Kissimmee, Fla. – Yesterday, VISIT FLORIDA announced the 2025 Florida Tourism Hall of Fame inductee and the winners of the 2025 Flagler Awards. The award ceremony took place during the annual Chairman’s Dinner at The Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism. Find photos of the award winners here. 

Florida Tourism Hall of Fame

 

Since 2001, individuals have been chosen annually to be inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame. This honor, presented by the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, recognizes contemporary and historic figures whose vision, creativity and drive have had a positive and significant impact on the development of Florida as a desirable visitor destination.

 

The 2025 Florida Tourism Hall of Fame proudly inducts Robert Ripley—a visionary whose legacy continues to shape Florida’s tourism landscape. At his core, Ripley was an entertainer, captivated by the spotlight, the thrill of show business, his affinity for Florida, and an enduring fascination with the extraordinary and unusual. His unique perspective made it only natural that he would find a way to celebrate Florida’s most curious and remarkable aspects, capturing international attention since 1940.

 

Ripley’s daring spirit and innovative vision not only brought him to the Sunshine State, but also shined a global spotlight on Florida’s wonders. His influence culminated in the establishment of the world’s first permanent Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in St. Augustine, which remains a landmark attraction to this day.

 

Today, Ripley Entertainment, Inc. proudly maintains its headquarters in Florida, operating from its state-of-the-art facility in Orlando. Within the state, Ripley’s operates three Believe It or Not! museums, four retail locations, a train tour, a paranormal investigation experience, two mirror mazes, and a dynamic moving theater attraction. Ripley’s relentless commitment to innovation and excellence continues to set the standard in Florida’s thriving attractions industry.

 

 

"Robert Ripley’s recognition in the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame highlights how his creativity and vision have shaped the way visitors experience our state’s remarkable attractions. For a century, Ripley’s influence has played a pivotal role in making Florida a top destination worldwide. His lasting contributions resonate across our tourism industry, and this celebrated honor could not be more fitting.”

– Bryan Griffin, President and CEO, VISIT FLORIDA

 

"Robert Ripley’s induction into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame is a testament to the strength of Florida’s unique attractions, drawing millions of visitors every year to the Sunshine State. For over 100 years, Ripley’s visionary legacy has helped strengthen and grow Florida's tourism industry. His lasting impact on our state’s story is undeniable, and this honor is truly well deserved."

– Eric Marshall, Senior VP of Destination Sales for Universal Parks and Resorts, VISIT FLORIDA Chair, Board of Directors

 

For more information about the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame, click here.

Flagler Awards

 

Now in its 25th year, the Flagler Awards recognize outstanding tourism marketing in Florida. The awards are open to all individuals, private businesses and not-for-profit organizations offering a product or service that promotes tourism to or within the state of Florida. The 2025 Flagler Awards drew more than 300 entries, a record-breaking number,  from organizations, large and small.

 

Working independently, a diverse panel of twelve judges evaluated the creativity, innovation, production quality and effectiveness of each entry.  Based on the judges’ cumulative scores, awards were presented to the top three entries in each category: the Bronze Award for the third highest scoring entry, the Silver Award for the second highest scoring entry, and for the highest scoring entry in each category, the Henry Award. The 2025 Flagler Award winners in 18 categories, plus Best in Show at four budget levels, are listed below.

 

Creativity in Public Relations

Bronze:  Discover Lake County Florida for “Tune Out to Tune In” Mailer Boxes

Silver:  Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for “A Surprise Wedding at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort”

Henry:  Johns Pass Village & Boardwalk for “Riding the Storm Out: Weathered, Not Broken”

 

Print Advertising

Bronze: The West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority for “The Manatees Love to Meet Here”

Silver: The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for the Amelia Island Leisure Print Ads

Henry: The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau for the “Only Paradise Will

Do” Print Campaign Series

 

Special Event

Bronze: The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County for Palm Beach County Open Studios – Activating

Local Artists as Tourism Ambassadors

Silver: Visit Tampa Bay for “London Art Fair: Art Meets Sunshine”

Henry: Brightline Trains for the Sing-Along Train to the Big Concert Campaign

 

Internet Advertising

Bronze: The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for “Snowbird Advisors”

Silver:  Discover Mexico Beach, FL for “The Unforgettable Spirit of Mexico Beach”

Henry: The Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing for the “Explore Natural Martin” Video Series

 

Direct Marketing

Bronze:  Florida's First Coast of Golf for the “Where USA Comes to Play” Northeast Florida Military

Campaign Email Series

Silver: The Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing for the Explore Natural Martin Monthly

