Florida News Straight From the Source
“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. [Read more…] about Statement by FADMO regarding looming job cuts at VISIT FLORIDA
The Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (FADMO) celebrates Florida’s tourism industry this week during National Tourism and Travel Week (May 5-11). [Read more…] about Florida Celebrates Tourism Industry During National Tourism and Travel Week
[Read more…] about FADMO statement regarding the future of VISIT FLORIDA
The Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (FADMO) today delivered “green slime” (gooey, green glow-in-the-dark putty) to Florida’s legislators with a clear message— reauthorize and fully fund VISIT FLORIDA. [Read more…] about Green Slime Deliveries to Legislature Highlight Need for VISIT FLORIDA Funding
The Florida Airports Council is expressing concerns about the Florida Legislature cutting funding for VISIT FLORIDA according to a recent article in The Capitolist. [Read more…] about Florida Airports Concerned About Visit Florida Funding
“On behalf of local tourism promotion agencies across the state, we call on the Florida House of Representatives to reauthorize and fully fund VISIT FLORIDA. [Read more…] about FADMO Statement Regarding the Reauthorization and Funding of VISIT FLORIDA
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. [Read more…] about Florida Tourism Day Highlights the Significant Impact of Tourism on the State’s Economy
A Tampa Bay Times article this week highlighted the significant impact tourism has on Pasco County. [Read more…] about Tourism is Working for Pasco County
Statement by Robert Skrob, Executive Director, Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations regarding HB 3, which was passed today out of the House Ways & Means Committee
“Local tourism marketing organizations are already fully transparent in their operations, but if state lawmakers would like to impose additional requirements they believe will further strengthen local tourism marketing transparency, we welcome that.
However, there are several provisions in HB 3 that have nothing to do with transparency, which will drastically impair local communities’ ability to attracts visitors to their areas.
We will no longer be able to host marketing events for event planners, sports teams, media and other prospective customers because these events typically involve food, beverages, lodging, tickets and entertainment, which would not be permitted under HB 3. This is how we draw visitors, conventions and conferences, sporting events and other functions to our areas.
As it is currently written, this bill would not allow any of our local tourism marketing activities to benefit one entity. That hurts counties with only one hotel or counties where it is important to drive business to the hotel connected to the convention center because those revenues directly support the convention center – a facility that benefits all of the community. These are just a couple of examples of how this provision would hamstring our ability to bring visitors and revenue to our counties.
Another provision would require that any contract over $5,000 be posted within five business days after execution. We recognize the need for transparency in all contracts that spend tax dollars and agree this information should be available to the public, but would like to have a longer window of time for posting this information to avoid having our deals undercut by other destinations in this highly competitive industry.
We have been working with House staff on this bill and appreciate the opportunity to have input. We hope these serious concerns that still remain can be addressed and we look forward to continuing to work with the House on this bill as it makes its way through the process.”
“Florida’s Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) are fully transparent and in compliance with all state and local laws. Adding more government bureaucracy and redundancy just adds costs. Our state tourism numbers are at record levels. The current structure is working.
If there are ways to further strengthen accountability, we welcome the opportunity to have a dialogue on an approach that protects the jobs of the 1.4 million Floridians whose livelihoods depend on tourism.”
