Sunshine Matters

Today we celebrate Florida Tourism Day at the Capitol as the industry’s annual opportunity to ensure our legislators know just how important tourism is to the Sunshine State.  And coming off of two consecutive record years of tourism spending and visitation, Florida’s tourism industry has a great story to tell. Continue reading »

Each year, just about this time, we all see certain signs that let us know spring is just around the corner.  For some, it is the weather, March Madness or even the start of the Grapefruit League.  And, for others, it is the start of the new legislative session.

This year is no different, and yesterday our elected Representatives and Senators reported for the 2011 Regular Legislative Session.  This year, in addition to other issues and the overall budget, the legislature will decide on appropriations for tourism marketing.  Governor Rick Scott has recommended $26.7 million for VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing efforts for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.  Continue reading »

After a brutally harsh winter for many Americans, Florida Governor Rick Scott and VISIT FLORIDA have organized the “Share a Little Sunshine Tour” to invite those hit hardest by this year’s unseasonably cold weather to defrost in sunny Florida.  Governor Scott and the rest of the “Sunshine Ambassadors” will start their two-day tour March 1 in Orlando and make stops in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Chicago.  When the whirlwind tour ends in the Windy City, 120 lucky winners will board a chartered plane and return to Orlando with the Governor to take a much-needed break from the worst winter many have seen in decades. Continue reading »