The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce Calls for Action
The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce is urges the Florida House of Representatives take immediate action to save VISIT FLORIDA. VISIT FLORIDA needs to be reauthorized. Every $1 invested in VISIT FLORIDA returns $2.15 back to the state. Simple economics tells you this is a good investment.
As Senator Travis Hutson Stated, “When I ran for office I said I’d run government like a business,” Hutson, a St. Augustine Republican, told reporters after reading highlights from the budget. “In my business back home, we advertise, we market.” “To come up here and say you’re not going to market and advertise for your business to get your tourism in here is a bad idea.”
Elimination of VISIT FLORIDA puts Florida at a competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace. VISIT FLORIDA is also essential to come back from an environmental disaster. Whether it be an oil spill, Zika, red tide, hurricanes, etc. Regarding red tide and oil spills, VISIT FLORIDA responded promptly initiating new marketing tactics, including the educating of visitors about the Florida’s geography as well as emphasizing the safety of local seafood dining. VISIT FLORIDA played a role during the recent hurricane season by providing lodging availability to displaced families, first responders and utility crews. Then, after communities were up and running, the agency worked diligently with local destination marketing organizations to spread the simple message, “Florida is open for business.”
Florida cannot afford to put its top industry at risk. We urge you to support Governor DeSantis’ commitment to reauthorize VISIT FLORIDA, not only for the industry’s sake, but for the 1.4 million employees the tourism industry represents.
For more information visit: www.tampabaybeaches.com
About the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce:
The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce promotes travel & tourism, educates businesses & individuals, provides a forum of collaboration to enhance the business environment & promote the quality of life for the communities we serve.
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