VISIT FLORIDA RELEASES NEW ECONOMIC IMPACT FIGURES

VISIT FLORIDA released new figures on the economic impact of visitors to Florida. In 2016, out-of-state visitor spending in Florida reached a record $112 billion, an increase of 2.7 percent over the previous year. Visitors generated $88 billion, or roughly 10 percent, of Florida’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), up 4.2 percent over 2015, and visitors generated $11.6 billion in state and local taxes, up 3.3 percent.

Governor Scott said, “It is great news that Florida has reached yet another tourism record with a historic $112 billion in visitor spending in 2016. Florida’s tourism industry helps support more than 1.4 million jobs across our state and is a major driver in our growing economy. I look forward to working with the Legislature this session to secure $100 million for VISIT FLORIDA so we can continue to market our state as the top tourism destination in the world.”

President & CEO Ken Lawson said, “We are continuing to set visitation records in Florida, and new economic indicators show that VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing is working. Thanks to the leadership of the Governor and legislature, we’re continuing to see increases in not just visitation numbers, but economic indicators as well. Visitor spending, Gross Domestic Product, and state and local revenue are all up thanks to our success marketing the Sunshine State. We hope to continue building on this success by receiving full funding this upcoming year as we work to make Florida the number one global destination.”

Lodging represented the largest visitor spending sector at $31.8 billion, an increase of 3.3 percent over 2015. Visitor spending growth in the food & beverage sector accounted for $23 billion, growing 4.2 percent, and visitors spent more than $16 billion in recreational activities, accounting for a 3.6 percent increase.

The study continued to show visitor spending supporting 1.4 million Florida jobs, with an associated income of $53 billion. These jobs represent 17.1 percent of total employment, supporting one out of every six jobs in the state.

To view the full report, produced by Oxford Economics, click HERE.

To view the updated Florida Tourism Infographic, click HERE.

Florida’s Hospitality Industry Goes Blue in January to Combat Human Trafficking

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced today its proud support of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign to combat human trafficking. During the month of January, which is recognized by Presidential Proclamation as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, FRLA encourages its 10,000 members consisting of hotels, restaurants, suppliers, theme parks and attractions to be vigilant when it comes to combating human trafficking in the State of Florida. Florida’s hospitality industry can take a stand against human trafficking by raising public awareness, recognizing the signs and reporting suspected instances.

On January 11, FRLA’s employees and 10,000 members will join others across the nation to participate in the Blue Campaign’s “Wear Blue Day.” On this day, by wearing blue and contributing to the campaign on social media using the dual hashtags #JoinFRLA #WearBlueDay, the industry will stand in solidarity with victims of human trafficking, raise awareness, and inspire efforts to work together to eradicate this crime.

“With 113 million visitors coming to our state each year, Florida’s hospitality industry must serve as a leader in the fight to combat human trafficking. We strongly encourage our 10,000 members to join us in this important fight and to #JoinFRLA #WearBlueDay on January 11. Our entire industry must work diligently to raise public awareness and provide the necessary tools to protect victims from this atrocious crime,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA.

Industry resources available to help combat human trafficking are available at FRLA.org/human-trafficking-prevention.

Padgett Joins Government Relations Team at the FRLA

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is excited to announce the recent addition of Samantha H. Padgett as General Counsel. Padgett joins FRLA’s stellar Governmental Relations team, currently led by Richard Turner, who will assume a new title as Senior Vice President of Legal and Legislative Affairs. Padgett will perform legal functions, provide legal advice and strengthen the association’s advocacy efforts at the state and local levels. Across the state, the FRLA represents and serves more than 10,000 independent and household name members, including theme parks and attractions.

“We’re extremely proud to have Samantha H. Padgett join our team. Padgett is a well-respected professional in Tallahassee circles and across the state. I’m confident her legal expertise and experience will enhance the Florida hospitality industry’s presence,“ said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA.

