Sunshine Matters

Picture your natural attraction, your distinctive wildlife habitat, your historic location – in other words, your authentic Florida destination – in a print guide, an interactive website and a digital app developed and promoted with National Geographic.

Picture yourself also serving on a regional geotourism council that will assist in the oversight of this important initiative. More on that in a minute. Continue reading »

Today marks 126 days since the April 20^th Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion.  It has been a challenging time for all of us as we battled misperceptions of how Florida was affected by the oil spill.  Certainly, it was – and continues to be – critical that we provide open, transparent information to visitors so they can make the most informed travel planning decisions possible.

In an effort to help the Florida tourism industry stay connected and informed through the ever-changing oil spill situation, VISIT FLORIDA began hosting bi-weekly conference calls and webinars on June 10 to provide an opportunity for participants to network with one another and learn about the latest statewide marketing response efforts.  Hundreds of tourism partners representing all parts of the state have availed themselves of the webinars conducted to date.  Continue reading »

Media Coverage Overview – for the week of August 2 – 6, 2010

Significant media headlines this week focused on the apparent progress in the Gulf to cap the Deepwater Horizon oil well. Today, CNN.com reports the U.S government is optimistic that the oil well will be permanently sealed.

Amid all the headlines, Florida’s tourism industry continues to be involved in the conversation. Several media outlets discuss Governor Crist’s meeting with tourism officials regarding requests for additional BP funds to assist in tourism advertising and marketing efforts. The underlying message from the tourism industry is clear: the urgent and strong need to counter misconceptions to Florida brands is crucial in the recovery phase.  Continue reading »

Today marks 100 days since the April 20 Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion.  For Florida’s tourism industry, it’s been a difficult time – attempting to combat misperceptions that our beaches are covered in oil and working diligently to provide open, transparent information to visitors so they could make truly informed travel planning decisions.  Although the well has been capped, there remains a very real and constantly expanding impact to Florida’s economy – of which our $60 billion tourism industry is the driving force. Continue reading »

In an effort to help the Florida tourism industry stay connected and informed as the ever-changing oil situation continues, VISIT FLORIDA began hosting bi-weekly conference calls and webinars that provide an opportunity for participants to network with one another and learn about the latest statewide marketing response efforts.  Hundreds of tourism partners representing all parts of the state have availed themselves of the three webinars conducted to date.  The most recent was held this past Friday, with more than 130 participants asking questions and sharing information. Continue reading »