FRLA Hosts Successful 2015 Summer Board Meeting
This week, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association hosted its annual Summer Board Meeting at Hawk’s Cay Resort in Duck Key. Thank you to our participating board members, active sponsors, and engaging speakers who made the event a wonderful success. To view photos, please click here.
FRLA and AAHOA Announce Partnership to Bolster Efforts in Florida
FRLA and the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) are proud to announce their new partnership designed to bolster hospitality industry advocacy efforts in Florida. This collaboration will bring together the more than 10,000 statewide members of the FRLA and the more than 14,000 nationwide members of AAHOA that represent 40 percent of all hotels in the United States. Read more.
FRLA Sponsors Successful Key West Songwriters Festival
FRLA proudly sponsored a diverse line up of more than 150 artists who performed more than 40 live shows at the Key West Songwriters Festival presented by BMI, a leader in music rights management. As a sponsor of the 20th annual event, FRLA was thrilled to bring five days and nights of well-crafted songwriting to the idyllic island of Key West from May 6 through May 10 in conjunction with VISIT FLORIDA. Check out photos from the event by clicking here.
Governor Scott Announces Fourth Consecutive Record Year for Tourism
Governor Rick Scott announced that according to preliminary estimates released by VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, 97.3 million visitors came to Florida in 2014, an increase of 3.9 percent over 2013. This is the fourth consecutive record year for visitation to Florida, exceeding the previous high of 93.7 million in 2013. The number of direct travel-related jobs in 2014 was also a record high, with 1,135,700 Floridians employed in the tourism industry, up 3.6 percent from 2013. Read more.
Governor Scott Recommends $85 Million for Tourism
As the state’s number one industry, tourism brings tens of millions of visitors and billions of dollars to Florida each year. Through the first three quarters of 2014, Florida welcomed an estimated 73.9 million visitors – an increase of 2.5 percent over the same period last year.The state is on pace for its third consecutive year of record tourism. In an effort to continue this growth, the Governor’s budget proposes an additional $35 million for VISIT FLORIDA to expand its contribution to Florida’s economic growth, bringing its total funding to $85 million, which is included in the $122.4 million for Economic Development Public-Private Partnerships. Read more.
FRLA President & CEO Speaks At Emerald Coast Tourism Summit
This week, FRLA President and CEO, Carol Dover, had the chance to speak to hospitality and tourism leaders at the 2015 Emerald Coast Tourism Summit. She shared the opportunities and challenges facing our industry in 2015.
Governor Rick Scott and Florida Cabinet Sworn in for Second Term
On Tuesday, Governor Rick Scott was sworn in for his second term in office. Members of FRLA’s Executive Committee and staff were present for the day’s events at the Capitol. FRLA proudly supported Governor Scott and the entire Florida Cabinet’s bid for re-election. Together, they work hard to help ensure our great state remains a wonderful place to live, work and play. Here’s to four more years!
FRLA Hosts Acclaimed Musicians To Boost Tourism & Help Veterans
Last week, FRLA sponsored a FREE concert featuring country music star Billy Dean and internationally renowned pianist Marvin Goldstein at Cascades Park in Tallahassee.The concert benefited Honor Flight Tallahassee, whose mission is to transport North Florida and South Georgia veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifices.
Florida Tourism on Pace for Fourth Consecutive Record Year
Recently, Governor Rick Scott announced that according to VISIT FLORIDA’s preliminary estimates* 23.7 million visitors came to Florida in the third quarter of 2014 (July-September), an increase of 3.5 percent over the same period in 2013. This represents the largest third quarter for visitation Florida has ever experienced, exceeding the previous high of 22.9 million in Q3 2013.
FRLA Congratulates Governor Rick Scott!
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is proud to congratulate Governor Rick Scott on his victory in the 2014 General Election.
“Florida families made the right decision to re-elect Governor Rick Scott. He is a true champion for our state’s tourism and hospitality industry which plays a vital role in job creation and economic development,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “On behalf of our more than 10,000 members representing hoteliers, restaurateurs and suppliers, we are thrilled to congratulate Governor Scott on a well-deserved win and will continue to work under his leadership to ensure we provide our millions of visitors with a world-class experience.”