The state of Florida is one of the biggest destination spots for vacationers in the world. Florida was the number one preferred vacation destination (by 34%) in a recently released study from Travel Industry Association of America (TIA). Approximately 50 million visitors made the Sunshine State their preferred vacation destination last year.
This new program is open to all licensed transient lodging properties in Florida, including small bed & breakfasts.  Participating properties will benefit by being able to offer detailed property information and transact real-time, confirmed reservations to travelers who visit the Web site or call the toll-free number (1-888-7FLA USA). In addition, properties will also receive reservations through the WorldRes.com distribution network, which includes such well-know partners as AOL, Lycos, Yahoo!, RandMcNally.com and Travelocity, as well as activity and special interest sites.

�We are pleased to announce our partnership with WorldRes.com, which, through our relationship with VISIT FLORIDA, will provide Florida visitors with an easy-to-access service to locate and book travel accommodations,� said Tom Waits, Florida Hotel & Motel Association. Austin Mott, VISIT FLORIDA�s president and CEO added, �With the variety of activities and destinations that Florida has to offer, our state has always been a top destination for vacationers and tourists. Adding WorldRes.com�s service and content to our Web site and call center will allow travelers to book their ideal trip instantly so they can begin planning their time in Florida, rather than worrying about hotel reservations.� 

�Florida is one of the major leaders in the arena of tourism, and the state�s participation in our destination marketing program is significant,� said Greg Jones, CEO of WorldRes.com. �We feel our reservations solution can help regionally-sponsored organizations take advantage of the e-commerce boom while increasing our channels of distribution to reach additional consumers.�

VISIT FLORIDA is a unique, not-for-profit corporation that markets Florida tourism on behalf of the Florida Commission on Tourism, a private/public partnership. Created by an act of the Florida Legislature in 1996, VISIT FLORIDA is responsible for media advertising and promotions, public relations, publication of the Official Florida Vacation Guide, the www.flausa.com Web site, operation of the Official Florida Welcome Centers, representing Florida at the world�s major trade and travel shows, compiling tourism statistics and research and serving the Florida tourism industry through its Partners program.

The Florida Hotel & Motel Association (FH&MA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to representing, protecting and advancing the interests of Florida�s lodging industry. Founded in 1912, FH&MA is one of the oldest and among the largest statewide lodging associations in the national federation known as the American Hotel & Motel Association. It provides its member properties with operational, technical, educational, marketing and communications services, and representation before state and national legislative bodies. The association is a Founding partner in development and implementation of the Florida Commission on Tourism and VISIT FLORIDA.

WorldRes.com, Inc. operates an online distribution network that connects hotels to leisure travelers through a broad range of web-based partners, including portals, travel and destination web sites, convention and visitor bureaus, tourism authorities, online city guides, call centers and travel agents. For hotels, WorldRes.com offers an efficient, low-cost means for marketing and selling accommodations online. For distribution partners, WorldRes.com provides detailed information and booking capability for a wide range of properties, from bed and breakfasts and independent hotels to resorts, vacation rentals and hotel chains.