FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 31, 2024

CONTACTS:

For Destinations Florida: Jennifer Fennell, (850) 597-0057, [email protected]

For Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association: Ashley Chambers, (254) 715-9040, [email protected]

Tallahassee, Fla. – Over the next week, representatives of Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry will promote the value of tourism and tourism promotion during “Florida Tourism Days: Seven Days of Sunshine,” which includes events, a social media campaign, and visits with lawmakers in Tallahassee to discuss legislative priorities. Tourism and hospitality are the state’s number one industry, the economic engine of our state, a top employer, and a source of revenue that benefits communities across Florida.

Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry have a significant impact on state and local economies, as well as Florida’s job market. According to a recent study commissioned by VISIT FLORIDA:

• In 2022, travelers spent a record $124.9 billion, outpacing 2021 by nearly $20 billion.
• For every dollar spent by the 137.4 million visitors in 2022, 97 cents were retained in the Florida economy.
• On average, visitors contribute $333 million per day to Florida’s economy.
• Florida tourism raised a total of $35.2 billion in taxes, $18.9 billion in federal tax revenue, $8.1 billion in Florida state tax revenue, and $8.2 billion in local tax receipts.
• Tourism-supported employment surpassed its pre-pandemic peak by 422,000 jobs, growing to 2 million jobs, with direct employment making up 66 percent of the total at 1.3 million jobs.
• Travel and tourism generated $73 billion in wages for Florida workers in 2022.

Welcoming visitors to our state also provides benefits to residents. Thanks to tourism and the revenue tourism generates:

• Florida residents do not pay a state income tax, making Florida one of only eight states without a state income tax.
• Every Florida household saves $1,840 a year on state and local taxes.
• Communities can provide critical services residents rely on, such as education, public safety, infrastructure, and environmental programs.

Here’s what Florida tourism and hospitality leaders are saying regarding legislation impacting the tourism and hospitality industry:

Bill Lupfer, President & CEO, Florida Attractions Association

“VISIT FLORIDA does an excellent job promoting our state as a whole to potential visitors, but local tourism promotion is essential to bringing visitors to the various destinations throughout the state. We need local tourism promotion, funded through Tourist Development Taxes, to bring visitors to our members’ gates and to keep industry professionals employed. We strongly oppose any expansion of the uses of Tourist Development Taxes.”

Malinda Horton, Executive Director, Florida Association of Museums

“Tourist Development Taxes were established to ensure counties had a dedicated funding source for the tourism promotion efforts necessary to create jobs and generate local revenue. They not only help our members attract out-of-town visitors to our museums and other arts and cultural experiences, but they also ensure those institutions are available for residents to enjoy. To keep these travel offerings available to residents and visitors alike, we need to not make any changes to the current permissible uses of Tourist Development Taxes.”

Carol Dover, President/CEO, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association

“The strength of Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry ensures that Florida remains a premier destination for visitors and that our state expands its economic vitality. We will continue to work with legislators to champion the needs of our members and the broader hospitality community to promote job creation, retain and attract a diverse workforce, improve and simplify business processes, and support tourism promotion. Together, we can build a resilient and vibrant industry that not only meets the expectations of travelers but also contributes significantly to Florida’s economic prosperity.”

Bobby Cornwell, President and CEO, Florida RV Park and Campground Association

“Tourism is the lifeblood of Florida’s economy. It is a major source of revenue for the state and for local communities. Maintaining a strong tourism industry will ensure these revenue streams will continue to support our state and local counties’ budgets. The only way to do that is to continue to fund state tourism promotion through VISIT FLORIDA and local tourism promotion through Tourist Development Taxes.”

Robert Skrob, Executive Director, Destinations Florida

“Tourism is one of the reasons Florida is such a great place to live, work, and play because it helps keep the tax base low for residents. We don’t pay a state income tax and we save more than $1,800 in state and local taxes each year. Local tourism promotion, which is funded through Tourist Development Taxes, is instrumental in bringing these visitors to our destinations. It is imperative that we maintain the current permissible uses of Tourist Development Taxes.”

Dana Young, President and CEO, VISIT FLORIDA

“VISIT FLORIDA is proud to work with our valued partners and industry associations across the state to promote Florida’s Sunshine throughout the world. Florida’s Tourism Industry is the heartbeat of our state’s economy, with visitors having an economic impact of $121.5 Billion throughout the state, and by working together we can ensure that Florida remains the #1 destination for visitors.”

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced $550,000 in Florida Disaster Fund recovery grants to support long-term recovery efforts following Hurricane Idalia. Expedited grants in the amount of $50,000 have been awarded to 11 organizations that are designated as Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs). LTRGs help to coordinate long-term recovery services within the communities and connect Floridians with available programs. The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover after a disaster.

