Sunshine Matters

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 »

I am proud to announce the appointment of Ken Lawson as VISIT FLORIDA’s new President and CEO.  The announcement was made following a unanimous vote of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors during a meeting this morning in Orlando.  Lawson, who currently serves as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), will assume his new position with VISIT FLORIDA on January 11. Continue reading »

Today the Florida tourism industry mourns the passing of one of its greatest leaders.  Thom Stork played a vital role in regional and state tourism development, including serving as part of the team that led to the formation of VISIT FLORIDA.  Thom served as VISIT FLORIDA’s Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2005-2006, was a member of the Florida Council of Tourism Leaders and continued his service as a current member of VISIT FLORIDA’s Audit Committee.   Continue reading »

I am proud to announce that Carlos Gazitua was officially confirmed as a member of VISIT FLORIDA’s Board of Directors during the recent Enterprise Florida board meeting.  Having already been approved by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Carlos will fill a vacated regional seat.  His term begins immediately and runs through June 30, 2018.  Carlos, who serves as the President and CEO of Sergio’s Restaurants, is the creator of Sergio’s Cuban Café and the La Flaca™ brand. Promoting healthy cooking alternatives for Cuban food, The La Flaca™ menu has transformed the way people eat Latin and Cuban cuisine in South Florida. Continue reading »

I am pleased to announce that VISIT FLORIDA has selected our new leadership to serve on the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and industry committees.  Nearly 240 VISIT FLORIDA partners, including some of the industry’s foremost experts, have been selected to represent the tourism industry for the upcoming term. Continue reading »