Tourism Resources

JOIN THE CHAMBER

Greetings!

As we continue to navigate this challenging time, we’re pleased to unlock additional resources for you, our web listing affiliates. 

The Small Business Marketing Toolkit on VISITFLORIDA.org, typically restricted to VISIT FLORIDA Marketing Partners, is available to you at no cost, through June 30, 2020. No payment or additional information is required from you to access this information. 

This Marketing Toolkit features over 30 marketing, advertising and PR resources designed to aid small business marketing efforts. We’ve also added a new section for specific COVID-19 and Crisis resources that were contributed by many of our VISIT FLORIDA Business-to-Business Partners. 
We hope you will take advantage of this valuable opportunity. Please reach out to Partner@VISITFLORIDA.org if we can be of any assistance.

Posted below are excerpts and links from the American Hotel and Lodging Association on new COVID-19 health and safety related guidance.

FRLA : Critical COVID-19 Guidance Standards for Hospitality Reopening
Click Above to Learn More!
In response to the updated public health advisory from the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is providing updated guidance for industry members, including the recommendation that all Floridians and visitors wear masks. As case numbers continue to rise, it is essential that we do all that we can to keep our employees and guests safe.

Additionally, we want to strongly caution everyone to abide by statewide Executive Orders and local regulations. While many are following the rules, we know that some are not. We are hearing complaints of capacity and other violations. At a press conference with Governor Ron DeSantis today, Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Halsey Beshears announced that DBPR will provide extra monitoring to ensure compliance and penalize violators. Penalties include having a non-compliant establishment’s liquor license suspended or revoked, which has already happened this week. To watch the Press Conference, please click here.

We are committed to keeping you informed and helping you navigate this difficult time. If you have any questions, need clarification, or seek additional resources, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Help@FRLA.org or through your Regional Directors. We are here for you and are happy to provide additional assistance if needed. 
 
Updated FRLA Operating Guidance
FRLA COVID-19 Resources
Dear Industry Partner:

A little over a decade ago, VISIT FLORIDA launched a campaign to boost visitation in the midst of the 2009 financial crisis. Highlighting the diverse experiences and destinations unique to the Sunshine State, we asked Floridians to invite their friends and family to take a vacation in Florida. Driven by the love for our state, this campaign empowered a new group of advocates to change Florida’s economic trajectory, and Share a Little Sunshine was born.

Share a Little Sunshine has since grown into a thriving community of 600,000+ members who love to share their favorite Florida places, experiences, and what makes them proud to live in the Sunshine State, resulting in:  3 million pieces of content shared with #LoveFL
3 billion impressions
100,000+ Instagram followers
This concept marked the first advocacy community of its kind for a travel organization, and has since been duplicated by numerous other destinations. After a decade of success, it’s time for the Share a Little Sunshine community to evolve and continue to position VISIT FLORIDA as a leader within this space.

To capture the essence of this evolution, VISIT FLORIDA has created LoveFL, a new identity to showcase what Floridians love most about our state. Debuting today, June 26, LoveFL is the definitive source for discovery of unparalleled beaches, crystal blue springs, exotic flora and fauna, rich arts and history, and the hidden gems and experiences that make the Sunshine State truly shine. 

If you haven’t already, we invite you to join us and share why you #LoveFL!

Partner Benefits


FREE Bulk Ordering: Florida Vacation Guides and Maps
If your business helps others plan vacations to and within Florida, VISIT FLORIDA offers free bulk ordering of the Official Florida Vacation Guide and Official Florida State Transportation Map. These collateral materials are a great source for activities, attractions, accommodations, restaurants, transportation and other information needed to map out a Florida vacation. To place an order, click here.

Webinar – Latest Impacts of COVID-19 on Florida Vacation Rentals & Tourism Organizations
July 30, 2020, 10:00 AM EST

Join us for a follow up webinar with Key Data as we discuss the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s short-term rental market. Key Data tracks the most important Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in real-time to measure trends in booking activity, occupancy, and cancellations throughout Florida. This interactive presentation will provide an in-depth look at vacation rental data by region, cancellation patterns for future reservations, and what types of properties are being affected the most. To learn more and register, click here.

May STR Reports Now Available
VISIT FLORIDA provides monthly STR reports on hotel data for up to 200 marketing Partners per month. The reports are broken down by market for each region of the state, and include hotel-related metrics such as occupancy, average daily rate, and revenue per room. To learn more or request a report, click here.

