| Meet Bryan Griffin, VISIT FLORIDA's newly appointed President & CEO. Bryan has had a long career in writing, communications, marketing, and advocacy. He previously led communications for the Executive Office of the Governor, served as a national director for a prominent advocacy organization, and owned and managed a real estate company and a craft beverage tap room in Tampa. Please join us in welcoming Bryan and make sure to say hi at the 2025 Florida Governor's Conference on Tourism! |
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Where do you call home? Tampa, Florida.
What's one of your favorite vacation spots in Florida?
St. Augustine for the history, Pinellas for the beaches, the Peace River for fossiling, any of our State Parks, and North Florida for antiques & artifacts.
What activities or hobbies do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy traveling, history, spending time outdoors, and trivia.
Can you share a special Florida vacation memory?
As a kid, I spent every 4th of July at the beach with my family in Pinellas, which are some of my favorite memories.
What's one thing you want Florida's Tourism industry to know?
Florida is everything to me. I was born and raised in Tampa, got my education at the University of Florida, have started businesses here, met my wife here, and have spent the past several years articulating the policies and priorities of Florida from the governor's office. So much of the Florida way of life—the benefits that Floridians enjoy and rely upon, such as our low tax burden, our nation-leading infrastructure and services, our strong state government, and even our prospect to further reduce taxes into the future—relies on a strong tourism industry. For all these reasons and more, I am honored to lead the VISIT FLORIDA team.
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Lighting Round: Vacation Edition
Multi-course tasting menu or BBQ joint? BBQ joint
Roller coasters or museums? Both
Beach day or kayaking the springs? Both, please
Foodie tour or ghost tour?
Ghost tour
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Be Featured in VISIT FLORIDA's Press Releases
VISIT FLORIDA writes and publishes press releases for key domestic and international markets. Partners can be considered for inclusion in our upcoming press releases by submitting relevant information on the topics below by September 19. We only need a short paragraph and an image (if available). See an example of how your submission will be incorporated into one of our press releases.
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Travel Tuesday
We're showcasing deals around the Sunshine State to help people give the gift of travel this holiday season. |
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Unique Festivals
We're looking for niche, quirky, and totally unexpected celebrations in Florida. Send us info on your unique festival! |
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Accessible Florida
Florida is for everyone! Show us the limitless adventures for every traveler and every ability. |
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How ChatGPT and Google AI Source Information
Profound's latest research shows the different citation patterns between popular AI platforms, highlighting the complexity of optimizing your brand's presence through AI. However, two sources stuck out as top suppliers of information; Wikipedia and Reddit. |
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FREE Brochure Distribution
Brochure distribution at our 4 highway welcome centers is now an exclusive Partnership benefit. Take advantage of this free opportunity to reach even more travelers by contacting our Welcome Center team below.
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Last Chance to Host an IPW FAM
DMOs are invited to host FAMs with us immediately after IPW. We're inviting top domestic & international tour operators, journalists, and content creators stay longer and explore the Sunshine State. Deadline is Sept. 1.
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Vacation Guide
The 2026 Florida Vacation Guide is coming soon! Partners receive a free listing in the guide. Make sure to log into the Partner Portal and make any updates to your listing by August 22.
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Canada Sales Mission
This February, train and network with vetted travel agents in Vancouver for our Canadian Sales Mission. Participation includes attendance at the Travel Market Report tradeshow.
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TravelAbility's Cultivating Accessibility Leaders Workshop
This one-day, in-person training hosted by TravelAbility is designed for professionals in travel, tourism, and hospitality and equips participants to lead accessibility initiatives within their organizations. Developed with the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, the workshop includes the opportunity to earn an Accessibility Leader Certificate, a credential recognizing inclusive leadership in hospitality. Deadline to register is September 1.
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MCO Welcomes Travelers with Sensory Sensitives
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is now even more welcoming for travelers with sensory sensitivities thanks to Annie’s Space Sensory Room—a calming, space-themed sanctuary for neurodiverse and neurotypical passengers alike. Featuring interactive bubble tubes, tactile panels, and soothing décor, this new addition supports MCO’s commitment to accessible travel. MCO is also a Certified Autism Center and offers programs like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and Paw Pilots Therapy Dogs to support all travelers.
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