Yesterday, VISIT FLORIDA announced the recipients of the 2021 Florida Tourism Hall of Fame and Flagler Awards during the annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism. Each year, leaders in Florida tourism are chosen by selection committees to receive these prestigious awards.
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 2021 Florida Tourism Hall of Fame inductee is William D. Talbert, III, CDME. For more than three decades, Mr. Talbert has distinguished himself as a highly respected industry and community leader, serving as President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) for the past twenty years, and Chief Operating Officer for the prior nine. Throughout his tenure, the GMCVB has consistently posted record-breaking growth, helping welcome 29.4 million visitors in 2019 that generated an economic impact of nearly $18 billion and 146,800 jobs.
Other major accomplishments include assisting with the passage of the United States Travel Promotion Act and the Miami-Dade County Food & Beverage Tax, as well as preparing five successful Super Bowl bids, and four U.S. Travel Association Pow Wow bids. He also helped secure a $620 million renovation for the Miami Beach Convention Center, and the establishment of the Black Hospitality Initiative of Greater Miami. Mr. Talbert’s experience, expertise, and dedication have been essential to the success of Florida’s tourism industry, and continue to make a positive impact on travelers from all over the world.
“Florida’s enduring popularity would not be possible without the outstanding individuals who have helped shape the Sunshine State vacation experience as we know it today. William Talbert’s contributions have been foundational to the success of our industry, and we are proud to induct him into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Bill on this well-deserved win.” – Dana Young, President and CEO, VISIT FLORIDA
“On behalf of the entire VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, I am honored to formally induct William Talbert into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame. I have personally worked with Bill for over a decade, and his unparalleled knowledge and experience have made him an asset to all sectors of Florida’s tourism industry. Bill’s legacy is an incredible addition to the Hall of Fame, and we are thrilled to welcome him to this esteemed group of industry superstars.” – Danny Gaekwad, Owner, MGM Hotels, LLC, Chair of VISIT FLORIDA’s Board of Directors
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