In recent discussions about business and political neutrality, Axios highlighted a significant trend where institutions and corporations are stepping back from engaging in controversial debates. This withdrawal often comes from the realization that taking a public stance can lead to negative repercussions, ultimately affecting their bottom line.
This is particularly evident in the travel industry, with the Walt Disney Company serving as a high-profile example. Disney’s stance regarding Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, commonly referred to as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, has drawn criticism and created division among employees, activists, and government officials. Depending on one’s viewpoint, Disney’s actions are perceived as either excessively bold or insufficiently committed.
While many companies now prefer silence on polarizing issues to safeguard their financial interests, some Florida organizations are demonstrating a contrasting approach: they argue that taking a stand can indeed be beneficial for business.
An early indication of this sentiment emerged from Visit Florida, the state’s tourism board, which quietly removed numerous pages aimed at attracting LGBTQ+ travelers. CEO Dana Young cited the growing tourism numbers as proof that the state’s marketing strategy remains effective despite this omission. Governor Ron DeSantis backed this approach, stating, “We’re open to all, but we’re not going to segregate people by these different characteristics.” However, this sentiment was challenged when it was noted that Visit Florida’s site still features dedicated sections promoting tourism for Black and Hispanic visitors.
Conversely, Stacy Ritter, CEO of Visit Lauderdale, voiced a stark criticism of this strategy in a recent interview with Forbes. She argued that showing support for marginalized communities is not only ethically sound but also economically advantageous. Ritter emphasized that LGBTQ+ travelers tend to spend significantly more than their counterparts, highlighting the need for businesses to recognize the economic benefits of inclusivity. “It’s a culture war,” she expressed, criticizing the reluctance of certain entities to support the LGBTQ+ community.
Ritter has since launched the “No End to the Rainbows” campaign on social media, reaffirming the commitment of Visit Lauderdale to create a welcoming environment for all tourists. She stated, “We stand by our commitment to provide a welcoming experience for all travelers, including our LGBTQ+ community.”
Visit Florida’s Young addressed her board about the implications of their marketing strategies, noting that the organization, funded by taxpayers, should align its materials with state policy. Despite being lauded by CNBC as one of the top states for business, common business sense suggests that Visit Florida should revisit its decision to remove the LGBTQ+-focused content to better align with tourism growth.
In another update from Florida’s booming tourism sector, Space Perspective recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing its initial uncrewed test launch. This innovative company, which aims to take tourists to the edge of space at an altitude of 100,000 feet in a high-altitude balloon capsule, has seen considerable interest. Seats aboard the capsule, named Spaceship Neptune, are priced at $125,000, and they have already received 1,800 reservations, indicating robust demand as the first manned flights are scheduled for 2026.
Space Perspective stands out from other space tourism ventures due to its competitive pricing, sustainability—claiming to be carbon neutral—and the absence of training requirements for passengers. The ascent to space is compared to a leisurely elevator ride, traveling at a gentle speed of approximately 12 mph.
The capsule used in the test launch is fully operational and was recently launched from a custom-designed marine spaceport off the coast of St. Petersburg. The mission lasted around six hours, mirroring the planned duration of manned journeys: two hours ascending, two hours at the peak, followed by a two-hour descent.
In another notable Florida tourism event, Travel Weekly’s CruiseWorld is set to take place in Fort Lauderdale from November 6 to 8. During this event, major industry leaders, including the CEOs of Carnival Corp, Royal Caribbean Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, will engage in discussions about the cruise industry, alongside workshops and networking opportunities for industry professionals.
The ever-evolving dynamics of Florida’s tourism landscape showcases the complex interplay between business, culture, and inclusivity. As organizations navigate these waters, the decisions made today could shape the future of travel and tourism for years to come.