JOIN NOW. PAY LATER. Grow Your Business with a VISIT FLORIDA Partnership.
There’s never been a more important time to invest in your business. A VISIT FLORIDA Partnership can help expand your reach and marketing dollars, and equip your business with the tools to successfully face the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Become a VISIT FLORIDA Partner today and defer payment until September 30! As a Premier or Small Business Marketing Partner, your business will be listed in the 2021 Official Florida Vacation Guide, with a digital and print distribution of over 300,000 copies. For a complete list of Partnership benefits and to get started, click here. 

Vacation Guide Upgrade Opportunity
Renew or enroll in a VISIT FLORIDA Partnership before July 31, 2020 and receive a featured/starred business listing in the 2021 Vacation Guide! To learn more or request your invoice, contact your Regional Partnership Manager. Please note this opportunity has limited availability.

Review Your Business Listing for the 2021 Official Florida Vacation Guide
Deadline: July 31, 2020
Your business listing will be featured in more than 300,000 copies of the 2021 Official Florida Vacation Guide. Make sure it’s up to date for visitors by reviewing your business information and making any changes in your Partner Portal account by July 31 . Your VISIT FLORIDA marketing Partnership must be current (paid or deferred) by July 31 to guarantee inclusion in the Vacation Guide. Not a VISIT FLORIDA marketing Partner? Join today

Skift Travel Reports
Receive comprehensive reports on the travel market, consumers, companies, and trends shaping the future of the industry with Skift’s insider subscription for VISIT FLORIDA marketing Partners! VISIT FLORIDA Skift subscribers receive over 50 new reports each year, delivered 2-4 times monthly, with additional access to Skift’s library of 170 previous reports. To learn more, click here.

Public Relations

Call for Information: Black-owned Businesses Showcase your destination’s Black-owned businesses with VISIT FLORIDA! VISIT FLORIDA’s Public Relations Team is currently gathering information on Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, shops, and other tourism-related businesses to feature in an upcoming press release that will be pitched domestically as well as in some international markets. Businesses may also be included on the VISIT FLORIDA Black Heritage Hub.

Submit your destination’s Black-owned businesses and any other relevant information or stories here by the end of the day Monday, August 3.  Thanks in advance for helping keep Florida top-of-mind!

Public Relations Editorial Calendar VISIT FLORIDA’s PR team has finalized its editorial calendar for all markets for Fiscal Year 20/21. Click here to view.

COVID-19 BUSINESS RESOURCES

On August 6, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-192, which rescinded the previous employee screening requirements for restaurant employees. Now, employees who have previously tested positive do not need to receive two negative tests before they can come back to work. Employers are required only to implement screening protocols pursuant to CDC guidance.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has now released FAQs to provide clarification and guidance following EO 20-192, linked here and attached below.

Business Reopening Tips
Best practices for the tourism industry to help guide the decision making process on re-opening. 
VISIT FLORIDA Small Business Toolkit
Tools for improving marketing efforts and driving business growth.
VISIT FLORIDA COVID-19 FL Tourism Impacts Data Dashboard
Track key economic trends such as hotel demand, rental bookings, airline traffic, and web traffic related to vacation planning.
ListenFirst Travel Sentiment Analysis
Key insights and trends for travel-related conversations and activity on social media.
SBA Coronavirus Relief Programs
Business loans and other financial assistance options available through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
SBDC Disaster Recovery Assistance
Financial guidance and emergency assistance from the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
FRLA Seal of Commitment
Ensure the safety of your business and confidence of your guests with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (FRLA) highest designation for hospitality safety and sanitation standards.
Florida COVID-19 Resource Center
Information and FAQ on Governor DeSantis’ Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery.

