Dana Young has shared plans to step down as President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. She announced her retirement after six years leading the state’s official tourism marketing organization. Young is the longest-serving agency head in the Ron DeSantis Administration, but will remain in the role until a new President and CEO is appointed and onboarded. Despite some headwinds due to severe hurricanes and political issues, Florida’s tourism has reached new heights, with 140.6 million visitors in 2023 driving a $127.7 billion economic impact. Visitation rose 7.3% during her tenure, and economic impact grew 32.4%. “Dana Young’s leadership at VISIT FLORIDA has been transformative, ensuring Florida remains the top destination for travelers. Her tireless dedication has created record-breaking and lasting success for Florida’s economy and tourism industry,” said  J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce “During Dana Young’s tenure, Florida’s tourism industry has consistently set records and exceeded all expectations. She has done more for our state and industry than we could ever measure,: added John Lai, Chairman of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors Young said: “I am so grateful to Governor DeSantis for the opportunity to lead VISIT FLORIDA for the past six years. I am very proud of the work we have done (and will continue to do) at VISIT FLORIDA, maximizing return on investment for Florida taxpayers.” Under Young’s leadership, VISIT FLORIDA expanded its membership to include every destination in the state, secured record funding, and elevated Florida to the #1 overseas destination surpassing New York for the first time since 2001. Florida’s recovery from the pandemic significantly outpaced that of the US as a whole, beating projections by two years. Before joining VISIT FLORIDA, Young served eight years in the Florida Legislature, representing the City of Tampa and parts of Hillsborough County.

  Dana Young, CEO of Visit Florida, shares insights into the state's evolving tourism strategy at WTM 2024. While Florida is known for its theme parks and beaches, Young emphasizes efforts to highlight lesser-known attractions, including the Kennedy Space Center and unique rural communities. She also discusses the impact of Brightline's new route extension, making smaller coastal cities more accessible. With over 140 million visitors annually, Visit Florida continues to focus on encouraging repeat visits by offering fresh experiences and discovering hidden gems across the state, aiming for sustained growth in the coming years.  

The Sunshine State just recorded its best ever second quarter tourism numbers. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a highest-ever 34.2 million visitors for Q2. It was a small 1.7% increase over the Q2 2023 but is a new all-time high for the quarter. “Florida continues to be the top destination for tourists. These remarkable numbers are a testament to our commitment to public safety and sensible leadership,” Gov. DeSantis said. Breaking down the numbers, it welcomed 31.5 million domestic visitors and two million overseas travelers. Canada was the top overseas source market with about 739,000. “Florida continues to be the destination of choice for millions of domestic and international travelers,” said Dana Young, President & CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “We will continue to leverage our strengths to ensure that Florida remains the top destination for travelers worldwide.”  

Related News Stories:  Summer events on Florida's Historic Coast     Disney gets green light for a fifth Florida theme park     Summer family fun in Florida's Paradise Coast     What's New in Florida 2024: Unveiling the Sunshine State's ...     Experience Kissimmee teams up EPL team Brighton     New for 2024 in the Florida Keys and Key West - TravelMole     Five tourists drown at Florida beach town in four days     New Florida resort set to open in Punta Gorda     TravelMole     Visit Tampa Bay rolls out new branded craft beer

