Sunshine Matters

I am pleased to announce that Sharon Siskie, Vice President of International Marketing and Sales for Disney Destinations, has joined VISIT FLORIDA’s Board of Directors.  Enterprise Florida, in conjunction with the Department of Economic Opportunity, approved her appointment during today’s EFI board meeting.  Sharon is filling the vacancy on VISIT FLORIDA’s Board created by Ed Fouché’s retirement last month.  Her term runs through June 30, 2016. Continue reading »

As part of today’s historic proposed budget announcement, Governor Rick Scott presented a Business Ambassador Award to long-time tourism  industry leader Ed Fouché.  The award is given to business standouts who have significantly impacted the industry they represent, and there could be no more deserving recipient than Ed. Continue reading »

I am proud to share that last night travel industry veteran Randy Garfield of The Walt Disney Company was honored as a 2013 inductee into the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders. Garfield, and fellow honoree Mike Gallagher of CityPASS, were recognized during a dinner attended by more than 100 travel industry leaders as part of the U.S. Travel fall board meeting at the Fairmont in Washington, D.C. Continue reading »

Below please find a press release that VISIT FLORIDA sent to the media this afternoon after Governor Scott unveiled his proposed 2013-2014 budget.

Governor Scott Recommends Increased Funding for VISIT FLORIDA

2013-2014 Proposed Budget Allocates $75 Million for Tourism Marketing Efforts

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 31, 2013) – Today, Governor Scott announced his proposed budget for 2013-2014. The Governor recommended that VISIT FLORIDA receive $75 million in public funding to support statewide tourism marketing efforts for the coming year. The recommendation represents a 39 percent increase over last year’s allocation. Continue reading »

Today, as we start our new fiscal year, VISIT FLORIDA ushers in new leadership to serve on the industry committees and Board of Directors.  Tony Lapi, CEO of the ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort on Captiva Island, takes over as the 2011-12 Chairman of the Board.  Lapi succeeds Ed Fouché, Senior Vice President-Travel Industry Sales for Disney Destinations, who has served as Chairman for an unprecedented two-year stint while the industry faced unforeseen environmental and economic challenges.

The Florida tourism industry owes an incredible debt to Ed who provided strong leadership and commitment, through both his personal devotion and his influential role with Disney, during an incomparable period in VISIT FLORIDA’s 15-year history.  As we move forward, I can’t think of a better successor than Tony who epitomizes small business entrepreneurism at its very finest and brings a kinship with the vast majority of the Florida tourism industry to his leadership position. Continue reading »