Governor Visits Orlando to Push for $100 Million for Tourism
Friday, January 10, 2014
By: Amy Green

January 10, 2014 | WMFE - Gov. Rick Scott wants to nearly double what the state spends on tourism. He was in Orlando on Friday to announce he'll push for $100 million this spring for Visit Florida, the state's marketing agency.

[Photo: The governor will push for the funding during the spring legislative session.]

The governor made the announcement at Orlando International Airport. Some of the region's top tourism leaders from Universal Studios and other attractions joined him.

He says Orlando is the nation's most-visited destination, and Florida is on pace for another record-setting year of tourism. 

"Thanks to our natural treasures, incredible attractions and hard-working Florida families the Sunshine State has experienced two consecutive years of record-setting visitation by travelers from more than 180 countries."

Scott says the money will go toward marketing. He says his goal is 100 million tourists.

Lawmakers expect a multi-million-dollar surplus when they reconvene this spring to work on the state budget. That's after several lean years.

Scott also is pushing a $500 million tax cut.