GlobeSt.com UPDATE: Gov. Bush Rejects Tourism Agency's $1M Ad Blitz

MIAMI-Gov. Jeb Bush has turned down a $1.3-million advertising and blitz proposal by Visit Florida, the state’s tourism agency, on grounds such a promotion could exaggerate the actual damage situation and decrease promotional funds that may have to be used if other hurricanes strike the state this year.

Instead, Visit Florida will spend $119,000 out of a $2-billion emergency marketing fund. About $84,000 will initially go for half-page ads in USA Today. A limited television campaign could follow in the September-October period, according to South Florida tourism and hospitality industry representatives who attended a teleconference between Bush and Visit Florida officials.

The agency initially proposed a two-part promotional thrust–a $338,000 print and television advertising campaign followed by an additional $583,000 for print and electronic advertising in major domestic markets and $380,000 in international markets. But Bush vetoed the move, arguing the state’s $50-billion tourism industry needs more time to recover from Hurricane Charley before heavy promotional spending is set up.