St. Pete/Clearwater is home to a jubilant, loud and proud LGBTQ+ population. They come together throughout the month of June to celebrate the area’s queer history. St Pete Pride is the largest festival of its kind in the state, and one of the biggest in the US, with over 300,000 attendees at the street parade alone last year. Nicole Berman, Executive Director of St Pete Pride explains: “"As we gear up for St Pete Pride 2024, I'm filled with immense pride and excitement for what lies ahead. St Pete Pride isn't just an event; it's a beacon of hope, representation, and celebration “. “In 2024, we're setting the bar even higher, ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.   St Pete Pride Parade, presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - 22 June, Downtown St. Pete The 2024 parade is set to be the biggest yet. Starting at 2pm in North and South Straub Parks, the St Pete Pride Parade Day Festival, presented by CAN Community Health, features local vendors, food trucks, community partners, two entertainment stages, family area, and more.   Events all month 2024 St. Pete Pride Friday Night Concert with Sasha Colby – 21 June 2024, Jannus Live Officially opening Pride festival weekend, Jannus Live is the party of all parties. An event brimming with top LGBTQIA+ talent, dance floor tunes, and cocktails with special guest, Sasha Colby. Winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 15, Sasha is a world-renowned performer, trans activist, actress and dance.   Pride Kick-Off, presented by COCKtail – 1 June 2024, Grand Central District, Downtown St. Pete Grand Central District, in downtown St. Pete, is host to the ‘Pride Kick Off Party’ setting off the month-long festival. Expect DJ’s, live entertainment, craft beer, cocktails and more.   Youth and Family Day – 8 June 2024, North Straub Park, St. Pete All members of the family are encouraged to get involved in Pride. A dedicated LGBTQ+ ‘Youth & Family Day’ on Saturday 8 June has been specially crafted for young queer individuals to feel accepted and learn more about the community they are a part of. Queer visibility for all ages is a cornerstone of St. Pete Pride.   Transtastic Celebration, presented by Love The Golden Rule, Inc. - June 28, The Museum of Fine Arts Pride is about more than just partying in St. Pete, with evenings such as the ‘Transtastic Celebration’ dedicated to hosting an intimate space to hear and amplify the voices of St. Pete’s trans and non-binary community. This event is an important pillar of Pride month that goes hand in hand with the Trans March that leads the St. Pete Pride Parade on 22 June 2024.   Shades of Pride, presented by Metro Inclusive Health – LGBTQIA+ Juneteenth Art & Music Festival – 14-15 June 2024 This two-day celebration where a ballroom ‘Honours Ball’ meets slam poetry is a stand-out. Throughout you can expect the ‘Pride Power and Passion Party’, and full introduction to ballroom culture with the legendary Kevin Prodigy! Followed by ‘Shade Vs Pride Slam Poetry’ hosted by Novacane, this is a full immersion into a key facet of LGBTQ+ culture.   Where to eat and drink LGBTQ+ bars, restaurants, and nightclubs can all be found in the local area, from the renowned pop-up lesbian bar series ‘LickHer’ by Rachel Covello, to the uber-up beat ‘COCKtail’ at the Mari Jean, both great spots before partying at ‘WetSpot’. Also a must is ‘The Saint’, a Catholic style bar where you can confess your sins for a cocktail.   Where to stay Stays for Pride can be amped up at the ever-popular adults-only Mari Jean, where party-going LGBTQ+ travellers can stay and enjoy evening parties around the pool before the onsite nightclub. Alternatively, for a more relaxing beach-experience, The Saint Hotel is only moments from St. Pete Beach.   Where to beach After a day of celebrating in downtown St. Pete, kick back and relax on Sunset Beach and Pass-A-Grille. Friendly and welcoming, these beaches are known for their laid-back atmosphere and beach bars that open up onto the waterfront, providing a relaxing yet fun atmosphere perfect for watching the sunset.   For more about St. Pete Pride, visit: www.stpetepride.org  

Related News Stories:  Florida Keys & Key West - TravelMole     Visit Orlando - TravelMole     American Cruise Lines opens biggest ever season on Columbia ...     Visit Lauderdale - TravelMole     Experience Kissimmee - TravelMole     The best Coastal Mississippi events     Inspiring San Diego events all year round     Royal Caribbean Group ships undergo sustainable cruising trial in ...     The Unmissables: Ultimate indulgence on Turkey's Antalya coast     What's new in the Finger Lakes

  At IPW 24, Dana Young, the driving force behind Visit Florida, delves into the significant uptick in UK tourism to the Sunshine State. Recent statistics for March 2024 reveal a remarkable 12% surge in visitors from the UK, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Young credits this growth to targeted marketing campaigns highlighting Florida's diverse attractions. Beyond its renowned beaches and theme parks, she emphasizes the state's rich array of experiences. Looking ahead, Young explores Florida's pivotal role in upcoming global events like the FIFA World Cup and the Cricket World Cup, envisioning them as drivers for further tourism growth. With strategic foresight, Young underscores Florida's enduring appeal as a premier destination.  

Escape the winter chill on more than 30 miles of pristine, soft white sandy Florida beaches. Florida's Paradise Coast - Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades - is the ultimate winter destination for a laid-back beach vibe. With top end luxury resorts and secluded stretches of coastline to explore, here are five of the best beach experiences in Florida's Paradise Coast.     Beach yoga class  These Florida beaches offer plenty of opportunities to practice yoga surrounded by inspiring scenery outdoors all year round. In Naples, Donation Yoga Naples offers an all-levels vinyasa flow class every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for a suggested donation of $20, with half of all proceeds donated to a local non-profit organisation. In Marco Island, JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort has morning beach yoga sessions on Palm's Beach, open to every ability from beginner to advanced.   Sip cocktails by the sea Well located with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, the Kane Tiki Bar & Grill at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is a great stop for a sundowner and Polynesian cuisine. Named after Kane, the Polynesian god of creation and growth, the bar is fully open-air, featuring a large thatched roof covering a giant rum bar. Catch the nightly sunset celebration and fire dance performance on the beach right by the bar. Alternatively, the hotel's Tersoro Terrace offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, with coastal Mediterranean cuisine and crafted cocktails.   Watch the sun set over the Gulf Most evenings on Florida's Paradise Coast, the sky comes to life with intense pinks, blues, oranges and purples as the sun sets. Those lucky enough might catch the elusive "green flash", a rare twilight phenomenon which offers a fleeting burst of vivid green just as the sun disappears beneath the horizon. There are many top sunset spots along the coast, or join one of the many sunset boat cruises that sail nightly from both Naples and Marco Island.   Stroll the scenic coastline The soft sandy beaches of Florida's Paradise Coast are perfect for a stroll. Vanderbilt Beach in North Naples is great for shelling and paddle boarding, whilst Naples Beach, a 10-mile stretch of beach, is the perfect place to relax. Perfect for wildlife spotting, Tigertail Beach Park in Marco Island is one of the world's most important habitats for wintering and nesting shorebirds. On one side, visitors can relax at the developed beach area with watersports equipment, or head across the lagoon to the wild, untamed area.   The newly transformed oceanfront Ritz-Carlton, Naples The Ritz-Carlton, Naples recently reopened with a comprehensive transformation. Remodelled to evoke a new sense of glamour, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples features a new Lobby Bar, an expansive Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge unlike any other, three new dining outlets, and a redesigned pool experience. There are 92 newly designed guest rooms. This luxury property offers a spa, golf, top class dining and is located steps away from the beach. For more information, visit ParadiseCoast.com

