“We were disheartened today to hear that the more than 30-percent cut to funding of VISIT FLORIDA means they will have to cut payroll by more than $3 million, resulting in personnel cuts and job losses.
Tourism marketing and promotion in Florida means more than just advertising to welcome out-of-state visitors. Florida’s tourism economy puts 1.4 million people to work. And, unfortunately, many more Floridians will soon be feeling the uncertainty and sting of unemployment because VISIT FLORIDA was underfunded this legislative session.
People don’t come to Florida by accident – it takes the partnerships between businesses, local marketing organizations and VISIT FLORIDA to help small and local tourism-reliant businesses thrive and grow. We are hopeful Florida’s leadership will continue to see the value in having organizations dedicated to promoting Florida’s tourism offerings in this incredibly competitive industry, and by doing so, send a clear message to all Floridians that their jobs and our economy matter.”
