Florida Makes Controversial Change to Official Travel Website

Florida’s official tourism website quietly removes LGBTQ+ travel information, sparking controversy and concern among local businesses.

At a Glance

Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing agency, removed the “LGBTQ Travel” section from its website
The change follows other state actions perceived as anti-LGBTQ+, including classroom instruction restrictions and healthcare limitations
Local business owners and LGBTQ+ advocates express concern over potential impacts on tourism and community representation
Florida remains a popular destination for LGBTQ+ tourists, with cities like Key West and Fort Lauderdale known for inclusivity

Florida’s Tourism Website Undergoes Significant Change

Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing agency, has recently made a notable change to its official website. The “LGBTQ Travel” section, which previously highlighted Florida’s appeal to the gay community, has been removed. This modification comes amidst a series of policy changes in the state that have been perceived as less welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.

The removal of this section has not gone unnoticed, particularly by business owners who cater to LGBTQ+ tourists. Keith Blackburn, who heads the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce, expressed his dismay at the change.

“It’s just disgusting to see this,” said Keith Blackburn, who heads the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “They seem to want to erase us.”

Impact on Florida’s Tourism Industry

Tourism is a major industry in Florida, with nearly 141 million tourists contributing over $102 billion to the economy in 2023. The state has long been a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, with cities like Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, and St. Petersburg known for their inclusive atmospheres.

“There’s a sense of freedom to Florida’s beaches, the warm weather and the myriad activities — a draw for people of all orientations, but especially appealing to a gay community looking for a sense of belonging and acceptance.”

However, recent policy changes and the removal of LGBTQ+ travel information from the state’s official tourism website have raised concerns about the potential impact on this segment of the tourism industry. Local business owners are finding it increasingly challenging to promote tourism amidst calls for boycotts and negative state actions.

Florida’s official tourism website quietly removed a landing page for the state’s LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations sometime in the past four months. https://t.co/Y8012MY4kj

— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 19, 2024

State Policies and Their Implications

The removal of the LGBTQ+ travel section from Visit Florida’s website is not an isolated incident. It follows a series of policies supported by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis that have been criticized as anti-LGBTQ+. These include banning classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, and restricting gender-affirming care for minors.

“We want LGBT people to come here, we have really cool places to highlight and showcase. But when the state-run platform removes any trace of us being in Florida, it sends a pretty strong message to our travelers, to our community in Florida.”

These policies have led to travel advisories being issued by civil rights groups, citing hostility towards African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite these state-level actions, many Florida cities remain inclusive, with gay elected officials and LGBTQ+-owned businesses continuing to thrive.

Looking Ahead

As the controversy unfolds, questions remain about the long-term impact on Florida’s tourism industry and its reputation as a welcoming destination for all travelers. While state policies have shifted, many local communities continue to embrace diversity and inclusivity. The challenge now lies in balancing these competing narratives to ensure Florida remains a top destination for all visitors, regardless of their background or orientation.