Sunshine Matters

Happy Holidays!  As we wrap up what is likely to be a third consecutive record year for the Florida tourism industry, I would especially like to thank those who serve on VISIT FLORIDA’s Board of Directors and our various committees for their passionate leadership.  The strength of our organization and the success of our marketing initiatives are directly correlated to the active and engaged participation of our industry Partners.  Nowhere was that more apparent than earlier this month when over 175 industry leaders participated in the VISIT FLORIDA Marketing Retreat to help set the course for 2014 and beyond. Continue reading »

Today, Governor Scott signed the 2013-2014 state budget.  In a press release sent to media this afternoon, VISIT FLORIDA and several key tourism industry leaders voiced support for its inclusion of increased tourism marketing funding.

Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA

“With the substantial increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding, Florida tourism is extremely well positioned to build on two consecutive years of record visitation and job creation.  I would like to thank Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for their visionary leadership and for their extraordinary support of VISIT FLORIDA and the state’s tourism industry,” said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. Continue reading »

I am pleased to announce that VISIT FLORIDA’s preliminary estimates* for the first quarter of 2013 (January-March) show that 26 million visitors came to Florida, an increase of 4.7 percent over the same period in 2012.  This makes the first quarter of 2013 the biggest quarter for visitation in the history of Florida tourism.

“More people visited Florida this past quarter than ever before,” Governor Scott said. “Record visitation to the Sunshine State means more jobs and opportunities for Florida’s families, which is great news.” Continue reading »

Governor Rick Scott and Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark P. Frissora have announced that Hertz will relocate its worldwide headquarters to Estero, Florida.   Here is a statement VISIT FLORIDA released to the media following the official press conference:

“VISIT FLORIDA would like to congratulate our long-time strategic partner Hertz on the relocation of their global headquarters to the Sunshine State, said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.  “The addition of the world’s largest car rental brand to the No. 1 travel destination in the world is a win-win for Hertz and the Florida hospitality industry.  Congratulations to Governor Scott and Enterprise Florida for establishing a perfect climate for business that continues to attract world leaders like Hertz.” Continue reading »

Today, the Florida Legislature passed the state budget which included a $9.5 million increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding for a record $63.5 million in FY 2013-14.

With this substantial increase in VISIT FLORIDA funding, Florida tourism is extremely well positioned to build on two consecutive years of record visitation and job creation.  I would like to thank Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature for their visionary leadership and for their extraordinary support of VISIT FLORIDA and the state’s tourism industry. Continue reading »