TALLAHASSEE - To recognize National Travel and Tourism Week, the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service
encourages residents and visitors to explore vacation opportunities in…the Real Florida. Florida’s state parks offer authentic, nature-based tourism and historical and cultural sites at a great economical value.

National Travel and Tourism Week, which began on May 9 and continues through May 17, was established in 1983 by the U.S. Congress to enhance the country’s economy and recognize the cultural and social benefits created by travel and tourism. DEP’s Florida Park Service, a key player in Florida’s tourism industry, last year contributed more than $1 billion to local economies around the state by welcoming more than 20.5 million visitors.

“With more than 14 million visitors in the first three quarters of this
fiscal year, Florida’s state parks are heading for a potentially record
breaking attendance year, proving that nature-based tourism is on the rise,” said DEP Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “We encourage
vacationers to continue strengthening Florida’s local economies and tourism industry by visiting a state park during National Travel and Tourism Week and all summer long.”

National Travel and Tourism Week is a great time to begin planning a trip to one of Florida’s state parks. With many activities, ranger programs and
special events available at little to no cost, visitors are sure to find
something to enjoy. Whether it is camping or staying overnight in a state
park cabin, hiking, fishing, picnicking or experiencing the world’s most
beautiful beaches, Florida’s state parks offer activities for every interest.

Visitors planning a trip to a state park are also encouraged to partake in
DEP’s Rediscover Florida: 100 Ways in 100 Days campaign - an initiative
urging Floridians and visitors to explore the exciting and affordable
recreation Florida’s public lands offer -from the traditional (hiking,
biking, and camping) to the unique (festivals, historic reenactments and
museums).

DEP’s Rediscover Florida Web site offers an interactive list of 100
activities for visitors to track how many of the activities they can
complete, including:

#4) Pitch a tent - More than 50 state parks offer camping. Set up camp and
enjoy the great outdoors.

#17) Experience the magic of a mermaid - The mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park have delighted visitors since 1947. Today, visitors can still witness the magic of the mermaids, take a river boat cruise and canoe or kayak on the Weeki Wachee River.

#53) Take a ferry boat to America’s best beach - Caladesi Island State Park
was voted America’s best beach in 2008.

Opportunities to rediscover Florida extend beyond the state’s 160 state parks - there are also eight state trails, three National Estuarine Research
Reserves, plus many aquatic preserves and education centers. With all of
these options, opportunities for fun and educational recreation are vast,
affordable and close to home. To view the Web site, visit  www.dep.state.fl.us and click on Rediscover Florida.

The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park
service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country
with 160 parks, which are open 365 days a year. Florida’s state parks, which span more than 700,000 acres and include 100 miles of sandy white beach, provide an affordable outing for people of all ages. Caladesi Island State Park, just off the coast of Pinellas County, was honored with the coveted Best Beach in the Nation award in 2008.

For more information about Florida State Parks and events during National Travel and Tourism Week, visit www.floridastateparks.org
.