Sunshine Matters

As part of today’s opening presentation for the Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations’ Industry Summit, I was proud to announce VISIT FLORIDA’s new founding partnership with Brand USA.  Patterned on the VISIT FLORIDA model as a public-private tourism marketing corporation, Brand USA was created in 2010 to encourage travelers from all over the world to visit the United States.  Through our base commitment of $1 million and significant in-kind investments, VISIT FLORIDA joins Marriott International, the Walt Disney Company and Best Western International as Brand USA’s founding travel partners. Continue reading »

Today, VISIT FLORIDA’s President and CEO, Chris Thompson, was re-appointed to the U.S. Travel Association Executive Committee.  The U.S. Travel Association, made up of more than 2,100 members, is the national non-profit organization representing all components of the country’s $1.8 trillion travel industry.  Its 27-member Executive Committee is tasked with addressing pressing issues facing the travel industry and serves as a direct link between industry members and the U.S. Travel Board of Directors.

Four other travel industry executives from Florida also serve on the committee, including Gary Sain with Visit Orlando, Christine Duffy with Cruise Line International Association, Randy Garfield with Disney Destinations and Kelly Miller with Tampa Bay & Co.  Sain and Duffy both serve on the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors. Continue reading »

With over 150 Florida industry representatives in attendance at World Travel Market 2011, many of you reading this blog are well aware of the buzz surrounding the show this year.  There was much anticipation for the brand reveal by the Corporation for Travel Promotion.  “Brand USA,” as it is now known, was launched during two invitation-only events and a press conference, and was prominently displayed throughout the trade show floor.  The anticipation of a long overdue U.S. tourism brand created demand for space and, for the first time in a decade, space was at a premium.  Being at capacity meant more appointments and it was very apparent as partners had little down time during the show. Continue reading »

I am excited to share with you that the Corporation for Travel Promotion will now be conducting business as “Brand USA, Inc.”

Created in 2010 to encourage international visitation to the United States, the Corporation for Travel Promotion – now Brand USA, Inc. – has developed a new global brand and positioning strategy that focuses on increasing international visitation to the U.S. through marketing and promotional efforts.  Brand USA is the first critical effort in launching the United States into the global travel market, with the goal of making it a top-of-mind destination for international travelers to visit. Continue reading »