  Kelly Clarke from Bradenton Area CVB discusses Bradenton's appeal. Geographically central in Florida, it features Anna Maria Island's pristine beaches and unique downtown charm. Renowned for "Floribbean" cuisine, emphasizing seafood with a citrusy twist, the region boasts excellent restaurants. Bradenton prioritizes community engagement, promoting responsible and sustainable tourism through the "Love it Like a Local" campaign. Despite pandemic challenges, 2023 has seen steady visitor growth, particularly from international travelers. Looking ahead, Bradenton anticipates a strong 2024 and 2025, positioning Anna Maria Island as a sought-after destination with significant booking potential.  

  Brian Lowack, who was born and raised in the St. Pete/Clearwater area, discusses the close relationship between tourism and the local community, highlighting how tourism is the area's primary economic driver. He mentions a campaign called "From Visitors with Love" that aims to showcase the benefits of tourism to residents. Brian and a delegation are attending the World Travel Market to promote the region globally and forge connections within the tourism industry. The St. Pete/Clearwater area's accessibility, stunning white sand beaches, and fresh seafood are also emphasized in the interview.  

Florida's Paradise Coast of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, is getting a makeover with several brand new developments and key transformations. It is back in business and ready to showcase a raft of new and reimagined hotels in 2023 and beyond, including the rebirth of The Ritz-Carlton Naples. Check out what’s new on Florida's Paradise Coast   Evolution of an Icon at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples - reopening July 2023 On 6 July 2023, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples will debut the 'Evolution of an Icon,' a comprehensive transformation of the guest experience. It features a new lobby and Lobby Bar, an expansive Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, three new dining outlets, and a redesigned pool experience. The interior design of the 92 new luxury suites evokes glamour and elevate the guest room experience. The all-new Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge will be unlike any other in the brand, spanning 4,000 square-feet with dramatic floor-to-ceiling ocean views.   Compass Hotel by Margaritaville - opening December 2023 TPI Hospitality has teamed up with Margaritaville to open a Compass Hotel by Margaritaville location in Naples. The renovation is scheduled to be complete by December 2023. The all-suite boutique property will feature 120 fully equipped rooms, with amenities including "Sunrise at Compass" complimentary breakfast buffet. Guests can enjoy the ‘Welcome Cabana’ experience with daily light snacks and refreshments, 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, and The Backyard –with a pool, live entertainment, backyard gamesand more. Guests make bookings from July 2023.   AC Hotels by Marriott - opening December 2023  Slated to open December 2023, AC Hotel Naples will stand three stylish stories at a prominent intersection along the city's unofficial Main Street. AC Hotel Naples will comprise: 150 sleek, modern guest rooms, a ground-floor café, a rooftop pool, meeting space and Limón, a destination rooftop restaurant. AC Hotel Naples is the hospitality component of Naples Square, a mixed-use development that will include nearly 300 luxury condominium units, multiple restaurants and a performing arts complex. Great Wolf Lodge - opening autumn 2024 Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., North America's largest family of indoor water parks, is set to open its doors in autumn 2024. It will be the brand's 21st resort in North America, featuring 500 family-friendly suites and an expansive 100,000-square-feet indoor water park. It has slides, raft rides, an activity pool and splash areas suitable for all ages. The property will include the Great Wolf Adventure Park, a 62-square-foot family entertainment centre that includes the MagiQuest live-action adventure game. Dining options will range from pizza and burgers to upscale dining and premium ice cream at Wood's End Creamery.   The Capri Inn - recently opened A boutique hotel in the heart of Florida's Paradise Coast, The Capri Inn is open and welcoming guests in a truly superb location. Formerly Trianon Old Naples, and now part of the Opal Collection, it has been fully reimagined. A private cottage for guests seeking the most spacious and secluded accommodation has also undergone a complete renovation and includes two bedrooms with its own private gated entrance. Visit ParadiseCoast.com

  Dana Young has now been at the helm of Visit Florida for over four years and since that time she has faced many challenges including threatened loss of budget, Covid-19 and now a travel advisory issued by the NAACP against travel to Florida. Here at IPW in San Antonio she talks to Graham McKenzie about the progress that has been made, the impressive data for inbound tourism and the NAACP.  

  Graham McKenzie talks to Visit Florida's CEO Dana Young at #huddle23 about the impressive bounce back in international visitor numbers post Covid.  

  At #huddle23 in West Palm Beach, we speak to Lauren Pace of Visit Florida about how they intend to keep expanding the tourism economy.