WASHINGTON, DC – “Governor Scott’s announcement today reflects his understanding that investment in tourism promotion is just that — an investment. That means it will bring back measurable, long-term benefits to Florida in terms of jobs, tax revenues and overall growth in the state economy,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow commenting on Florida Governor Scott’s decision to up the state tourism budget.
Florida Governor Rick Scott announced today that his new budget will boost state funding in tourism promotion from US$63 million to US$100 million.
“Boosting tourism is one of the easiest and most effective ways to bring dollars into any economy, and Florida is one of the best case studies for that phenomenon. Florida had a record-setting 2013 in terms of travel job growth and visitor spending, for which the state’s top-flight tourism marketing agencies deserve a huge measure of credit. And today’s federal employment report shows that travel jobs are growing at a nine percent faster rate that the national economy as a whole. By boosting the state’s commitment to tourism promotion by 59 percent, Governor Scott is betting on a proven, consistent winner for Florida and Floridians,” Dow added.