The Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (FADMO) today joined with tourism industry partners to celebrate Florida Tourism Day, which serves to remind Florida lawmakers and people throughout our state of the major positive impact local tourism has on their communities and quality of life. More than 500 representatives of the state’s tourism industry converged in Tallahassee to educate legislators about the contributions tourism makes to the state’s economy and to underscore the importance of supporting Florida’s top industry.
“Our local communities, and our entire state, depend on these unique destinations to provide year-round customers for local businesses, to put people to work, and to help fund critical services in our communities. And, by eliminating the need for a state income tax, local tourism lets Floridians keep more of their hard-earned paychecks in their own pockets,” said Jennifer Fennell of FADMO. “We want to make sure every Floridian knows the benefits local tourism provides and the importance of ensuring people throughout the world are encouraged to visit us and enjoy our local treasures.”
Florida Tourism Day also recognizes the value of tourism promotion. Aggressive marketing efforts of local tourism promotion agencies and VISIT FLORIDA resulted in a record 126.1 million visitors in 2018. Partnerships with VISIT FLORIDA offer small and medium size destinations promotion opportunities and resources they would not have access to otherwise. VISIT FLORIDA’s dollar-for-dollar match maximizes public and private funds to reach potential visitors all over the globe.
This year, Florida Tourism Day has significant meaning as the Florida Legislature considers the reauthorization of VISIT FLORIDA, which would enable the organization to continue promoting Florida to travelers.
“With so many wonderful destinations around the world to choose from, Florida must continue to promote its travel options to remain competitive and keep visitors coming back to the Sunshine State. Supporting local tourism promotion programs and reauthorizing VISIT FLORIDA will keep Florida and its communities vibrant and flourishing,” added Fennell.
More than a fifth of all the sales tax revenue generated in Florida is attributed to tourism. This $112 million industry funds a significant portion of the state’s budget and puts 1.4 million people to work.
