Experts on Florida’s tourism reputation amid politics and climate

I’m reporting on how Florida’s political climate and environmental risks are shaping its tourism industry. I’m seeking tourism officials, hospitality leaders, economists, and advocacy groups to discuss how political boycotts, travel advisories, and extreme weather are influencing the state’s $100B tourism sector.

**Requirements:**
Florida-based industry experts or business owners preferred. Must be available for an on-the-record interview.

Question

Experts on Florida’s tourism reputation amid politics and climate

I’m reporting on how Florida’s political climate and environmental risks are shaping its tourism industry. I’m seeking tourism officials, hospitality leaders, economists, and advocacy groups to discuss how political boycotts, travel advisories, and extreme weather are influencing the state’s $100B tourism sector.

**Requirements:**
Florida-based industry experts or business owners preferred. Must be available for an on-the-record interview.

Jim Werner · Accepted Answer

Hi there,

I own Fagabond.com, a nationally focused gay travel website that covers Florida extensively, particularly Key West. In addition to running the site, I bring over 20 years of tourism leadership experience, including serving as Chief Tourism Officer for Philadelphia.

I'd be happy to speak with you on the record about how politics, climate concerns, travel advisories, and boycotts are affecting Florida's tourism reputation and reality—especially from the LGBTQ+ travel, marketing, and business perspectives.

Could you please let me know which publication this piece is for?

Looking forward to connecting.

Alex Veka · Answer

Florida tourism isn't crashing, but it is being disfigured by its reputation. Leisure travel is sound, but meetings, conventions, and profits are suffering. Travel advisories from civil rights and LGBTQ organizations. Groups have scared away some corporate planners, so there are fewer event requests, slower decisions, and more groups choosing "safer" options like Atlanta or Austin. Climate risk bites as well: higher insurance jacks up hotel prices, red tide and seaweed crimp beach stays, and late-summer hurricanes push demand earlier in the year and into shoulder seasons. What does help is rebalancing value to shoulder months, promoting options inland and city when coasts are problematic, and making it very clear about the safety level in general and specifically inclusive, to override fears of boycott.

Carlos Nasillo · Answer

As a travel and mobility entrepreneur, I have collaborations in Florida with many rental partners, and through those partnerships, I've watched the state's tourism landscape evolve in the face of environmental and shifting political tides. Travelers are even more purposeful in their decision-making, frequently inquiring about the weather patterns of a destination and its local sustainability initiatives as well as the community safety before they book. For example, our Florida partners have observed the low in demand during hurricane season — with fast rebounds when businesses talk openly about safety measures and progress toward recovery. That kind of transparency creates a confidence in travelers that no advertising campaign ever could.

Politics has also shaped the way people think about Florida as a destination. Some travelers express reluctance, others emphasize solely its unparalleled outdoor experiences—scenic drives, beach routes, and the freedom to explore the open road. What I've also learned from our network of local partners is that authenticity and accountability matter most. Visitors appreciate operators who care about the environment and their communities. One lesson from these initiatives is the strength of local partnerships—and, in general, how when businesses can do more to help each other (whether it's via community-focused tourism or as part of a greater ecosystem), we all benefit. In a state molded by politics and nature, the resiliency of our communities depends on shared principles — collaboration, transparency and ownership among those who call Florida home and those who invite others to experience it.

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Jim Werner

Alex Veka

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