billion. Continue reading »