News Summary
The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB) has received accolades at the 2025 VISIT Florida Flagler Awards, securing a Silver Award for its tradeshow booth and a Bronze Award for the Orlando Moving Billboard Campaign, marking a commitment to tourism marketing excellence.
Ocala Celebrates VCB’s Success at 2025 VISIT Florida Flagler Awards
The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB) recently garnered recognition at the prestigious 2025 VISIT Florida Flagler Awards, winning a Silver and a Bronze Award during an event held at the Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism. This ceremony included a keynote address from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and is aimed at honoring excellence in tourism marketing across the state.
The VCB earned the Silver Award for its innovative tradeshow booth, which fell under the Resource/Promotional Material – Trade category. This booth has been an essential asset for the VCB’s Sales Team, utilized at significant conventions, including the Florida Huddle and Florida Encounter in both 2024 and 2025. Designed with two illuminated display units alongside a light-up counter, the booth effectively showcases captivating imagery of Ocala and Marion County’s unique features.
In addition to the Silver Award, the VCB received a Bronze Award for its Orlando Moving Billboard Campaign. This initiative focused on increasing awareness of Ocala/Marion County and included eye-catching vehicle advertisements strategically placed at various events throughout Orlando, Florida. Over the span of two months, the campaign generated approximately 4.15 million impressions, underlining its effectiveness in promoting the region’s appeal.
The Moving Billboard Campaign presented Ocala/Marion County with the tagline “Florida’s Natural Wonder®”, highlighting the area’s distinctive natural beauty and rich equestrian culture, both of which help attract tourists to the region.
The Flagler Awards are considered one of Florida’s most esteemed recognitions, illustrating the hard work and creativity involved in tourism marketing endeavors. Since 2013, the Ocala/Marion County VCB has amassed a total of 40 awards, demonstrating its continuous commitment to strategic marketing to elevate the county’s profile as a premier travel destination.
What Makes Ocala/Marion County Unique
Ocala/Marion County is often termed a hidden gem, particularly for enthusiasts of equestrian activities, cycling, geology, and classic cinematography. The community offers an array of attractions that cater to diverse interests, from natural springs to the renowned World Equestrian Center. Additionally, visitors can explore various local restaurants, shops, arts and culture opportunities, and historic sites scattered throughout the area.
As a result of its rich resources and engaging environment, Ocala/Marion County continues to attract tourists looking for recreation, adventure, and a unique cultural experience. With the VCB’s recent accolades underlining its accomplishments, it is poised for even greater success in drawing visitors to enjoy all that the county has to offer.
A Look at Future Prospects
The recognition from the VISIT Florida Flagler Awards serves not only as a testament to the VCB’s successful strategies but also helps to enhance the visibility of Ocala/Marion County as a tourist destination. As the region continues to capitalize on its unique offerings and robust marketing efforts, it will likely establish a stronger presence in the competitive tourism landscape of Florida.
In summary, the Ocala/Marion County VCB’s recent achievements at the Flagler Awards exemplify the persistent efforts being made to promote the county’s distinctive attractions and ensure its reputation as a notable destination for both residents and tourists alike.
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Additional Resources
- 352 Today: Ocala/Marion County VCB Wins Two Prestigious VISIT Florida Flagler Awards
- Wikipedia: Tourism in Florida
- 352 Today: The Spirit of Altruism – Give4Marion
- Google Search: Ocala Marion County Florida
- 352 Today: Flood Watch for Ocala
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ocala
- 352 Today: $1 Million Win for Ocala Man
- Google News: Ocala Florida
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