“We will continue to provide support for Floridians as they recover following Hurricane Idalia,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Hurricane recovery does not happen in just the days and weeks following a storm, and we will support impacted communities every step of the way.”

“I am proud of what we have done for Floridians as they recover from Hurricane Idalia. With dedicated dollars from the Florida Disaster Fund, we are supporting long-term recovery efforts and ensuring that there are no unmet needs,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Recovery can be a long process and I am appreciative of the work that our Governor continues to do to support Floridians impacted by Hurricane Idalia.”

“The Volunteer Florida Foundation is pleased to announce the award of Florida Disaster Fund grants that will support long-term efforts in areas still recovering from Hurricane Idalia,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “We are committed to ensuring our communities receive the support necessary to rebuild. Thank you to those who donated to the Florida Disaster Fund and made this support possible.”

The following counties were awarded Florida Disaster Fund long-term recovery grants to support existing projects that help individuals recover from Hurricane Idalia:

• Charlotte ($50,000)
• Citrus ($50,000)
• Hernando ($50,000)
• Jefferson ($50,000)
• Madison ($50,000)
• Pasco ($50,000)
• Pinellas ($50,000)
• Sarasota ($50,000)
• Suwannee Valley (Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Columbia) ($50,000)
• Taylor ($50,000)
• Tri-County (Gilchrist, Dixie, Levy) ($50,000)

These awards follow more than $1.6 million awarded to education foundations, charitable organizations and local community churches in addition to a $700,000 award to support the shellfish and aquaculture industry and a $100,000 award to support Taylor County workforce and economic development activities following the storm.

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TALLAHASSEE – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced the installation of its 2024 Board of Directors Executive Committee, which includes veteran industry leaders with nearly 250 years of combined experience in hospitality. As Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality trade association, FRLA has provided unmatched service to the industry and its members for over 75 years. The mission of FRLA is to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s hospitality industry – a $112 billion industry with more than 1.3 million employees.

FRLA’s 2024 Board of Directors Executive Committee is comprised of the following:

• Chairman: John Horne, Owner of Anna Maria Oyster Bars, Bradenton, and Café L’Europe, Sarasota
• Vice Chairman: Nick Sarra, Partner & Chief Executive Officer, Saltwater Restaurants, Inc., Florida Panhandle
• Secretary/Treasurer and Lodging Director: Greg Cook, Luxury General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
• Lodging Director: Barbara Bowden, Area Managing Director for Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando
• Restaurant Director: Henry Delgado, Managing Partner, Smith and Wollensky Restaurant Group, Miami Beach
• Restaurant Director: Chuck Prather, President, Birchwood Development (The Birchwood, Birchwood Canopy, Birch & Vine), St. Petersburg
• Immediate Past Chairwoman:Olivia Hoblit, Director of Lodging, World Equestrian Center, Ocala

“Despite the ever-evolving challenges we encounter each year, the enduring resilience and significance of our industry in strengthening our communities and driving Florida’s economic prosperity remains unwavering,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “We remain committed to advancing our mission to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s vibrant hospitality industry and to keep the economic engine of our state running well. Our distinguished 2024 Executive Committee brings a wealth of knowledge, talent, passion, and skills to help propel FRLA and the industry forward, and together we look forward to supporting our members and actively contributing to the thriving landscape of the industry.”

“Having the honor to serve a second term in this esteemed role is a thrilling opportunity to further support the hospitality professionals of the great state of Florida,” said FRLA Board Chairman John Horne. As we continue to prioritize statewide and federal advocacy on behalf of our industry, I draw inspiration from the millions of Floridians that FRLA members employ, whether they are culinarians, front desk workers, bartenders, or engaged in any role imaginable. Their dedicated and enthusiastic efforts are instrumental in ensuring that Florida retains its status as the world’s favorite destination. We have a tremendous Executive Board who will work extra hard knowing they depend on us in 2024.”

For full biographies for the FRLA Board of Directors, please click here.

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.3 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff^® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted a recent study commissioned by VISIT FLORIDA which shows that with the record-breaking number of visitors in 2022, travelers spent a record $124.9 billion, outpacing 2021 by nearly $20 billion. For every dollar spent by the 137.4 million visitors in 2022, 97 cents were retained in the Florida economy. On average, visitors contribute $333 million per day to Florida’s economy.

“Whether for business or vacation, people continue to visit Florida and support Florida businesses because of our commitment to keeping the economy open and allowing businesses to thrive without arbitrary government restrictions,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida is the best state in the nation to bring your business and vacation with your families.”

“Whether for work or play, Governor DeSantis’ freedom-first policies have allowed Florida’s tourism industries and all industries to flourish to record levels,” said Dana Young, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “The impact of commerce and tourism on Florida’s economy cannot be overstated, and again Florida has proven that its charging faster than the national economic trends which have otherwise set back many other states.”

