Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official source for travel planning, has awarded a $5,000 Image Development Grant to VisitGainesville for the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year, which begins July 1, 2012.

“The purpose of these grants is to help non-profit entities and local governments stretch their tourism marketing dollars in an effort to expand cultural, heritage, rural and nature tourism activities in Florida,” said Chris Thompson, President & CEO for VISIT FLORIDA.

“We were pleased that VISIT FLORIDA and Enterprise Florida has selected VisitGainesville from among a large number of grant applicants, during their most competitive grant cycle to date,” said Roland Loog, Alachua County Visitor and Convention Bureau Director. “These funds will be used for the production of new video to be used in TV and on-line advertising and will help us better position and market Alachua County as a desirable destination for the nature based, festival, historic and cultural traveler.”

VISIT FLORIDA, a private/public partnership, is Enterprise Florida’s day-to-day operating corporation for tourism.

VisitGainesville is the official destination marketing and management organization that directs, facilitates and coordinates visitor and convention development in Alachua County. It has the responsibility for research, destination marketing and promotions, and partnering for product development including support facilities and service. The Bureau is the advocate for the tourism industry in Alachua County.

View the VisitGainesville website.

For more information, contact Roland Loog at 352-374-5260 or rloog@visitgainesville.com.