Gov. Scott: Florida Sets All-Time Tourism Record in First Half of 2017

TAMPA, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida set another record by welcoming the highest number of visitors of any six months in the state’s history with 60.7 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This represents a 4.1 percent increase over the same period in 2016, and includes 53.2 million domestic visitors, 5.3 million overseas visitors and 2.2 million Canadian visitors.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce today that Florida has continued its record breaking success by welcoming more than 60 million visitors to our state over the first half of 2017- the highest number of visitors of any six months in our state’s history. This means back-to-back record quarters for our state. Now, with the investments made in VISIT FLORIDA during this year’s Special Legislative Session, we can continue to break records and work toward our goal of 120 million visitors this year. Florida’s booming tourism industry supports 1.4 million jobs across the state, and I know that VISIT FLORIDA and their many local partners are continuing to focus on breaking more records in order to help create even more opportunities for our families.”

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 29.9 million visitors traveled to Florida in the second quarter of 2017 (April-June), an increase of 6.8 percent over the same period last year. This Q2 number breaks down to 26.4 million domestic visitors, 2.6 million overseas visitors and 899,000 Canadians coming to Florida. Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in Q2 2017 increased 6.1 percent over the same period the previous year, with a record 22.8 million enplaned passengers. The number of hotel rooms sold in Florida during quarter two of 2017 grew by 4.2 percent compared to quarter two 2016. During the same period, Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) increased by 4.0 percent and occupancy by 2.5 percent.

Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “With more than 60 million visitors to the state so far this year, this is an exciting and historic time for the Florida tourism industry. VISIT FLORIDA is committed to continuing to create cutting-edge marketing programs for our industry partners of all sizes that showcase the state to visitors and help make Florida the number one vacation destination in the world.”

The Florida Aquarium President and CEO Roger Germann said, “I am proud to join Governor Scott for this exciting announcement today. Our team at The Florida Aquarium welcomes hundreds of thousands of Tampa Bay residents and guests from around the world every year, and we are incredibly proud of our economic and educational impact in the community and our state. I look forward to working with Governor Scott, VISIT FLORIDA and our partners across the state to continue Florida’s thriving tourism industry and create even more opportunities at The Florida Aquarium.”

The Florida Aquarium Chief Operating Officer Scott Rose said, “The news that Florida tourism has had another record quarter and the biggest six months in our history is no surprise to me. Florida is an incredible state with so many things to see and experience, especially right here in Tampa Bay, including The Florida Aquarium. Our partnership with VISIT FLORIDA contributes significantly to our success and we look forward to continuing to work with them to share our mission and vision with others.”

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association President and CEO Carol Dover said, “Florida continues to set record tourism numbers, which supports our economy and the 1.4 million industry jobs across the state. As ambassadors of Florida’s tourism industry, we will continue to work diligently to attract even more visitors to enjoy our incredible state. The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association is proud to be a champion of the tourism industry and honored to share Florida’s world-renowned hospitality with residents and visitors alike.”

Mise en Place President and CEO Maryann Ferenc said, “Six consecutive years of record visitation and now two more record quarters to start off the year do not happen by accident. It’s the result of really smart marketing by VISIT FLORIDA and the entire Florida tourism industry. Now is the time for all of us – big, small, public, private, DMO, commercial entity – to work together so that we can achieve our goal of 120 million visitors this year and make Florida the number one travel destination in the world.”

Madame Tussauds Orlando Senior Trade Sales Manager and Board Chair of the Florida Attractions Association Nick Romeo said, “With another quarter of record visitation numbers, it’s clear to see why Florida is a top worldwide destination. Florida’s world-class attractions play an important role in bringing people here, and we are working every day to market ourselves more aggressively. We look forward to continuing to work with VISIT FLORIDA to set more records and make Florida the number one global destination.”

To view additional Florida visitor data, go the Research page on VISIT FLORIDA’s media website.

*Preliminary estimates are issued 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Final estimates are released when final data are received for all estimates in the report.

World-renowned Hospitality Leaders Share Industry Insights at FRLA’s Marketing + Operations Summit

(Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present its annual Marketing + Operations Summit, scheduled for Wednesday, August 2 and Thursday, August 3 at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. The two-day event is designed to spotlight hospitality industry leaders who have instituted best practices in their own companies and introduce innovative business trends to increase sales and customer satisfaction. Featured presenters from Union Square Hospitality Group, Technomic, Bloomin’ Brands, Coca-Cola, Duffy’s Sports Grill, Firehouse Subs, Marriott, Miller’s Ale House, Snagajob, Tijuana Flats, World of Beer and Wyndham will share marketing and operation tips and techniques on how to manage your restaurant or hotel more effectively.

