Tourism executive quits Visit Florida post

A top Florida tourism executive resigned Thursday from the Visit Florida board of directors, expressing frustration and concern with the direction of tourism marketing because of actions by Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature.

Bill Lupfer, president and CEO of the Florida Attractions Association, told fellow board members Thursday he was resigning effective immediately. He cited the Sunshine Law as a factor, noting that he’s prevented by law from discussing his reasons with them in private.

“I am now free,” Lupfer told board members, “to work with Visit Florida board members, other tourism industry leaders, and especially our FAA members to develop a new vision for how our state’s DMO (direct marketing organization) can best serve our industry, free of government restrictions, bureaucratic governance and political games.”

Lupfer’s association is an umbrella group that represents theme parks, water parks, historic and cultural sites, botanical gardens, museums, galleries, zoos, aquariums, outdoor and adventure destinations, family entertainment centers, dining attractions and sightseeing tours.

This story was originally published August 3, 2017 at 3:37 PM with the headline "Tourism executive quits Visit Florida post."