Previously, Padgett served for ten years as the Vice President and General Counsel of the Florida Retail Federation (FRF). Padgett is a member of The Florida Bar and received her J.D. degree cum laude from the University of Florida College of Law in 2005, and received her B.A. from Emory University in 2001. She also volunteers as a Board Member on the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, University of Florida Center for Retailing and the Florida Recycling Partnership.

Padgett will begin her role with FRLA in mid-January 2018 and be based at FRLA’s headquarters in Tallahassee.

Gov. Scott: Florida Hits All-Time Record High for Tourism

MIAMI, Fla. – On November 20, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida set another tourism record by welcoming the highest number of visitors of any nine months in the state’s history with 88.2 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This represents a 3.3 percent increase over the 85.4 million visitors from the same period in 2016. This includes 77.6 million domestic visitors, 7.9 million overseas visitors and 2.7 million Canadian visitors. Governor Scott made the announcement at Azucar Ice Cream Company, a locally-owned ice cream boutique that has been nationally recognized as one of Little Havana’s top tourist destinations.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce that Florida has continued our record breaking success by welcoming more than 88 million visitors to our state over the first nine months of the year. Florida has had three record quarters in 2017, which would not be possible without our relentless work to market Florida as the top tourism destination. This includes VISIT FLORIDA’s aggressive marketing efforts to make sure families across the world knew that Florida was open for tourism following Hurricane Irma. We will work with the Legislature to invest $100 million for VISIT FLORIDA this upcoming session to continue this success and make sure Florida can continue to break tourism records.”

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 27.9 million visitors traveled to Florida in the third quarter of 2017 (July-September), an increase of 3.3 percent over the same period last year. This Q3 number breaks down to 24.9 million domestic visitors, 2.6 million overseas visitors and 428,000 Canadian visitors coming to the Sunshine State. Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in Q3 2017 increased 2.4 percent over the same period the previous year, with 20 million passengers. The number of hotel rooms sold in Florida during quarter three of 2017 grew by 4.7 percent compared to quarter three 2016. During the same period, Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) increased by 3.0 percent and occupancy by 2.9 percent.

Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “Back-to-back-to-back record quarters in the first nine months of this year show the Florida tourism industry has great momentum. VISIT FLORIDA will not rest on our laurels, but will continue to be at the forefront of creating leading-edge, original marketing programs for our industry partners so that together we can make Florida the number one vacation destination in the world.”

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.

New Compensation Analysis of Tampa Bay’s Hourly Hotel Employees Reveals Salaries Significantly Higher Than Minimum Wage

Tampa, FL (Oct. 13, 2017) A 2017 survey of the salaries and benefits afforded to employees earning hourly wages at Tampa Bay area hotels indicates most are being paid significantly more than minimum wage. In addition, part-time workers could qualify for days off with pay and may have opportunities to achieve career advancements with commensurate pay increases.

“In this market, (non-tipped, hourly) employees are earning anywhere from 12.3% to 121.5% over minimum wage at hire in 2017. This is an increase from 2016,” said Marissa Orlowski, Ph.D. M.B.A., an assistant professor with the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, reported to members of the Hillsborough County Hotel Motel Association (HCHMA) in October.

“Your (hourly employee) pay has increased over the past two years and is outpacing the national average,” she added.

The exceptions were pay rates for common tipped positions, such as bartenders and restaurant servers. However, on average, those employees still earned a starting pay rate of $7.03 per hour, an amount that exceeds the minimum wage for those positions of just over $5 per hour. Plus they receive tips on top of that salary.

This marks the second year that Tampa Bay hoteliers commissioned a study about current pay rates and job related benefits for hourly employees directly employed by the lodging industry.

Commissioned by the HCHMA, with logistical support from Lykes Insurance, the research also showed that, depending on the length of service and the policy of each hotel property, hourly employees are eligible for paid days off that can be used as vacation, sick days, personal time or for holidays.