“This is a unique opportunity for our colleagues in hospitality to engage with powerful industry leaders, learn innovative techniques and interact with creative suppliers. This Marketing + Operations Summit is a must-attend event, designed to help businesses keep their finger on the pulse of what’s hot in hospitality,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA.

For a full schedule of events, please click here. Media is invited to attend portions of the two-day event and asked to contact FRLA Press Secretary, Erin Power at epower@FRLA.org or 407-432-6400 for confirmation.

WHEN:

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM       Registration + Information Desk Open

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM     Coffee + Networking

12:00 PM                         Lunch Begins

12:30 – 12:45 PM            Welcoming Remarks 

12:45 – 1:45 PM              Keynote Speaker: Erin Moran, Chief Culture Officer, Union Square Hospitality Group 

                                        “Creating a Corporate Culture That Loves to Innovate”

2:00 – 5:15 PM                Breakout Educational Sessions

5:30 – 6:45 PM                Hospitality Happy Hour

Thursday, August 3, 2017

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM        Registration + Information Desk Open

8:00 – 8:30 AM                Breakfast 

8:30 – 9:15 AM                Keynote Speaker: Jim Knight, Founder, Knight Speaker 

                                         “Hiring Rock Stars”                

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM        Breakout Educational Sessions

12:15 – 12:45 PM            Keynote Presentation: Align Public Strategies, Recording of Working Lunch Podcast

Moderators

Joe Kefauver, Managing Partner, Align Public Strategies

Franklin Coley, Partner, Align Public Strategies

Sean Kelly, Host, Working Lunch

Presenters

Lino Maldonado, VP of Operations for Gulf Region, Wyndham Vacation Rentals

Dave Reid, COO, World of Beer

Joe Kadow, EVP Chief Legal Officer, Bloomin’ Brand

12:45 – 1:15 PM             Wrap-up Summit + Closing Remark

View the detailed agenda, including details regarding the breakout sessions here.

WHERE:

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

3030 Holiday Drive

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

COST:

Pre-Registration: $199

At the Door: $22

Ticket price includes two lunches, breakfast, and hospitality happy-hour reception. Hotel accommodations not included. Seating is limited

For registration and additional information, please visit: http://frla.org/event/summit/. To see photos from last year’s event please click here or to view a video, click here. Additionally, be sure to follow this event live on social media by searching for #FRLASummit.

Restaurant Industry Veteran to Share Industry Insights on Millennials at Sarasota Breakfast

(Sarasota, Fla.) – The Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is excited to feature Dave Reid, Chief Operating Officer for World of Beer Franchising, Inc. A 35-year industry veteran, Reid will offer his enlightening presentation “How to Connect Your Business with the Largest and Wealthiest Generation Ever” at the hospitality networking event scheduled for Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at the Holiday Inn Sarasota-Lakewood Ranch.

Reid has worked every position in the restaurant and hospitality industry, from the dish room to the boardroom. A former Chairman of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Reid worked 21 years previously as the Executive Vice President of Miller’s Ale House Restaurants, overseeing 70 locations, with over 6,000 employees in 10 states. Reid has received a Doctorate of Foodservice award from the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers and was named one of the “Faces of Hospitality” for the state of Florida by FR&L Magazine.

Media is invited to attend this event, details are as follows:

WHAT: FRLA Suncoast Chapter Presents “Connecting Your Business with Millennials”

WHO: Dave Reid, COO, World of Beer Franchising, Inc.

WHEN:

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

9:15AM Registration & Networking

10:00AM Presentation

WHERE:

Holiday Inn Sarasota-Lakewood Ranch

6231 Lake Osprey Drive

Sarasota, Florida 34240

TICKETS:

$20 per person – Member

$24 per person – Future Member

$400 – Event Sponsor (Includes 4 attendees, opening welcome, company name/logo on signage and materials)

Register Here

For more information about the event please click here or contact FRLA Director of Membership, Dannette Lynch, at dannette@frla.org. For media RSVP, please contact Erin Power, FRLA Press Secretary at 850.224.2250 x255 or by email at epower@frla.org.

