As part of his ongoing focus on Florida’s economic recovery in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday announced $700,000 to speed the economic recovery for Florida’s hospitality industry affected by the oil spill. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation will return to the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) funds originally intended to support the hospitality industry for use in an enhanced advertising of upcoming coastal events. The campaign will work to attract potential visitors who may have postponed, or previously canceled, their travel to Florida.
“Florida’s tourism industry is vital to the Sunshine State’s economic security, and we must do all we can to help the businesses harmed by this summer’s oil spill,” Governor Crist said. “I applaud our dedicated and friendly hoteliers and restaurateurs for their work to create a great getaway experience for traveling Floridians, as well as out-of-state and international visitors.”
The 10,000 members of the FRLA will lend their expertise in grassroots marketing to the advertising and marketing efforts of VISIT FLORIDA and the local tourist development councils to promote local and regional events during the upcoming months. The advertising campaign, dubbed “Back to the Beach – ‘Fall Back into Summer,’” will encourage participation in fishing tournaments, concerts, a songwriter’s festival and seafood festivals to promote Florida seafood.
“This is incredible news for Florida hoteliers and restaurateurs as we work to bring visitors back to the Sunshine State – particularly to the Northwest Florida region,” said Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Thank you to Governor Crist for his leadership and in supporting this ‘Back to the Beach’ campaign. This is a great time for tourists and residents alike to discover the beauty of Northwest Florida during the fall season.”