Newsletter

Henry: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods for “A Bird’s Eye View of Fort Myers” Direct Mailer

 

Tourism Advocacy

Bronze: The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County for “Your Voice Matters” – Arts & Tourism Advocacy in Palm Beach County

Silver: Visit Sarasota County for the Indicators & Insights Summit – Visit Sarasota County’s Rebranded Annual Meeting

Henry: Visit Tampa Bay for “Everyday Champions: Celebrating Hospitality Excellence”

 

Social Media Marketing

Bronze: The Space Coast Office of Tourism for Space Coast Organic Social

Silver: Visit Panama City Beach for “Chasin’ The SUN”

Henry: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Florida for Transforming Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s Social Strategy to

Build Trust with Moms

 

Out-of-Home

Bronze: The Ocala/Marion County Visitor and Convention Bureau for the Orlando Moving Billboard

Campaign

Silver: The West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority for their CoolCraft Summer World Tour Poster

Henry: The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau & Visit Tampa Bay for the Digital-Out-of-

Home Campaign Germany

 

Radio Advertising

Bronze: The Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing for the Martin Memories Holiday Radio Ad

Silver: Discover Mexico Beach, FL for the Discover Mexico Beach, FL iHeart Media Campaign 

Henry: Visit Panama City Beach for Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Fest

 

Television Advertising

Bronze: The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau for “Pure Florida” TV

Advertising

Silver: Visit Indian River County for “THIS IS Indian River County!”

Henry: The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for the Amelia Island TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Ad 

 

Mobile Marketing

Bronze: ZooTampa at Lowry Park for “Creatures of the Night

Silver: The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for the Epsilon Gamified Unit

Henry: Florida's First Coast of Golf for the 2024 “Moments” Mobile Campaign

Henry: The Franklin County Tourist Development Council for the Forgotten Coast Mobile App

Reimagined

 

Websites

Bronze: Visit Orlando for the VisitOrlando.com Redesign

Silver: Visit Tampa Bay for “Live Bold. Work Smart. Make It Tampa Bay.”

Henry: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Florida for Destinfwb.com: Empowering Moms to Plan with

Confidence

 

Specialty Marketing

Bronze: The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for Amelia Island Dining Month

Silver:  Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods for “Savor the Shore

Silver: Sanibel Sea School for “The Water’s Fine” Spring & Summer Campaign

Henry: Visit Indian River County for “Pawsome Trips to Indian River County”

 

Resource/Promotional Material-Consumer

Bronze: The St. Johns Cultural Council for the “Taste Through Time” Culinary Guide

Silver: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Florida for the Destin-Fort Walton Beach 2025 Visitor’s Guide

Henry: Visit Jacksonville for “A Love Letter from Jacksonville”

 

Resource/Promotional Material-Trade

Bronze: Walton County Tourism for the South Walton Meetings Guide

Silver:  The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for the Amelia Island Meetings Videos

Silver: The Ocala/Marion County Visitor and Convention Bureau for Ocala/Marion County’s Tradeshow

Booth: Illuminating Connections in the Trade and Planners Market

Henry: Visit Tampa Bay for “Meeting the Moment”

 

Sustainable Tourism Marketing

Bronze: The City of Miami Beach Marketing and Communications for “Flip the Switch Sea Turtle Nesting Season Protection” 

Silver: Isla Bella Beach Resort for the Isla Bella Beach Resort | CRMA Partnership

Henry:  The Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing for “Promoting Responsible Fishing with Go

Fish Cards”

 

Rural County Marketing

Bronze: The Gadsden County Tourist Development Council for the Gadsden County Black History

Committee Treasure Hunt

Silver: The Taylor County Tourism Development Council for “The Comeback Campaign”

Henry:  The DeSoto County Tourism Department for the “Florida Wild” Campaign

 

Integrated Marketing Campaign

Bronze: The Silver Spurs Club for “Tradition Rides On” – Silver Spurs Rodeo 80th Anniversary

Silver: Experience Kissimmee for Experience Kissimmee, Southwest Airlines and Matador “Surprised by

Kissimmee”

Henry: The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau for “Breaking Up with Spring Break”

 

Best of Show

Annual marketing budget less than $150,000:  Isla Bella Beach Resort for the Isla Bella Beach Resort | CRMA Partnership

Annual marketing budget between $150,00 and $500,000: Discover Mexico Beach, FL for “The Unforgettable Spirit of Mexico Beach”

Annual marketing budget between $500,000 ‐ $2 million: Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing for “Promoting Responsible Fishing with Go Fish Cards”

Annual marketing budget greater than $2 million: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau for “Breaking Up with Spring Break”