Highlights from the 2022 Economic Impact Report include:

• Tourism-supported employment surpassed its pre-pandemic peak by 422,000 jobs, growing to 2 million jobs, with direct employment making up 66% of the total at 1.3 million jobs.
• Domestic visitors to Florida spent $112.7 billion in 2022 and international visitors spent $12.2 billion, providing a $124.9 billion out-of-state spending stimulus to Florida’s economy.
• In comparison, in 2021 domestic visitors to Florida spent $99.4 billion and international visitors spent $5.7 billion, which resulted in a $105.1 billion out-of-state visitor spend.
• Tourism was responsible for 9.5% of all Florida jobs in 2022, making tourism Florida’s 2nd largest employer. Employment grew by 16.8%, compared to the state’s 7.6% growth.
• Travel and tourism generated $73 billion in wages for Florida workers in 2022.
• One out of every six private sector jobs were supported by tourism in 2022.
• Florida tourism raised a total of $35.2 billion in taxes, $18.9 billion in federal tax revenue, $8.1 billion in Florida state tax revenue, and $8.2 billion in local tax receipts.
• Without tourism, Florida’s 8.8 million households would each have to pay more than $1,840 in state and local taxes to maintain current levels of receipts.

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FloridaCommerce Activates Business Damage Assessment Survey to Measure Impact of Damage Caused by January Severe Weather

Contact: Vanessa Sink, National Restaurant Association, [email protected]

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 4, 2024) – The National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) today announced their 2024 board officers, directors, and trustees.

Jeff Lobdell, president and founder of Restaurant Partners Management, LLC., will serve as chair of the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors, and Shaun Beard, senior vice president of SAVOR Hospitality, will serve as chair of the NRAEF Board of Trustees.

“The restaurant industry is changing along with the expectations of the customers and communities we serve,” said Michelle Korsmo, president & CEO of the National Restaurant Association and CEO of the NRAEF. “As chairs of the Association and Foundation Boards, Jeff and Shaun bring a passion for exceptional dining experiences and community-based leadership. We’re also pleased to welcome our newly elected Board members who represent the breadth and depth of our industry. Their collective knowledge and insights will be critical as we work to advance a thriving restaurant and foodservice industry.”

Vice Chair Richard Schneider, chief development officer of Areas USA, and Treasurer Mike Axiotis, CEO and president of the Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group, complete the Association’s 2023 Board leadership.

“The restaurant industry has provided more than sixty percent of the adult workforce in this country with skills that have added to their value in the professional world. The NRAEF is dedicated to keeping those skills on the restaurant industry career ladder. I look forward to working with Shaun and the Trustees to develop the opportunity and support needed for today and tomorrow’s workforce,” said Rob Gifford, president of the NRAEF.

Other NRAEF officers include Vice Chair Bill Kohl, principal of Greenwood Hospitality Group, and Treasurer Carrie Leishman, president and CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association.

Each of the officers will serve a one-year term. The following is the list of 2024 board officers:

National Restaurant Association

Chair: Jeff Lobdell is the president and founder of Restaurant Partners Management, LLC. Lobdell has been passionate about the hospitality industry, his restaurant businesses, and the communities that they operate in for more than 35 years. He supports many local non-profits focused on supporting local kids and families. He also serves as a member of the Grand Rapids Police Foundation Board and is active within the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association. Lobdell is a graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Hospitality.

Vice Chair: Richard Schneider is chief development officer of Areas USA, where he is responsible for company growth, government affairs, community affairs, brand and concept development, and construction. Throughout his career, Schneider has developed many strong culinary relationships across the country in multiple verticals to help design award-winning concepts. He helped to create the Areas Cares program to support the communities they serve and has also led the company’s community education program supporting local high school culinary programs to help build opportunities for students.

Treasurer: Mike Axiotis is CEO and president of the Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group, a locally owned and operated franchisee of Red Robin. Through tireless hard work, love of the hospitality business and people, and his commitment to excellence, Axiotis worked his way up the ranks at LVRG, eventually being elected as CEO in 2018. His history in the industry extends back nearly 40 years, starting with his family’s restaurant. Axiotis believes his success is an opportunity to give back through impactful community involvement and support of the team members of LVRG.