“The hospitality industry has long been attacked as low wage, no benefit dead-end career job creators. Unfortunately, our historic response has been almost uniform silence, with no data to counter the negative description placed over our hotels and hospitality partners,” said Bob Morrison, HCHMA executive director.

“The 2017 HCHMA Tampa Bay Hotel Wage and Benefit Survey offers a very different conclusion. We believe this survey provides a very unique snapshot of what we as an industry deliver to Tampa Bay’s workforce.”

Dr. Orlowski collected survey data in July from general managers and human resource directors of participating hotels.

The findings were compiled from online surveys submitted by 41 hotels, an increase from the 35 represented in last year’s report. Wages for 89 hourly positions, ranging from cooking and spa staff to housekeeping personnel and banquet servers, are represented in the report.

Those properties voluntarily responding to the survey included 28 full service properties and 13 select service. Those totals compare with the 24 full and 11 select service hotels that participated in the 2016 survey.

Properties from the four designated Hillsborough County regions (Downtown/Historic Ybor City, Westshore/Rocky Point, Brandon/Fairgrounds and Busch Gardens/USF/New Tampa) were included in the findings.

Study Reveals Economic Impact of Miami Beach Ordinance on Local Businesses

(Miami Beach, Fla.) – Today, Fishkind and Associates released a study outlining the economic impact on Miami Beach if a Miami Beach Commission approved an ordinance to implement a ban on sales of alcohol on Ocean Drive after 2:00 AM is passed by voters.

The report entitled “Economic Impact of Proposed Ban on Sales of Alcoholic Beverages from 2:00 AM until 5:00 AM on Ocean Drive,” specifically outlines the negative economic impact the ordinance would have on the city and its taxpayers if passed.

The report, which was commissioned by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), details a loss of more than $340 million in sales revenues – translating to a loss of more than $19 million annually to the City in property, resort and sales taxes and shifting the burden of these lost city revenues onto local taxpayers. The report also indicates a potential loss of more than 5,500 jobs as a result of immediate and cascading effects of the late-night ban.

“The ballot referendum which will ban alcohol sales on just a few businesses on Ocean Drive will have far-reaching negative economic effects for Miami Beach taxpayers and businesses,” said Hank Fishkind economist with Fishkind and Associates. “After a full economic impact study, we found that direct and cascading revenue losses to local businesses will top $340 million dollars. This loss in sales from tourists will result in millions in lost tax revenue for the city, a significant loss in jobs and lower property values.”

Additional highlights from “Economic Impact of Proposed Ban on Sales of Alcoholic Beverages from 2:00 AM until 5:00 AM on Ocean Drive,” include:

• There will be cascading losses in sales to nearby hotels and restaurants with Dr. Fishkind estimating a 15% reduction in Ocean Drive restaurant sales and 10% reduction for nearby business sales, resulting in upward of $341 million in lost income to local restaurants, clubs, and hotels.

• Ocean Drive and nearby hotels will also see a decline due to the curb on late-night entertainment, resulting in a loss of upwards of $225 million in lost hotel revenues.

• The city will see an $19.6 million hole in their budget, as a result of lost tax dollars usually paid by tourists.

• The loss of sales and profits realized as a direct result of the ban and translates to a loss of more than 5,500 jobs in city bars, restaurants, and hotels.

“This ordinance will severely alter a formula that has proven successful and allowed hotels and restaurants to flourish. If this destructive measure passes, jobs will be lost and taxpayers in the City of Miami Beach will be responsible for footing the bill for the millions of dollars in lost tax revenue,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the FRLA.

VISIT FLORIDA Launches Aggressive Marketing Plan Following Hurricane Irma

On September 19, at the direction of Governor Rick Scott, VISIT FLORIDA announced an aggressive new marketing campaign to highlight the Sunshine State following Hurricane Irma. The multi-phased campaign will be paid for with existing VISIT FLORIDA funding and include digital, social, broadcast and traditional components in both domestic and international markets. It will begin this week and run for approximately one month leading up to the beginning of VISIT FLORIDA’s traditional winter campaign. The Keys will be a major focus of this marketing plan once our partners there have indicated they are ready to welcome visitors back.

