US: Airbnb and tourism marketing corporation VISIT FLORIDA have announced a partnership to launch a campaign for the revival of Florida’s tourism industry.
The partnership will feature a curated page of activities and stays for travellers, as well as social media adverts and emails for Florida residents and those of neighbouring states. Airbnb and VISIT FLORIDA will be marketing to in-state travellers, aiming to attract small groups of family and friends for local trips.
From 2019 to 2020, Florida saw a decrease in visitors that totalled around 44.3 million during the worst months of the pandemic.
In an effort to bounce back, Airbnb and VISIT FLORIDA’s partnership is designed to offer guests safe vacation rental options while also boosting collaborations with local governments and tourism agencies.
Viviana Jordan, Airbnb public policy manager for Florida, said: “We’re proud to support the return of safe and responsible travel in Florida and, in turn, help small businesses and Floridians who rely on tourism. We hope this campaign inspires and encourages people to rediscover the amazing places and people throughout the state, and we look forward to continuing to work with VISIT FLORIDA to find innovative ways to support the tourism industry.”
Florida state governor Ron DeSantis attracted criticism for his handling of the Covid-19 crisis last year after he signed an executive 20-87 closure order for vacation rentals in Florida in order to limit the spread of the virus. At the same time, he allowed “hotels, motels, inns, resorts, non-transient public lodging establishments and time share projects” across the state to remain open with no limitations on capacity or social distancing measures during the early stages of the pandemic.
