Sunshine Matters

With more than half (55%) of employees leaving days unused, America’s no vacation tendencies have created a stockpile of 658 million unused days.  What’s worse—employees forfeited 222 million vacation days in 2015.  The more than 600 million unused vacation days represent billions in lost economic potential.  Had Americans used the vacation time they earned in 2015, it would have meant $223 billion in spending for the U.S. economy. Continue reading »

With today’s announcement by Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker of the new Travel and Tourism Advisory Board members for the coming year, Florida’s tourism industry continues to be well represented at the national level.  Congratulations to John Sprouls, CEO & EVP of Universal Parks and Resorts in Orlando, who was named Chair.  Other members from Florida include George Aguel, President & CEO of Visit Orlando; Olga Ramudo, President & CEO of Express Travel of Miami and William D. Talbert, III, CDME, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.  The tourism and travel advisory board serves as the leadership council for the International Trade Association, whose mission is to help strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. industry. Continue reading »

As summer winds down, I hope you’ve been able to take some time off to rest, relax and unplug. Unfortunately, Americans are taking less vacation today than at any point in the last 40 years.  Last year alone, 429 million earned vacation days went unused.  This startling statistic is not good for Americans workers or the Florida tourism industry. Continue reading »

VISIT FLORIDA recently participated in U.S. Travel Association’s 47th Annual IPW held in Orlando.  This year marked the 11th time Florida has hosted the travel industry’s premier international marketplace, bringing to the Sunshine State a record of more than 6,500 attendees.  The show consisted of international and domestic travel buyers, journalists and suppliers representing more than 70 countries. Continue reading »

Travel leaders from across the country visited the White House last week to brief key Obama Administration officials on the value of international trade to local and regional economies.  Along with Phil Brown from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, I was proud to represent the Florida tourism industry at this important trade event organized by the U.S. Travel Association. Continue reading »