Following Hurricane Irma, it’s more important than ever for us to spread the word that the coast is clear and the Sunshine State is open for business. At Governor Scott’s direction, we have put together an aggressive marketing plan that showcases sunshine, blue skies and good times at over 12,000 industry businesses across the state. I want to thank Governor Scott for his leadership as we work to let the world know that Florida is still the number one place to visit.

Phase one of the marketing plan is the immediate response communicating in real time that Florida is open for business. It includes:

Sharing our partners’ content on social media as they post messages post-Irma.
Streaming live video broadcasts from locations across the state to targeted domestic and international audiences.
Deploying production teams across the state to develop video content that we will post and promote on social channels, YouTube and Digital TV.
Sponsoring social media efforts to encourage state-wide usage of #LoveFL by Florida residents.
Activating international tour operators in core international markets to manage any potential misperceptions of damage and encourage continuation of bookings, especially in the upcoming high booking month of October.
Reaching out to influencers and journalists who have been hosted on press trips to share their experiences from areas they visited.

Phase two of the plan will focus on heavier, more traditional advertising tactics to keep Florida top of mind as the top global destination. It will include:

Launching a multi-channel paid-media campaign that could include platforms such as billboards, digital transportation banners, social, online travel agencies, promotions, broadcast, YouTube and a co-branded media partnership.
Increasing our “Share a Little Sunshine” advocacy program to send advocates to local areas and connect with local Instagram communities to create InstaMeets across the state, in which Instagrammers meet up to take photos and videos of a certain area that they share in a branded effort.
Working with influencers to travel to areas around the state and share the message that Florida is sunny and open for business.

Read the full plan here.

After the Storm: Hurricane Irma Relief Efforts Underway

First and foremost, we hope that you and your loved ones are safe. The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) is working closely with Governor Scott, State and local officials and industry partners to begin relief efforts. To assist with the recovery process, FRLA has compiled the following resources:

Ask for help. As a part of the FRLA family, we want to make sure you’re safe. Reach out and let us know your status and needs. If you have any questions of FRLA or need additional information on recovery assistance contact [email protected] for non-emergencies.

Report your status and complete a damage assessment. Report your open/closed business status, complete a business damage assessment survey and request or offer resources. Businesses may also report their status to [email protected] and via the Private Sector Hotline is 850-410-1403. Get registered here.

Aid those in need. Prior to the storm, FRLA members rapidly responded to urgent requests from the Salvation Army to address an increased need for food at local shelters. Thank you for your support and if you are interested in assisting with recovery efforts contact [email protected] prior to determine local need.

Learn re-entry requirements. Now that the storm has passed, individuals and businesses seeking to provide essential commodities and services to impacted areas will be allowed re-entry by possessing and presenting specific documentation to local officials. Learn what you need. For up-to-date traffic information, FL511.com or call 511.

Get help with your insurance claims. FRLA’s Insurance Council is comprised of trusted agency advisors who understand our members’ needs. Check out the list here. The Florida Division of Consumer Services offers assistance to insurance consumers in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma by offering the insurance Consumer Helpline 1-877-693-5236. Learn more.

Secure a low-interest disaster loan. If you are located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters. Apply online. For questions call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or email [email protected].

Eligible Florida Counties as of September 11, 2017:
The disaster declaration covers the counties of Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pinellas and Sarasotain Florida which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Broward, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Pasco and Polk in Florida.

Apply for assistance from FEMA. Use the address lookup to find out if you qualify for financial assistance. Fill out the questionnaire and online aid application or call 1-800-621-3362. To get help in person, find a Disaster Recovery Center near you.

