Sunshine Matters

Today the Florida tourism industry mourns the passing of the father of our modern Florida State Park Service. Ney C. Landrum was responsible for the exponential growth of the service through the acquisition of many parks that now attract more than 20 million visitors a year to the state. During his 20-year tenure as Director of the Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Recreation and Parks, Ney exhibited great leadership by expanding our small state park system into one of the largest in the country.

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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 »

Last night, during the annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Hilton Orlando, VISIT FLORIDA announced the 2016 Florida Tourism Hall of Fame inductees, as well as the winners of the Flagler Awards, Iris D. Larson Awards and Film Florida Legends Tourism Ambassador Award.  Annually, leaders in Florida tourism are chosen by a selection committee to receive these prestigious honors and awards. 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 »

VISIT FLORIDA recently hosted its annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Tampa Bay Convention Center in Tampa, Fla.  The event is VISIT FLORIDA’s premier annual educational forum for the Florida tourism industry.  We are proud to announce that this year’s conference had the highest attendance since 2002, with more than 1,100 attendees. Continue reading »