SCOOP

41st Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism – Part 1

In spite of Tropical Storm Fay, the Conference was held this past week in Orlando without much of a hitch considering some people cancelled and some attendees had to leave early.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Turning Green into Gold”. In the session on tourism and “green” hospitality, we learned about the various government entities that can be used as resources of information, assistance, and grants. The various terminology and designations were explained. The small steps that businesses can do to impact sustainability were outlined. Some of these programs are practical and useful – you will save money, you will make money, and do better to help Florida market for the future, especially in reaching (the highly competitive) European tourist markets.

As we’ve stated before in previous posts, first it is especially important that you establish your “green” identity. What immediate things can you do? Examples are recycling your linens, donating amenities, donating left over food, using environmentally safe cleaning products, energy-saving light bulbs, recycling paper products, etc. Develop a mission statement and make sure all your employees are on board. And then, it is essential that you don’t forget to communicate these efforts to the “outside”, i.e. market your efforts. You can begin by just posting a statement for all your guests on what you are doing and what you plan to be doing. And in essence, everyone can do something to be “green”.

As well as the seminars, networking events, and trade show, the Conference also is the time when various awards are given out to recognize outstanding tourism marketing and accomplishments that benefit Florida tourism. I was pleasantly surprised that Sir Freddie Laker was one of the two people inducted into the Florida Tourism Honor Roll. I had had the honor of working and traveling with Sir Freddie for over ten years. And on a local note, congratulations for a job well done to the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB for winning several Flagler awards: In the category of “Creative Partnering” (Dine Out Lauderdale); In the “Creativity in Public Relations” category (Destination Pop Up Store); and in the “Multicultural Marketing” category (2008 Greater FLL Rainbow Vacation Planner).