Sunshine Matters

Today, Governor Rick Scott released his 2017-2018 “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget.  I am pleased to share that the Governor recommended a $76 million investment in VISIT FLORIDA.  Through this budget allocation, VISIT FLORIDA and our local tourism marketing partners will continue to promote the state’s diverse destinations to visitors across the globe, creating jobs and generating vital state and local tax revenue that benefit all Floridians. Continue reading »

I am pleased to share that today VISIT FLORIDA released a new Economic Impact of Out-of-State Visitor Spending in Florida study, which shows a rise in spending, revenue and jobs in the Sunshine State.  The study was conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company, over a six-month period in 2016. Continue reading »

In French, they are called Jeux Equestres Mondiaux FEI Alltech 2014 en Normandie.  The English translation is the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France.  Non–horse people might just call them the equine Olympics.  The Games occur every four years on a cycle opposite the Summer Olympic Games and feature the top riders competing in two weeks of equestrian showmanship. Continue reading »

Today, Governor Scott signed the 2014-2015 state budget, which included a record $74 million for tourism marketing.  With the substantial increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding, Florida tourism is well-positioned to build on three consecutive years of record visitation, visitor spending and job creation. I would like to thank Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for their visionary leadership and extraordinary support of VISIT FLORIDA and the state’s tourism industry. Continue reading »

I’m pleased to share that during Tuesday evening’s Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association annual Gala and Awards Dinner, VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors member Gene Prescott received the 2014 Hotelier Hall of Fame Award.  As president of The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Gene led a $40 million, 10-year renovation program that has recently been completed, restoring the landmark to its world-class excellence.  Click here to see a compilation video of industry support for Gene’s honor. Continue reading »