The National Restaurant Association also added several new members to the board. The newly elected directors include:

• Madelyn Alfano, Maria’s Italian Kitchen
• Dagmar Boggs, The Coca-Cola Company
• Greg Flynn, Flynn Restaurant Group
• Michael Gonda, McDonald’s Corporation
• Victoria Gutierrez, Sysco
• GJ Hart, Red Robin International
• John Horne, Oysters Rock Hospitality, Anna Maria Oyster Bars, and Café L’Europe
• Bill Kitsilis, Axios Hospitality
• Amber Moshakos, LM Restaurants
• Sam Sanchez, Third Coast Hospitality

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

Chair: Shaun Beard is the senior vice president of SAVOR Hospitality, where he is responsible for establishing and growing the SAVOR brand for parent company ASM Global Facility Management, while increasing operating income through operating restaurants, catering, concessions and large special events. He previously served as vice president at CENTERPLATE in Spartanburg, S.C., where he directed planning and executed strategies across the U.S. and Canada. Beard holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Colorado, has completed the Executive Management Program at the University of Florida, and earned certificates at the Culinary Institute of America.

Vice Chair: Bill Kohl oversees the strategic and operational direction of Greenwood Hospitality Group’s portfolio of hotels. Additionally, he directs the company’s activities in restaurant development, concept design, and re-positioning. During his 35-year career, Kohl has received several honors including The Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association’s General Manager of the Year and the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s State Leadership Award. He is founder of Très Bonne Année, a series of wine and food events and international wine auction for charity, which raises more than $400,000 annually. A native of Springfield, Pa., Kohl is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management.

Treasurer: Carrie Leishman is president and CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) and the Delaware Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Leishman is a passionate and fearless advocate for the industry and is credited with strengthening the DRA into one of the most influential business organizations in the state. The DRA created the first industry training for substance abuse awareness and prevention, and for this work, received recognition from the White House in 2018. Leishman grew up in upstate New York and graduated from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

In addition to naming its new board officers, the NRAEF also introduced its new board trustees. They include:

• Mateo Cidre, as Sobao Bakery & Restaurant
• Damian Hanft, Inspire Brands

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About the National Restaurant Association

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises nearly 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 14.5 million employees. Together with 52 State Associations, we are a network of professional organizations dedicated to serving every restaurant through advocacy, education, and food safety. We sponsor the industry’s largest trade show (National Restaurant Association Show); leading food safety training and certification program (ServSafe); unique career-building high school program (the NRAEF’s ProStart). For more information, visit Restaurant.org and find us on Twitter @WeRRestaurants, Facebook and YouTube.

About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

As the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s (NRAEF) mission of service to the public is dedicated to enhancing the industry’s training and education, career development and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower and Advance today’s and tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart® – a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready/HOPES – Partnering with community-based organizations to provide people with skills training and job opportunities; Military – helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships – financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC) – accredited apprenticeship programs designed to build the careers of service professionals. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org. 

 ~ Funds will allow for major transformation for culinary program through new commercial-grade kitchen equipment ~

L-R: FRLA Monroe Board Members Mike Weber, Jessica Cain, & Bill Lay; Chef Carl Stanton (Instructor); Students Gaby Gutierrez, Aurora Boggs, & Aidan Gonzalez; FRLA Regional Director Lynne Hernandez; Yunior Rodriguez (FRLA Monroe Board Member); Bryan Nunez (Student); Tiffany Holmes (FRLA Monroe Board Member)

MARATHON – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) announced the awarding of a $50,000 Kitchen Remodel Grant for the Marathon High School ProStart Program in Monroe County.

Marathon High School was selected from over 200 ProStart participant high schools across Florida. Grant applicants highlighted their facility size, number of program participants, age of their facility, and repairs needed. The FRLAEF board reviewed the applications to determine where the grant would be most impactful.

“The FRLA Education Foundation has always been a great supporter of Florida’s high school ProStart and HTM (Hotel and Tourism Management) programs through annual mini-grants, but it is especially gratifying to make an even larger impact with this $50,000 kitchen makeover,” said Laura Rumer, Director of the FRLA Educational Foundation. “These talented students and their peers in ProStart programs across Florida represent the future of our hospitality industry, and we are incredibly proud to support their education and amazing talent as they develop skills for future careers.”

“I am extremely grateful for this grant,” said Chef Carl Stanton, Marathon High School (MHS) ProStart Instructor. “This will give us the opportunity here at MHS for a much-needed upgrade to our equipment. My students will be able to create and prepare more items and increase their skills for competitions and jobs as well.”

“We are so delighted that at long last Chef Carl Stanton and the Marathon High School ProStart program have been awarded these funds,” said Lynne Hernandez, FRLA Regional Director. “The classroom suffered damage during Hurricane Irma, but the program persisted despite those challenges. This award is so well-deserved, and we are grateful for Chef Stanton’s leadership. He is a consistent, committed educator and passionate champion for these kids and the future of our industry. Congratulations!”

The ProStart program is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s food service industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-world opportunities and builds practical skills and career foundations that will last a lifetime. Nationally, Florida has the largest ProStart program with more than 30,000 ProStart students.

About FRLA

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.3 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through SafeStaff^® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

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