Visit Florida's Playbook: Tourism CEO's Marketing Strategy

While Florida destinations like Miami and Palm Beach get most of the hype these days, don’t overlook Tampa on the state’s Gulf Coast. The growing mid-sized city exudes a polished ease that makes it a relaxed and inviting vacation spot.

It just got easier to plan a summer getaway to Florida.Allegiant Airlines recently announced the return of fifteen nonstop flights to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, in Florida’s Emerald Coast, as part of seasonal summer service. Travelers will be able to visit the popular vacation destination from Des Moines, Knoxville, Tulsa, and other cities the airline confirmed toTravel + Leisure.  “We are excited to bring back these seasonal routes for passengers to enjoy some of our network’s most popular destinations just in time for summer vacations,” Allegiant’s Chief Revenue Officer Drew Wells said in a statement to T+L. 

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Sometimes, there's nothing better than being a tourist for the day in your own state. As a Florida resident, I'm always looking for new places to visit without traveling far from home.

A cruise port on Florida’s Space Coast is going bigger, planning to build a brand-new cruise terminal to meet demand.

Medical Tourism, whether it is traveling domestically or internationally, is on the rise. A year ago, several doctors who provided their opinions to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for a roundtable on the subject pointed to cost as one of the main drivers for this upward trend. While price is certainly a factor, the reasons aren’t only cost-based. Medical Tourism Magazine, the digital publication for the global medical tourism community, points to privacy and anonymity in addition to access to advanced treatments not offered domestically as additional key drivers.

Settling yourself for a week or a weekend on a car-free island can come with unexpected benefits: the joy of getting around via bicycle, the conversations that happen while walking from one place to another, the hilarity of golfcart transportation.  But while we all love a good road trip, sometimes the car is just a means to getting from point a to point b. On these islands, even the getting around is part of the fun. Not to mention its stress-free and incredibly freeing for everyone coming along on the trip. 

Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, May 7. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

If you’re from Southeastern USA, you know what 30A is. If you’re unfamiliar, let me paint you a picture: 30A is a series of darling beach towns along a 24-mile scenic highway overlooking the white sands and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. 

There's a reason 75 million people visit Orlando annually, and it isn't just the mouse. Don't get us wrong. Disney World is incredible and deserves a place on any theme park lover’s bucket list, but Orlando is so much more than its theme parks. It’s an ever-evolving city with vibrant parks, public art and award-winning restaurants. And that’s before you get to amazing day trips to the Kennedy Space Center or New Smyrna Beach. 

Many American tourism marketers are well-paid. Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta recently collected more than $1.5 million in compensation. Brand USA CEO Chris Thompson recently took home over $700,000.

Need an escape from your everyday life? We’ve partnered with the Florida Keys & Key West to give away the ultimate Florida Keys vacation. The lucky sweepstakes winner and a guest will be whisked away to an island paradise, with luxury hotel stays, airfare, and activities included.