Rick Scott Launches New Tourism Award

On Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott added the Innovators in Tourism award to this years batch of Governors Innovators in Business Awards (GIBA).

Floridas tourism industry is responsible for 1 million Florida jobs and we want to make sure that this important part of our economy is rewarded, Scott said on Wednesday. "Thanks to our job creators, Florida is becoming the top state for business in the country. I look forward to recognizing these innovative businesses for making sure families can live their American dream.

On behalf of the nearly 1.1 million Floridians employed in the hospitality industry, Im grateful to Governor Scott for creating this new award that will recognize the significant economic impact tourism businesses bring to the state," said Will Seccombe, the president and CEO of Visit Florida.

2012 proved a record year for tourism in Florida with 91.5 million tourists who spent almost $72 billion in the Sunshine State, leading to 23 percent of the states sales tax revenue and more than 1 million jobs.

Nominations for the new award are due on Nov. 15.