TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- This May, head down to Florida with family and friends to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week (May 2-8) the right way. National Travel and Tourism Week is a chance to celebrate the hard workers of the travel industry who make visiting new destinations so exciting, and an opportunity to explore new places and discover the exciting sights and attractions that make them so memorable. With Mother’s Day following soon after, why not honor both in a state packed with breathtaking sights and astounding attractions?

Throughout the week, Pensacola will be celebrating through exciting virtual and in-person events. Get a chance to speak to the President and CEO of Visit Pensacola, watch the Hospitality Hero awards to see who is honored for going above and beyond improving the Pensacola experience, and participate in a Pensacola Beach cleanup. Industry workers should check out the happy hour at Perfect Plain Brewery, where the first drink is on them to commemorate the hard work done last year.

Celebrate the week at one of the newest highlights of the Sunshine State in St. Petersburg. St. Pete Pier blends the gorgeous waterfront with the bustling city center to provide a unique destination perfect for long-time residents and travelers alike. Indulge in excellent dining spots, gaze at modern art pieces, and learn about Tampa Bay’s unique ecosystem at the Discovery Center. St. Pete Pier brings together a variety of attractions for a destination that will satisfy visitors of all ages.

Outdoor enthusiasts are welcome in Jacksonville, the premier city for stunning natural areas and recreational spaces. Cross through marshes and wild vegetation in the Timucuan Preserve and be surrounded by diverse wildlife. Hop on a bike and ride down the Downtown Riverwalk to take in the calm atmosphere of the beachfront and the vibrancy of Jacksonville’s urban core. Go on a guided kayak tour to must-see stops like Little Talbot’s famous Boneyard Beach, Amelia Island’s towering lighthouse, and the vast tidal marshes of Egans Creek. Learn how to surf in just an hour with Jax Surf and Paddle so that you can ride the roaring tide in no time.

Delray Beach has cultivated a different kind of destination, one defined by a resort-like experience surrounded by sun-drenched natural beauty, culture, and art. Old School Square contains some of the area’s artistic highlights, from the Cornell Art Museum to the Crest Theatre. The Delray Beach Market is a sprawling food hall where patrons can savor the culinary delights the city has to offer, and the Delray Municipal Beach is a great place to enjoy a calm atmosphere and great views with loved ones.

Commemorate Travel Rally Day on May 5 at Palm Beach, where an event will be held to honor a local business, group, or individual that has helped imbue the county with a vitality and prosperity that makes it such a wonderful place to visit. Vote online for your favorite to win the prestigious Providencia Award!

For more information on the Sunshine State or to plan a 2021 vacation to Florida, visit  www.VISITFLORIDA.com.

About VISIT FLORIDA
As the Sunshine State’s No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming 131.4 million visitors in 2019. Based on the latest economic impact study, Florida visitors contributed $96.5 billion to Florida's economy and supported 1.6 million Florida jobs in 2019. According to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA, the official tourism marketing corporation for the State of Florida, $3.27 in tax revenue is generated. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism to Florida through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs. As a public/private partnership, VISIT FLORIDA serves more than 13,000 tourism industry businesses, including major strategic alliance partnerships with Busch Gardens Tampa, Disney Destinations, Hilton, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando and Universal Orlando Resort. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA follow @FloridaTourism on Facebook and Twitter or visit www.visitflorida.org. For inspiration from the Sunshine State, follow @VISITFLORIDA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.visitflorida.com. For media resources, visit www.visitfloridamedia.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nati Ucros, Publicist
215.444.7135
nati.ucros@aboutdci.com