Visit Florida funding USD9 million post-hurricane campaign for Panhandle
Visit Florida is funding a $9 million marketing push to lure travelers back to the Panhandle.
It is a move to counter public perception over how much of the state remains off-limits for tourism after the devastating Hurricane Michael.
The agency is working with local tourism offices to promote visitation to four counties — Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton, all of which suffered little damage.
Visit Florida has hired public-relations firm Ketchum to lead the campaign.
"If we do not manage the customer perception, it could be very devastating to our economy if they think that (damage) is very widespread," said Visit Florida committee member Dan Rowe, who is also president of the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The agency’s executive committee agreed to push the message that ‘the rest of Florida is wide open for business’ and highlight areas in Northwest Florida close to the Hurricane’s impact that have reopened.
Marketing efforts will be very visual, showcasing what’s open and the recovery efforts in video segments on social media.
The state tourism marketing agency received $76 million in funding from the state Legislature this year.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026