Tourism Office Receives Esteemed Silver Flagler Award

Key Information

• Award: Silver Flagler Award
• Event: Indicators & Insights Summit
• Date: Fall 2024
• Organizer: Visit Sarasota County
• Location of Event: Carlisle Inn
• Next Summit Date: Nov. 18, 2025
• Ticket Link: Register here

Visit Sarasota County earned the Silver Flagler award for its impactful efforts to boost travel and tourism in the aftermath of the 2024 hurricane season. The accolade was granted for the revitalized Indicators & Insights Summit, which successfully convened over 100 hospitality leaders in the fall of 2024.

This prestigious recognition was presented at the 2025 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Orlando. Last year’s summit adjusted its agenda to focus on offering crucial travel insights, recovery forecasts, and fostering unity within the tourism sector.

Named in honor of Henry Flagler—widely recognized as the “Father of Florida Tourism”—the Flagler Awards represent an annual initiative recognized statewide, managed by Visit Florida, the official tourism marketing organization for the state. Awards are determined by industry judges, and each campaign is assessed based on its creativity, effectiveness, and overall quality.

“We’re grateful to our industry peers across the state – and especially within our community – for believing tourism matters and welcoming our summit into this esteemed hall of fame,” stated VSC President and CEO Erin Duggan in the news release. “Ensuring our more than 500 partners have the insights needed to tap into tourism, our community’s top industry, remains paramount to our mission. This accolade from Visit Florida further enhances our efforts and bolsters pride in place.”

Visit Sarasota County is set to host the next Indicators & Insights Summit on Nov. 18, 2025, focusing on the importance of tourism for local businesses. This year will also see the introduction of the Haley Hall of Fame Award, which will honor seven influential figures in the regional hospitality sector.

The half-day summit will take place at the Carlisle Inn from 8 a.m. to noon, with tickets available for both business leaders and residents at https://bit.ly/2025VSCsummit.