GOVERNOR CRIST APPLAUDS FLORIDA TOURISM INDUSTRY LEADERS
~~ ~Highlights Florida’s long tradition as top tourist destination ~ ~~
August 24, 2009
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394
MIAMI BEACH – Continuing his focus on strengthening Florida’s economy, Governor Charlie Crist today addressed hundreds of tourism industry leaders at the 42nd Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism. The conference, coordinated by VISIT FLORIDA, brings together key members of Florida’s tourism industry to discuss the latest industry trends, conditions and business practices.
“Florida continues to be one of the world’s top tourist destinations,” said Governor Crist. “Now is the time for the industry to collectively and creatively respond to ensure Florida’s promotional efforts connect with markets key to rebounding against the temporary downturn.”
Governor Crist expressed optimism in Florida’s tourism industry, despite challenging economic conditions. Preliminary estimates show Canadian travel to Florida was up by 5.2 percent during the second quarter of 2009 (April-June) compared to the previous year, which included an increase in both air and non-air visitors. Governor Crist also highlighted recent innovative tourism programs such as the Viva Florida! campaign, a multi-year, multi-city consumer awareness campaign tailored to educate audiences and promote Spanish culture and heritage throughout the state. In addition, the Governor emphasized Florida’s long tradition as a top tourist destination known for its array of vacation opportunities and experiences.
The theme of this year’s annual tourism conference is “Selling the Sunshine, a Florida Tradition.” Tourism in Florida provides 21 percent of the state’s total taxable sales, and tourism industry employment represents more than one million jobs. In 2008, tourism returned $3.9 billion to Florida in tax revenue and generated $65.2 billion in direct economic impact.
About VISIT FLORIDA
VISIT FLORIDA is the official tourism marketing corporation for the state of Florida. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism to Florida through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations, new product development and visitor services programs. As a public/private partnership VISIT FLORIDA has more than 3,400 tourism industry Partners and four major strategic alliances with American Express Travel Related Services, AirTran Airways, Dollar Rent A Car and The Hertz Corporation. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, visit www.VISITFLORIDA.org.