Southwest Airlines and 'VISIT FLORIDA' Announce Partnership

August 7, 2008 | 11:00 am

DALLAS, Aug. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bringing people to and around Florida is what Southwest Airlines is all about. VISIT FLORIDA's mission is to market travel and drive visitation to and within Florida. That is why Southwest Airlines and VISIT FLORIDA are excited to announce a large scale, integrated promotional partnership designed to raise awareness of Florida's many attractions in key markets such as Philadelphia, Chicago, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Pittsburgh, the Boston area, and Dallas.

The joint marketing initiative includes television advertising, online advertising, promotions, and public relations elements and is designed to increase visitation to the Sunshine State this fall. As Florida's largest carrier, Southwest is uniquely positioned to help increase visits and promote the many attractions of Florida.

"Florida is a great year-round destination, and we are thrilled to partner with VISIT FLORIDA to help get the word out about all that Florida has to offer," said Derek Kuester, Manager of National Promotions and Partnerships. "Florida has been very good to Southwest, and we have been good for Florida -- this is a win-win for both of us."

VISIT FLORIDA is the state's official source for travel planning. Travelers can find the information necessary to plan the perfect Florida vacation at the award winning http://www.VISITFLORIDA.com web site.

"VISIT FLORIDA is committed to establishing Florida as the #1 travel destination in the world," said Tammy Gustafson, Planning and National Accounts Executive of Universal Orlando and VISIT FLORIDA's Marketing Vice Chair. "This partnership with Southwest Airlines will inspire millions of travelers to consider a Florida vacation this fall and winter."

After almost 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low fare carriers-offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers carried, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states with more than 3,400 flights a day. Southwest began serving the Sunshine State in 1996 and is the state's largest carrier, with service from six Florida cities.

                           http://www.southwest.com