Center for Tourism

The Center for Tourism was created to promote Florida's tourism and tourism-related industries through objective research and research-based policy initiatives to stimulate economic development.

The Center's core objectives are to: (1) monitor and analyze historical and emergent factors impacting the economic health and viability of Florida's tourism industry and economic development throughout the state; (2) develop and support public policy initiatives, programs and projects which promote and sustain Florida tourism and other mutually reinforcing industries.

The value of the economic growth and development stimulated by the tourism industry should not be underestimated. The positive influence that Florida tourism's "high fun business" has on Florida's economy directly is generally acknowledged. Less publicized is the important stimulus to growth and development that Florida tourism's "high fun" recreation, attractions and entertainment segments indirectly have on other tourist-valued businesses, including high tech industry players which, in turn, stimulates high paying jobs and local investments.

Center Research

• Florida Needs a Better Method to Estimate Tourism′s Economic Impact, March 2007
• The Impact of Tourism on Florida′s Economy: Telling a More Complete Story, March 2006
• $20 Million Needed Now to Bring Back Florida Tourism!…Another $10 Million to Keep Florida's Powder Dry, April 2003
• Bold Actions are required to Get Air Tourists Back to Florida!, October 2001
• Florida Must Continue to be Open For Business, October 2001
• The Benefits and Costs of Tourism to Florida, Executive Summary, August 2000

Steering Comittee

The Center for Tourism Steering Committee is comprised of Florida TaxWatch members and leaders from Florida's crucial tourism and supporting industries.  The Steering Committee serves in an advisory capacity in aiding the Center for Tourism in its mission to ensure the economic health of Florida's tourism.

• Chairman Jack Healan, Amelia Island
• Vice Chairman Arthur Hertz, Wometco Enterprises, Inc.
• Jane Adams, Walt Disney World
• Stuart Blumberg, Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association
• Fonda Cerenzio, SeaWorld
• Carol Dover, Florida Restaurant Association
• Nikki Grossman, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB
• Richard Maladecki, Central Florida Hotel & Motel Association
• Rick McAllister, Florida Retail Federation
• Bill McCreary, Swan/Dolphin Hotel
• Jane McNabb, Florida Chamber of Commerce
• John McReynolds, Universal Studios
• Bud Nocera, Visit Florida
• William Peeper, Orlando/Orange County CVB
• Donna Ross, Florida Attractions Association
• Robert Skrob, Florida Association of CVBs
• William Talbert, Greater Miami CVB
• Tommy Waits, Florida Hotel & Motel Association