Apalachicola Chamber Earns State Recognition

The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center has been named one of only fourteen official Florida Certified Tourism Information Centers in association with a new VISIT FLORIDA program.

The new VISIT FLORIDA Certified Tourism Information Centers (CTICs) Program brings VISIT FLORIDA recognition to Visitor Services facilities around the state, providing these facilities and their staff with benefits that enable successful promotion of travel to and throughout Florida.

To become an official Florida Certified Tourism Information Center, visitor centers must meet requirements specified by VISIT FLORIDA, such as: centers must be a VISIT FLORIDA Partner, centers must be open year-round at a minimum of five days per week, centers must be located in a convenient and accessible location for the ease of travelers, and centers must have access to parking and restroom facilities to accommodate visitors including persons with disabilities.

“VISIT FLORIDA is not looking to franchise visitor centers,” said David Dodd, VISIT FLORIDA Vice President of Visitor Services. “The VISIT FLORIDA Certified Tourism Information Center Program is focused on presenting a consistent Florida message and a quality Florida experience for all visitors to the Sunshine State.”

“We are very happy to be included in this prestigious roster of new VISIT FLORIDA CTIC’s from across the state. This Distinction provides an extra layer of service to our visitors. It is an honor for the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center to be recognized as an official CTIC Visitor Center”, said John Solomon, Executive Director Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Under Solomon’s leadership the Chamber has acquired 86 new members in less than a year and sees a little more than 1,600 visitors walk through its doors each month.

Curt Blair Director of the Franklin County (TDC) Tourism Development Council said “We are excited that the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce has received this well, deserved designation. Our Visitor Centers are an important part of our county's marketing program”

All Florida Certified Tourism Information Centers receive additional benefits from the program, including: a free 4”x9” brochure display at all VISIT FLORIDA Welcome Centers, Vacation Guides and Florida State Maps, Certification signage, and access to a State of Florida Network with other tourism professionals. In addition, Statewide Information Specialist Certification is being offered to all employees at a Florida Certified Tourism Information Center.

For more information about the VISIT FLORIDA Certified Tourism Information Center Program, contact David Dodd at ddodd@visitflorida.org. For more information about Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center go to www.apalachicolabay.org.