Dover Selected to Serve as the Chair of the Florida Agricultural Center & Horse Park

(Ocala, Fla.)  –  On June 14, the Florida Agricultural Center & Horse Park (FHP) Board of Directors unanimously approved Carol B. Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) to serve as its Chair. Dover, who has served on the FHP Board of Directors since its inception fills the vacant Chair position for the remainder of the current term ending December 31, 2017. Other members elected to the FHP Executive Committee include: Lonny Powell, 1st Vice Chair, Edward McNamara, 2nd Vice Chair, Jim Strickland, Secretary and Joseph M. O’Farrell III, Treasurer. 

 

The Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park is a 500-acre, multipurpose facility located in Ocala-Marion County that provides a world-class setting for equestrian events throughout the year. With a 79,500-square-foot all-weather arena, seven regulation dressage arenas, over 100 obstacles and stabling, the park is quickly becoming a hub for the state’s equine activities.  FHP was established by Florida Statute 570.685 to provide the state and community with a facility to host outside, equestrian and non-equestrian events, giving preference to, and promoting education of, equine and agriculture related events.

 

“I’m honored to have been selected by my peers to serve as the Chairman of the Florida Agricultural Center & Horse Park. Every challenge presents an opportunity, and as I serve in this new role, I’m determined to reinvigorate our stakeholders, promote a positive workplace culture, and maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency. As a passionate equestrian, I’m excited to work together with our local and state partners to effectively promote FHP as the premier venue for agricultural, equine, and community events,” said Carol B. Dover, President & CEO of the FRLA. 

 

Dover has served as President & CEO of the more than 10,000 member Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) since July of 1995. Dover also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association, Council of State Restaurant Associations, International Society of Hotel Association Executives, VISIT FLORIDA, Florida State University College of Business Board of Governors and Florida TaxWatch.

Local FRLA Hosts “Rock Your Business to Success” Workshop Featuring Nationally-Renowned Speaker and Author Jim Knight

(Key West, Fla.) – The Monroe Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), in partnership Key West Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce, is excited to feature Jim Knight, a nationally-renowned speaker and training and development veteran of more than 30 years, at their upcoming Rock Your Business to Success Workshop. This educational workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at the Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in Key West. Knight will energize hospitality industry professionals with his rock ‘n’ roll spirit and provide seasoned insights on developing, maintaining, or transforming corporate cultures to achieve exceptional and sustainable business results. The event will also include an expo featuring top products and services for the hospitality industry and businesses in general.

Jim Knight is the bestselling author of Culture that Rocks: How to Revolutionize Your Company’s Culture. Knight is the Founder & Owner of Knight Speaker and a Founding Partner/Owner in CareersForward, a restaurant management recruiting company. Knight cut his teeth in the training field, starting out in the snack bar at Gatorland Zoo and as a restaurant staff-level employee for Olive Garden and then Hard Rock Cafe. He eventually became the head of the School of Hard Rocks, running point on all learning & development functions for Hard Rock International. Read full bio here.

Media is invited to attend. Event details are as follows:

WHAT: FRLA’s Rock Your Business to Success Workshop

WHEN: Wednesday, June 28, 2017

WHERE:

Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

1500 Reynolds Street

Key West, FL 33040

AGENDA:

4:00 – 4:30 PM Networking and Expo

4:30 PM Keynote: Jim Knight – “Culture That Rocks”

6:15 PM Networking, Cocktail Reception and Expo

7:30 PM Event Concludes

COST: 

Advance Individual Ticket – $52 Per Person

Advance Group Tickets Discount (Purchase 9 tickets, get 10th free)* – $468 Total

*Limited time offer, discount expires June 21

At The Door – $75 Per person

Expo Table Top Sponsor – $79

REGISTER HERE

This event is open to the public and proudly sponsored by PrimeNet, Sysco, TheZenith UnitedHealthcare and VISIT FLORIDA.

For sponsorship opportunities and membership information, contact Lynne Hernandez, FRLA South Florida Regional Director at 305.710.3962 or by email at lhernandez@frla.org.

For media inquiries, please contact Erin Power, FRLA Press Secretary at 850.224.2250 x255 or by email at epower@frla.org.

Orlando Restaurants #ActLoveGive to Help Homeless Students

(Orlando, Fla.)  – The City of Orlando and Orange County Government, in a collaboration with Pulse, has proclaimed June 12, 2017, as “Orlando United Day – A Day of Love and Kindness.”

On that day, Orlando After-School All-Stars is partnering with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Central Florida Chapter to host “Round Up For Kids” to help fund the Summer of Dreams program. This free 10-week program provides homeless youth with meals, academic enrichment and mentoring.

