The hospitality industry made its voice heard at the House Appropriations Committee this past Tuesday, urging lawmakers to preserve VISIT FLORIDA. Although HB 7005 was amended to keep the state’s destination marketing arm, funding was drastically cut by 67%. FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover and several FRLA members attended to testify before the committee. Despite testimony overwhelmingly opposed to the bill, the committee voted 18-12 to pass the proposal and it’s headed to the House Floor. It is imperative the legislature protects tourism jobs and fully funds VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing efforts.