VISIT FLORIDA shared the following video today that features Cathy Ritter, the Director of the Colorado Tourism Office. Twenty years ago, Colorado cut their tourism marketing funding and have never been able to regain the ground that was lost.
Note: This video was produced at no cost to VISIT FLORIDA.
Click HERE to watch.
visit florida
ICYMI: WESH: Gov. Scott requests $100 Million for VISIT FLORIDA
“Gov. Scott requests $100 Million for VISIT FLORIDA”
WESH-ORD (NBC) – Orlando, FL
April 18, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Florida’s Hospitality Industry Celebrates Governor Scott’s Announcement for Increased Funding for VISIT FLORIDA
(Tallahassee, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) applauds today’s announcement by Florida Governor Rick Scott recommending a $24 million increase in the state’s investment in VISIT FLORIDA. This funding amount is in addition to the Governor’s $76 million recommendation and would allocate a total of $100 million for the state’s destination marketing corporation in the budget for
fiscal year 2017-2018.
“We are extremely grateful for the Governor’s continued leadership and foresight to increase the state’s investment in Florida’s tourism industry. This announcement comes at a critical time when lawmakers are proposing dramatic cuts to VISIT FLORIDA’s budget. Florida’s economy depends on visitors selecting the Sunshine State as their leading destination. By providing VISIT FLORIDA with the tools necessary to boost visitation, we’re injecting tourist spending into local businesses and promoting job creation across all sectors of the state’s economy,” said Carol Dover,
President and CEO of the FRLA.
According to the Office of Economic Demographic Research’s Return on Investment study of VISIT FLORIDA, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA, the state sees a $3.20 return. In 2016, Florida welcomed a record number of tourists with 112.8 million visitors to the state.
The FRLA represents and serves more than 10,000 independent and household name members across the state, including hotels, restaurants, theme parks and attractions.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT WFOX-Gov. Scott Requests $100 Million for VISIT FLORIDA
“Gov. Scott Requests $100 Million for VISIT FLORIDA”
WFOX – Jacksonville, FL
April 18, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
VIDEO: Gov. Scott Requests $100 Million for VISIT FLORIDA
After meeting with tourism leaders from across the state today, Governor Rick Scott urged the Florida Legislature to fully fund VISIT FLORIDA at $100 million.
ICYMI: WKMG: Gov. Scott Fights for Funding for VISIT FLORIDA and Enterprise Florida
“Gov. Scott Fights for Funding for VISIT FLORIDA and Enterprise Florida”
WKMG-ORD (CBS) – Orlando, FL
April 12, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
ICYMI: WEAR: Gov. Scott Defends VISIT FLORIDA at Destin Roundtable
“Gov. Scott Defends VISIT FLORIDA at Destin Roundtable”
WEAR (ABC) – Mobile, AL
April 8, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
ICYMI: First Coast News: Gov. Scott: EFI and VISIT FLORIDA Create Job Opportunities for Florida Students
“Gov. Scott: EFI and VISIT FLORIDA Create Job Opportunities for Florida Students”
WTLV-JAX (NBC) – Jacksonville, FL
April 5, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Gov. Scott Discusses Economic Impacts of EFI and VISIT FLORIDA
Gov. Scott Discusses Economic Impacts of EFI and VISIT FLORIDA
with Education Leaders and Students in Jacksonville
Governor Rick Scott today hosted a Fighting for Florida Jobs Roundtable with local education leaders, students and job creators at Florida State College at Jacksonville to discuss how economic development programs like Enterprise Florida and VISIT FLORIDA help create job opportunities for Florida graduates.
ICYMI: Pensacola News Journal: Guest View: Visit Florida puts Pandhandle gems on map
Guest View: Visit Florida puts Pandhandle gems on map
Pensacola News-Journal
Op-ed: Commissioner Adam Putnam
March 22, 2017
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Last year, more than 112 million visitors came to Florida and spent $109 billion during their time in the Sunshine State. These dollars are spent at hotels, restaurants and attractions, among other Florida businesses, where more than 1.4 million Floridians are employed. This record was, in part, achieved by the reputation of our white, sandy beaches, family-friendly attractions and warm hospitality. But many of Florida’s destinations would have remained unknown without the advertising and promotions by the state’s tourism agency, Visit Florida, under the focused leadership of Governor Rick Scott.
Visit Florida has helped put the gems of Northwest Florida on the radar of curious tourists looking for lesser known places to explore and enjoy while recharging their batteries during their annual vacation. Places like the Perdido River Paddling Trail and Pensacola Beach Boardwalk don’t always come to mind when families are brainstorming where to go. These destinations are highlighted as go-to places by Visit Florida’s promotions, along with many other special, yet lesser known parts of Florida.
….
Northwest Florida has been dealt a number of blows in recent years. Tourism took a dive during the Great Recession, and then the BP oil spill threatened to damage the natural beauty this area is so well known for. But, recently, the courts directed BP to contribute $300 million toward economic development in Northwest Florida and another $1.4 billion more over the next 14 years.
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Tourism, agriculture and the military have long-anchored the Northwest Florida economy. We shouldn’t stop promoting the Emerald Coast – and just assume families will continue to come. We need to toot our own horn loudly and proudly about what Florida has to offer.
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Adam Putnam is Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture.
