Megan Davis, CMP, CTIS

🚨This was a big week for Seminole County Tourism! 🚨 After more than three years of discussions between the County leadership, our sports tourism partners and our local hoteliers, Seminole County Government unanimously agreed this week to establish a first of-its-kind Seminole County Tourism Improvement District (TID). This public-private partnership is built on strong collaboration with the local hotel industry, including nearly 54% of qualified hotel rooms in Seminole County signing petitions in support of the district. The TID is designed to strengthen Seminole County’s position as a premier sports tourism destination, including enhancing sports tourism infrastructure, attracting high-profile events, and supporting economic development. Below is a statement from Robert Agrusa, Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA) President/CEO and a link to find out more: https://ow.ly/nNjc50Vi37B #CFHLA #HospitalityStrong #AdvocacyMatters

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We sat down with 30-plus-year hospitality veteran Howard Chamberlain of Chamberlain Search for his insider perspective on the industry and must-know travel tips for his home base, North Carolina's Research Triangle area. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d84339QN #ForbesTravelGuide #hospitality #hospitalityindustry #hotels #hotelsandresorts #hotelindustry 

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Orlando’s strength as a meetings and events destination is rooted in something bigger than venues and attractions, it’s built on decades of commitment to welcoming visitors and investing in the destination.   In this recent Orlando Sentinel commentary, Paul Mears III, President & CEO of Hello! Destination Management, shares his perspective on the factors that continue to drive Orlando’s success.   Read the full article:  https://lnkd.in/eKaSue-G

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Today was a monumental moment for North Alabama. The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, the official destination marketing organization for Visit North Alabama, proudly announced today a new initiative to position North Alabama as an accessible-friendly destination. The announcement was made during a news conference where several major accessibility projects, new travel tools and resources were unveiled, dramatically improving travel opportunities for visitors who might need special accommodations. “Accessibility is more than a project, it is AMLA’s mission,” said AMLA President/CEO Tami Reist. “We are committed to ensuring that North Alabama is not only beautiful and adventurous but also inclusive, inviting and accessible. With this exciting initiative, North Alabama is taking an important step to ensure that visitors and locals of different disabilities feel welcomed, included and inspired by what our region has to offer.” North Alabama gained recognition as the first destination in Alabama to achieve the “Destination Verified” status with Wheel the World, a global leader in accessible travel. This designation highlights the region’s commitment to accessible tourism for travelers with physical, cognitive and invisible disabilities. The status recognizes tourist-related venues that have undergone a third-party accessibility verification. Wheel the World spent the past 10 months conducting confidential accessibility verifications of dozens of businesses, attractions, restaurants, airports and hotels in the North Alabama region. People planning visits to the 16 northernmost counties in Alabama can identify accessible features at hotels, attractions, restaurants, and other businesses within listings on Wheel the World’s booking travel website. Participating businesses received accessibility support guides and access to the Wheel the World Academy, which offers training videos on accessibility best practices, dispelling myths and enhancing understanding around accessibility. "North Alabama is leading the way in their state by partnering with us to ensure visitors with disabilities can access clear, reliable information about where to stay, eat and explore,” said Arturo Gaona, Chief Partnerships Officer, Wheel the World. “Making a destination truly accessible requires everyone to join the movement. This initiative isn’t just about compliance; it’s about excellence in hospitality and real economic development for the region. By joining, hoteliers, restaurant owners, attractions, and tourism professionals can tap into a growing emerging market, enhance visitors experiences, and set themselves apart.” Today’s announcement also included news that the Alabama’s Mountains, Rivers For more information about North Alabama’s accessible travel resources, visit www.accessiblenorthal.com.

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