Provide emergency accommodations and have compassion for cancellations. Lodging operators are strongly encouraged to waive cancellation fees and to not require minimum stays for displaced evacuees, first responders and utility workers. Those seeking available lodging may reserve by brand here and/or find available rooms here. All lodging operators are also encouraged to support the Emergency Lodging Assistance (ELA) program recently activated by FEMA to assist those affected by Hurricane Irma. The ELA is for individuals and families who have been recently displaced by the recent weather events. Sign-up now. Lodging properties may call 1-866-545-9865 for assistance. Individuals or families searching for lodging may contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362.

Extend hospitality to pet evacuees. FRLA strongly urges its members, and the industry at large, to consider waiving normal pet restrictions and fees for displaced evacuees seeking shelter. Search for pet-friendly lodging on BringFido.com or PetFriendlyTravel.com.

Food safety tips. Power outages and flooding both pose a risk to the integrity of food and water. For a guide to food safety during severe storms, visit the USDA or Florida’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants to learn guidelines for emergency recovery. Monitor local government alerts for boil water notices.

Common employer questions during a hurricane. Check out Hurricane-Related FAQs for Florida employers provided courtesy of JohnsonJackson, LLC.

Report price gouging. As the entire state of Florida is under a declared state of emergency, Florida’s price gouging law applies statewide. Learn how to comply and/or report violations online or via the Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline at 1-866-966-7226.

Donate to the disaster fund. Governor Rick Scott has activated the Florida Disaster Fund to support individuals who are impacted by Hurricane Irma. The Florida Disaster Fund helps provide financial support to Florida’s communities in times of disaster. Contribute online or text DISASTER to 20222 to make a one-time donation of $10. For questions contact [email protected] or call (850)-414-7400.

Share your stories with us. Florida’s hospitality industry must continue to answer the call to help those in need. Reach out to [email protected] to share how your restaurant, lodging property, attraction and/or business provided assistance before, during and after Hurricane Irma.

For additional updates, visit www.floridadisaster.org follow the State Emergency Response Team @FLSERT on Twitter and Facebook.

For a complete list of resources as they become available and a comprehensive guide on how to recover and rebuild, visit FRLA’s Hurricane Resource Center.

Know Before the Storm: FRLA’s Hurricane Irma Resources

As Florida prepares for a direct hit from Hurricane Irma, it’s critical that our visitors, residents, businesses and employees become familiar with the resources available to them before, during and after this life-threatening storm. FRLA has compiled the resources below to stay safe:

Stay informed. Visit www.floridadisaster.org to find Florida’s Division of Emergency Management. Text FLPREPARES to 888777 to receive updates via text or use the Florida Emergency Information Line 1-800-342-3557. For live updates on Hurricane Irma, follow the State Emergency Response Team @FLSERT on Twitter and Facebook. VISIT FLORIDA is also providing weather updates and official source links for visitors to keep up with the latest changes here.

Register your business with FLVBEOC. Register to report your open/closed business status, complete a business damage assessment survey and request or offer resources. Businesses may also report their status to [email protected] and via the Private Sector Hotline 850-410-1403.

Know before you go. For up-to-date traffic information, visit FL511.com or call 511. Use GasBuddy to find gas stations with fuel.

Learn re-entry requirements. Governor Scott has issued an Executive Order that rescinds all weight and driver restrictions for highways so water, food, fuel and emergency supplies can be quickly brought to Florida. After the storm, individuals and businesses seeking to provide essential commodities and services to impacted areas will be allowed re-entry by possessing and presenting specific documentation to local officials. Learn what you need.

Provide emergency accommodations and have compassion for cancellations. Those seeking available lodging may find and reserve a room here. Reserve by brand here. During this emergency, lodging operators are strongly encouraged to waive cancellation fees and to not require minimum stays for evacuees. In preparation for FEMA’s potential activation of the Emergency Lodging Assistance program, lodging operators are encouraged to sign-up here.

