Sunshine Matters

Today the Florida tourism industry mourns the passing of one of its greatest leaders.  Arthur Hertz was a pioneer in local and state tourism development, including serving as Vice Chairman of the Florida Commission on Tourism and was part of the team that led to the formation of VISIT FLORIDA.  Arthur served as VISIT FLORIDA’s Chairman of the Board of Directors in 1998-1999, was inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame in 2004 and continued his service as a member of the Florida Council of Tourism Leaders.   Continue reading »

Today the Florida tourism industry mourns the passing of one of its greatest leaders.  Thom Stork played a vital role in regional and state tourism development, including serving as part of the team that led to the formation of VISIT FLORIDA.  Thom served as VISIT FLORIDA’s Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2005-2006, was a member of the Florida Council of Tourism Leaders and continued his service as a current member of VISIT FLORIDA’s Audit Committee.   Continue reading »

I am pleased to announce that Terry Prather, former President of SeaWorld Orlando, has been appointed to serve as the Executive Director of the Florida Council of Tourism Leaders.  The Council, which is comprised of the former chairs of VISIT FLORIDA’s Board of Directors, creates a strong network of industry experts that may be called on by the Board, the Chair or the President for their expertise and experience.  Collectively, these professionals bring to bear more than two hundred years of institutional knowledge on the Florida tourism and hospitality industry. Continue reading »

It’s that time of year again!  Nominations are now open for the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame. Begun in 2001, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame acknowledges contemporary and historic figures whose vision, creativity and drive have had a positive and significant impact on the development of Florida as a desirable visitor destination.  Continue reading »

As part of Florida Tourism Day at the Capitol, a group of former Florida Tourism Hall of Fame inductees, VISIT FLORIDA Board members and Florida Council of Tourism Leaders was on hand for the official unveiling of the new Florida Tourism Hall of Fame display at the Florida Capitol.  The event, which was held at the Official Capitol Welcome Center, marked the culmination of a project by the Florida Council of Tourism Leaders to relocate the Hall of Fame from VISIT FLORIDA’s headquarters to a more widely-accessible display in the Capitol building. Continue reading »