“Engaging in Acts of Love and Kindness on June 12 is a respectful, meaningful and deeply loving way to remember and honor the lives of those who were lost too soon,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “One year later, I still believe the Pulse tragedy will not define us, but will bring us together.”

Some of Orlando’s best restaurants are making it easy for you to contribute on June 12, 2017. When you dine at any of the restaurants listed here, http://orlandoasas.org/round-up-for-kids/ round up your check to the nearest dollar amount and let your server know you want to Round Up For Kids. The change you donate will help change lives.

“Florida’s hospitality industry is proud to lend its unequivocal support to assist homeless youth in Central Florida. FRLA encourages patrons to dine at participating restaurants and to round up their tabs for children in need,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of FRLA.

Last summer, Summer of Dreams served 1,137 homeless students from 36 different sites in Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties. Each of those students received academic enrichment, tutoring, mentoring, financial literacy training, a back pack filled with school supplies and two meals a day thanks to support from Summer of Dreams Founding Sponsor, Fifth Third Bank. Those students also worked with staff to provide nearly 8,000 hours of community service.

Barb Scherer, Sr. Vice President/Communications from Fifth Third Bank added, “We are pleased to be sponsoring our seventh year of Summer of Dreams. This program is so critical to provide support for homeless children during the summer gap when there is little access to meals. To partner with the City of Orlando, After School All-Stars, FRLA and area restaurants to honor the Pulse tragedy on Orlando United Day by helping these kids is the ultimate act of love, kindness and generosity. Fifth Third Bank is proud to be a part of the Orlando community.”

Learn how to get involved here.

Palm Beach Hospitality Students Partner With Local Artists, Chefs, Musicians to Raise Scholarship Funds at FRLA Event

 

(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – The Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) presented more than $11,000 in scholarships and professional awards to local high school students at its third annual educational fundraiser. The FRLA Education and Arts Together Showcase (E.A.T.S.), pairs talented students with professional counterparts in their respective fields of study. More than 150 attendees gathered to support the next generation of hospitality and culinary students in Palm Beach County. 

During the event held on April 25, 2017 at the West Palm Beach Marriott, Palm Beach County high school ProStart students and area chefs created a fabulous dinner for guests. Students also collaborated with local artists and musicians to prepare original artwork and entertaining music led by the Palm Beach Symphony and Palm Springs Community Middle School string class. During the silent auction, local student artwork was sold alongside hotel stays, and gift certificates to area restaurants, spas and businesses. 

Proceeds from the event benefitted the FRLA Educational Foundation (FRLAEF), which supports hospitality students, schools and teachers in Palm Beach County and across the state. 

FRLA congratulates to the following scholarship recipients: 

Brian Fink Memorial Scholarship Winner

Angelande Estilien- Palm Beach Gardens High School

Hospitality and Tourism Scholarship Recipients

Jessica Arenson- Forest Hill Community High School

Carolina Diaz- Forest Hills Community High School

Culinary Scholarship Recipients

Christian Tristian Jesus- South Tech Academy 

Kelsey Lasater- Palm Beach Gardens High School

Emily Martinez- Palm Beach Gardens High School

Johanna Lopez-  Palm Beach Gardens High School

The FRLAEF provides school-to-career training for 30,000 hospitality students representing more than 250 high schools statewide. Designed to increase the quality and employability of graduates, the program uses an industry-derived curriculum through Florida ProStart and the HTMP. With a focus on the future of Florida’s hospitality industry, these programs allow students to learn and showcase skills that can be used in foodservice and lodging.

Gov. Scott: First Quarter of 2017 Sets Florida Visitation Record

MIAMI, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida set another record by welcoming the highest number of quarterly visitors in the state’s history with 31.1 million visitors in the first quarter of 2017. This represents a 2.5 percent increase over the same period in 2016. Even though Florida’s tourism industry is booming, the Florida Legislature cut VISIT FLORIDA’s budget by 67 percent for the upcoming fiscal year, putting Florida’s incredible growth and the many families and businesses that rely on the tourism industry at risk.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce today that Florida set another record by welcoming 31.1 million visitors during the first quarter of 2017, the highest number of quarterly visitors in the state’s history. This historic number would not have been possible without the significant funding we have invested in VISIT FLORIDA over the past few years. It is disappointing that the Florida Legislature made a shortsighted decision to jeopardize the growth of our tourism industry and the 1.4 million jobs that rely on it by cutting funding to VISIT FLORIDA by 67 percent. Now is not the time to take our foot off the gas. In business, you would never stop marketing when you start to see great results. Instead of decimating funding to VISIT FLORIDA, we should be investing in tourism marketing so we can continue to bring record visitors to our state.”