Extend hospitality to pet evacuees. FRLA strongly urges its members, and the industry at large, to consider waiving normal pet restrictions and fees for evacuees seeking shelter and safety during this catastrophic storm. Search for pet-friendly lodging on BringFido.com or PetFriendlyTravel.com.

Follow power outages. Find a map of statewide power outages here. FPL customers can use the FPL Power Tracker map, and report or track outage information at www.FPL.com/outage or call 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243).

Food safety tips. In the wake of Hurricane Irma, there may likely be power outages and flooding. Both pose a risk to the integrity of food and water. For a guide to food safety during severe storms, visit the USDA or Florida’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants to learn guidelines for emergency recovery.

Free WiFi access. Comcast has opened more than 137,000 free Xfinity WiFi hotspots throughout the state for individuals in need, including non-Xfinity customers, to help residents and emergency personnel stay connected. Find a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots here.

Filing insurance claims. Florida’s Division of Consumer Services offers assistance to insurance consumers in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma by offering the insurance Consumer Helpline 1-877-693-5236. Learn more.

For additional information and continued updates, visit FRLA’s Hurricane Resource Center for a comprehensive guide of tips on how to stay safe during the storm and how to recover and rebuild.

If you have any questions of FRLA, need additional information, or assistance contact [email protected].

FRLA Urges Members to Prepare for Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma has strengthened into a Category 5 storm with winds reaching more than 185 mph. Governor Rick Scott has declared a State of Emergency for all of Florida’s 67 counties. While the exact path of this storm is not yet known our industry must be prepared for the worst and we must stand ready to assist Florida’s visitors and residents. Below are a few ways FRLA Members are encouraged to begin disaster preparation and contribute to emergency efforts:

Register your business with FLVBEOC. Receive up-to-date storm information, report open / closed business status, complete a business damage assessment survey and request and offer resources. Register now.

Get A Plan. Build your customized business disaster plan and encourage your employees to build a customized family emergency plan at FLGetAPlan.com.

Keep travelers informed. VISIT FLORIDA is providing weather updates and official source links for visitors to keep up with the latest changes here.

Have compassion for cancellations. FRLA encourages its lodging members to consider waiving all cancellation fees in an emergency of this nature. Our industry’s goal is to keep our visitors safe and out of harm’s way.

Offer shelter. In preparation for FEMA’s potential activation, all hotel and lodging providers are strongly encouraged to enroll now in the Emergency Lodging Assistance (ELA) program. This program provides lodging reimbursement for pre-qualified individuals from designated disaster areas. The Federal Emergency Management Agency created the ELA program to provide temporary shelter as a result of a Federal disaster declaration. As administrator for this FEMA-funded preparedness initiative, CLC provides rules-based payments for all qualified applicants at participating hotels.

Make accommodations inventory available. As mandatory and voluntary evacuation notices are issued in the coming days, visitors and residents can make lodging relocation plans here. First responders traveling to the impacted areas can also use this information to find available lodging.

Welcome pets. Once evacuations begin, consider relaxing restrictions on pets at your lodging property to accommodate displaced evacuees.

Report Price-Gouging. As the entire state of Florida is under a declared state of emergency, Florida’s price gouging law applies statewide. Learn how to comply and/or report violations online or via the Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline at 1-866-966-7226.

Attention distributors. Governor Scott has rescinded all weight and driver restrictions for highways so water, food, fuel and emergency supplies can be quickly brought to Florida. Learn more.

Visit FRLA’s Hurricane Resource Center for a comprehensive guide to learn how to prepare your business before disaster strikes, keep your workplace and employees safe during a disaster and recover and rebuild after a storm.

FRLA will continue to provide additional information and requests as they become available. For live updates on Hurricane Irma follow @FLSERT on Twitter. Your safety is our top priority.

Your safety is our top priority.