Sunshine Matters

While for many the month of October may bring to mind images of pumpkins, ghosts, ghouls and vampires, here at VISIT FLORIDA we are excited to be celebrating “Florida Camping Month.”  To promote this special event, the I-10, I-75, I-95 and US-231 Official Florida Welcome Centers – managed and operated by VISIT FLORIDA – are taking a creative approach by setting up camping displays in the lobby of each of their facilities.  The interactive displays are a great way for visitors to have a seat and “camp out” while learning more about the great camping opportunities available in the Sunshine State. Continue reading »

What happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay in Vegas!

As part of VISIT FLORIDA’s ongoing efforts to promote meeting and incentive travel to the Sunshine State, our meetings team coordinates exhibits at trade shows around the globe.  One of the largest annual shows – IMEX America – was recently held at the Sands Exhibition Center in Las Vegas, NV and VISIT FLORIDA was front and center. Continue reading »

Today, VISIT FLORIDA held a Board of Directors meeting to establish a formal process for filling its soon-to-be vacant President and CEO position. This vacancy was created when Chris Thompson was officially announced as Brand USA’s new President and CEO, effective November 1, 2012.  As part of the meeting, a formal search committee made up of six board members was appointed. The board voted unanimously to have Will Seccombe, VISIT FLORIDA’s CMO since 2008, serve as Acting President and CEO to bridge the time between Thompson’s departure and the naming of a permanent replacement. Continue reading »

I am pleased to announce that the 2011-2012 VISIT FLORIDA Annual Report is now available online.   For the third year, we have created the report in an interactive online format, with the opportunity to download a printable PDF version.  The previous two year’s reports are also available.  We hope making the annual reports available online, with links to more details through archived blog posts and other web content, will allow viewers to move more easily through the wealth of information on VISIT FLORIDA’s efforts to market the Sunshine State and serve as a thought leader for the tourism industry this past fiscal year. Continue reading »

VISIT FLORIDA is proud to announce an exciting opportunity to highlight Florida destinations through a new television show hosted by celebrity chef and new Sunshine State resident Emeril Lagasse.  We all know Emeril knows food, but did you know he’s quickly becoming a Florida lifestyle and travel expert as well? The show, “Emeril’s Florida” will feature its high-energy host exploring dining, entertainment and travel opportunities all over the Sunshine State.  The show will air on the Cooking Channel, with the first episode in January slated to be about Orlando. Continue reading »