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 27.1 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in Q1 2017, reflecting a 3.2 percent increase over the same period last year. Estimates also show that 2.7 million overseas visitors and 1.3 million Canadians came to the Sunshine State in January-March 2017. Total emplacements at Florida’s 18 major airports in Q1 2017 increased 1.6 percent over the same period the previous year, with a record 22.7 million enplaned passengers. For Q1 2017, the number of rooms sold grew by 2.2 percent and the hotel occupancy rate rose 0.7 percent compared to Q1 2016.

Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “VISIT FLORIDA will continue to focus on the task at hand, which is successfully marketing small, medium and large communities so the tourism industry can continue to create jobs. Because the Legislature decided to inadequately fund VISIT FLORIDA, our organization is going to have to make tough decisions in the coming weeks and will not be able to compete with destinations like California and Texas. We will strive every day so Florida does not become another case study like other states who lost billions of dollars in revenue due to cutting tourism marketing dollars.”

To view additional Florida visitor data, go the Research page on VISIT FLORIDA’s media website.

*Preliminary estimates are issued 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Final estimates are released when final data are received for all estimates in the report.

Florida’s Hospitality Industry Celebrates Governor Scott’s Announcement of 2017 Q1 Visitor Numbers

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is thrilled at Governor Rick Scott’s announcement today that 31.1 million people visited the state during the first three months of 2017. Compared with the same period last year, this is 2.5 percent increase. In 2016, Florida welcomed a record number of tourists with 112.8 million visitors to the state.
“Florida’s hospitality industry is delighted with Governor Rick Scott’s announcement today proclaiming 31.1 million visitors in the first quarter of 2017. This announcement comes at a critical time when lawmakers recently passed a budget with a 67% cut to VISIT FLORIDA’s budget. Not only do our hotels and restaurants rely on tourist spending to support their employees, the overall health of Florida’s economy depends on visitors selecting the Sunshine State as their leading destination,” 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.
The FRLA represents and serves more than 10,000 independent and household name members across the state, including hotels, restaurants, theme parks and attractions.

Students Representing Florida to Compete in National High School Culinary & Restaurant Business Competition in Charleston

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – Hospitality student teams selected from two high schools will be representing Florida in the country’s premier high school competition focused on restaurant management and culinary arts, the National ProStart Invitational®, from April 28-30 in Charleston, South Carolina. These teams earned top rankings at Florida’s ProStart Competition hosted by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) that occurred March 3-4, 2017 in Orlando.

The Culinary Team from Leto High School and Management Team from Tarpon Springs High School will travel to Charleston, South Carolina for this year’s competition and will compete against high school students across the country for trophies, scholarships, and bragging rights.

Supported by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), ProStart® is a career and technical education program focused on teaching culinary arts and restaurant management fundamentals through a combination of classroom and industry instruction.

This year, nearly 400 student competitors will put their skills to the test in front of culinary and restaurant business leaders, family, and friends. The top five teams from the culinary and management competitions will earn coveted scholarships to continue their restaurant or foodservice education.

“These exemplary students represent the future of Florida’s hospitality industry and the FRLAEF is thrilled to cheer them on as representatives of the Sunshine State. With more than 20,000 students enrolled, Florida’s ProStart program cultivates extraordinary, young leaders in culinary techniques and restaurant management. By providing real-world experience, this program opens the door for a fulfilling career in a trade that offers numerous opportunities for enrichment and advancement,” said Laura Rumer, Director of the FRLAEF.

“Nearly 140,000 high school students are enrolled in ProStart, making it one of the largest career and technical education programs of its kind,” says Rob Gifford, executive vice president, NRAEF. “And these young people are learning not just culinary and management fundamentals, but the skills they need to succeed in the workplace, such as teamwork and time management. Thank you to all of our 2017 ProStart partners who possible for us to change lives and give these students this amazing opportunity.”

National ProStart Invitational activities begin April 28 with the Business & Education Expo and the weekend officially kicks off Friday evening at the Opening Ceremony. Culinary and management competitions begin Saturday, April 29 and continue through Sunday. Students will have time to unwind and celebrate their successes on Saturday evening at Champions’ Night In. The festivities conclude with an Awards Dinner honoring the winners on the evening of April 30. Outside of the competition, all competitors will have the opportunity to network with restaurant and hospitality industry leaders and learn more about post-secondary education opportunities.