Dawn Moliterno, Executive Director of the South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC), has been appointed to the board of directors of VISIT FLORIDA, the state's official tourism marketing corporation. Ms. Moliterno is one of three new members on the 31-member board, which serves as the organization's private sector governing body. Along with the members of VISIT FLORIDA's 12 committees, the directors provide guidance, input and insight into the evolution of the organization's programs and opportunities.
"VISIT FLORIDA does an outstanding job of supporting and growing tourism throughout our beautiful state, and I am honored to have been selected to serve on their board of directors," said Ms. Moliterno. "I look forward to working collaboratively with this prestigious group to continue the responsible growth of Florida's number one industry throughout the state and in South Walton."
Under Ms. Moliterno's leadership, the South Walton TDC experienced record tourism in 2011, with an impressive 50 percent increase in bed tax revenues over the prior year. Her tenure began in April 2010, just days before the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In addition to capably guiding the organization through that crisis, Ms. Moliterno oversaw the effective deployment of $8 million in BP grant monies, while concurrently directing a highly successful brand evolution.
Ms. Moliterno is active in numerous tourism and business development organizations. She was appointed to The Governor's Gulf Oil Spill Economic Recovery Task Force in 2010, and currently chairs the Northwest Florida Tourism Council (NWFTC), a coalition of seven tourism development councils created for the purpose of marketing Northwest Florida. The coalition's efforts resulted in $30 million in BP marketing grants being awarded to enhance tourism in the region. Ms. Moliterno serves on the board of directors of Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport Authority, and was instrumental in the opening of the new airport and securing Southwest Airlines as a carrier. She is also on the board of directors of the Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (FADMO).
"South Walton is incredibly fortunate to be represented on the state's official tourism marketing board, and VISIT FLORIDA is equally fortunate to have someone with Ms. Moliterno's energy and insight contribute to its marketing efforts," said Scott Brannon, chairman of both the Walton Board of County Commissioners and the South Walton Tourist Development Council. "This is a win-win for both local and state tourism efforts."
In 2011, Florida welcomed a record 86.5 million visitors who spent $67.2 billion, generating 23 percent of the state's sales tax revenue and employing more than one million Floridians. VISIT FLORIDA's ability to successfully market the Florida tourism product and bring in more visitors helps the state of Florida and its residents by building and growing businesses, creating jobs and providing family-sustaining wages. These efforts to attract more visitors also generate increased tourist spending that provides funding to help build roads, support schools and pay for vital programs.
There are 31 members of the VISIT FLORIDA board of directors and the 185 tourism industry representatives serving on the 12 VISIT FLORIDA committees. The term for all members is July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013.
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Information provided by Visit South Walton
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