US Travel praises Florida Governor’s tourism funding proposal

US Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement in praise of Florida Governor Rick Scott’s $100 million funding proposal for VISIT FLORIDA:

“Last year, Florida enjoyed record tourism growth, despite a multitude of headwinds—growth that would not have been possible without the efforts of VISIT FLORIDA. The investment proposal of $100 million announced today by Governor Scott demonstrates the value he places on tourism promotion to his state’s economy, and represents exactly the kind of bold vision required to expand jobs for hard-working Floridians and further grow the state’s tax base.

“Floridians are fortunate to have a dynamic leader in Gov. Scott, whose convictions are informed by keen business sense. While some misguided Florida policymakers continue to question the state’s budgetary commitment to tourism promotion in a penny-wise but pound-foolish ideological experiment, Gov. Scott has the right idea, looking ahead with a clear-eyed policy vision. Instead of shortsighted cuts to an agency that has done a world of economic good for Florida, Gov. Scott is embracing a growth-focused budget strategy that will keep good jobs in-state.”