Co-Op Opportunities

2021 VISIT FLORIDA Official Vacation Guide
Distribution: 250,000 print, 250,000 digital
Cost: starting at $1,399
Commitment Deadline: October 9, 2020
2021 Official Transportation Map – Limited spaces available!
Cost: starting at $3,000
Distribution: 700,000 (VISIT FLORIDA Welcome Centers, 8 Turnpike Plazas, VISITFLORIDA.com)
VISIT FLORIDA’s IN-STATE Rebound Campaign: Basic Display
Cost: $5,000 (plus $5,000 VISIT FLORIDA co-investment)
Flight: 8 weeks (TBD launch date)
VISIT FLORIDA’s IN-STATE Rebound Campaign: Standard Display or Video
Cost: $10,000 (plus $10,000 VISIT FLORIDA co-investment)
Flight: 8 weeks (TBD launch date)
VISIT FLORIDA’s IN-STATE Rebound Campaign: Essential Display or Video
Cost: $15,000 (plus $15,000 VISIT FLORIDA co-investment)
Flight: 8 weeks (TBD launch date)
VISIT FLORIDA’S IN-STATE Rebound Campaign: A-la-Carte Programs
Cost: starting at $5,000 (plus $5,000 VISIT FLORIDA co-investment)
Flight: 8 weeks (TBD launch date)
VISIT FLORIDA’s DOMESTIC Rebound Campaign: Basic Display
Cost: $2,500 (plus $2,500 VISIT FLORIDA co-investment)
Flight: 4 weeks (TBD launch date)
VISIT FLORIDA’s DOMESTIC Rebound Campaign: Standard Display or Video
Cost: $5,000 (plus $5,000 VISIT FLORIDA co-investment)
Flight: 4 weeks (TBD launch date)
VISIT FLORIDA’s DOMESTIC Rebound Campaign: Essential Display or Video
Cost: $7,500 (plus $7,500 VISIT FLORIDA co-investment)
Flight: 4 weeks (TBD launch date)
VISIT FLORIDA’s DOMESTIC Rebound Campaign: A-la-Carte Programs
Cost: starting at $2,500 (plus $2,500 starting VISIT FLORIDA co-investment)
Flight: 4 weeks
Atlanta Parent Magazine
Flight Date: September 2020
Deadline: August 1, 2020
Cost: starting at $975
Meeting & Conventions Magazine
Flight Date: September/October 2020 issue
Deadline: August 5, 2020
Cost: starting at $4,500
Conde Nast Traveler
Flight Date: November 2020
Deadline: August 13, 2020
Cost: starting at $19,596
Your AAA Northeast
Flight Date: November/December 2020
Deadline: August 17, 2020
Cost: starting at $1,390

News & Events

NOW OPEN: I-95 Welcome Center
Effective Monday, July 20, VISIT FLORIDA’s Welcome Center along Interstate 95 is open for visitors and accepting all brochure shipments. Welcome Centers along Interstate 10 and Interstate 75 reopened in June. All locations are operating with sanitization and social distancing measures recommended by public health officials. The Welcome Center at the Florida Capitol remains closed at this time. 
NEW! Catch the Wild Tourist Newsletter
Tap into the expanding outdoor recreation audience with Catch the Wild Tourist, a new newsletter from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Viewing Program. To sign up, click here. For more information, contact Anne Glick, FWC Wildlife Viewing Program Administrator. 
September is Florida Camping Month!
I-75, I-10 and I-95 Welcome Centers
Join VISIT FLORIDA for Florida Camping Month at the official Florida Welcome Centers! Held on Fridays in September, Camping Rallies offer Partners the opportunity to promote their destination to thousands of Florida visitors with on-site camping displays, demonstrations, special giveaways, and vacation package deals. To learn more and register, click here.
UPDATE: 2020 Florida Encounter and 2021 Florida Huddle
Due to the impact of COVID-19, VISIT FLORIDA’s signature events, 2020 Florida Encounter and 2021 Florida Huddle , which focus on Florida’s meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions, and connecting our state with the travel trade community, will not take place in person. In lieu of these events, alternative arrangements and programs are currently being developed to benefit these very important sectors of Florida’s tourism industry. 
VISIT FLORIDA Zoom Backgrounds
Add some sunshine to your virtual meetings with VISIT FLORIDA virtual backgrounds! These Sunshine State backgrounds can be used on Zoom or your favorite meeting application, and are available for download here. For instructions on adding a virtual background to your Zoom account, click here.
2021 STS Domestic Showcase
February 8-11, 2021, Huntsville, AL
The STS (Southeast Tourism Society) Domestic Showcase is one of the premier marketplace events in the South, where over 500 tourism professionals gather for two days of meetings and professional development to promote travel to and within thirteen southern states and the District of Columbia. With balanced buyer/supplier ratios, this annual event registers qualified travel buyers that deliver thousands of travel groups and millions in travel revenue to southern tourism destinations. Click here to learn more.