Sunshine Matters

In 2013, an estimated 69 million international tourists visited the United States spending approximately $180.7 billion on tourism-related goods and services.  Florida captured 22% of these visitors as we hosted over 15 million international tourists last year, a 9% increase over 2012.  The United States’ Travel and Tourism Strategy, launched in 2012, sets a goal of attracting 100 million international visitors by 2021.  This is in sync with VISIT FLORIDA’s own goal to reach 100 million visitors by 2015. Continue reading »

This year marked the first time Brand USA, VISIT FLORIDA and our Partners participated in ITB Asia, held recently in Singapore.  VISIT FLORIDA co-branded a Florida Pavilion under the Brand USA umbrella along with our Partners from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and Universal Orlando.  Now in its fifth year, more than 8,500 attendees participated in this three-day, business-to-business, appointment-based trade show which has quickly become the leading event of its kind for the Asian travel market. Continue reading »

In support of the state’s No. 1 industry, Governor Scott met last week with a contingent of international airline executives and tour operators to discuss ways to increase airlift to Florida.  VISIT FLORIDA coordinated the event, which brought together key executives from Aer Lingus, British Airways, Copa Airlines, Etihad, Iceland Air, iTravel2000, Monarch Travel, Qatar Airways, Sunwing Travel and Tour America. Continue reading »