TOURISM

» During the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in August at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, travel industry professionals got a sneak preview of “Shine,” a TV advertising campaign promoting Florida. Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing agency, also touted its new interactive website to launch this fall featuring video clips from all over the state, along with experts in areas including arts and culture, outdoors, shopping/nightlife, beach, golf and budget travel.

» Bud Nocera, president and CEO of Visit Florida, won national honors as the state tourism director of the year from the Travel Industry Association of America.

» Jorge Pesquera has been named president and COO of the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau, replacing interim administrative director Jim Stuber. Pesquera formerly served as president and CEO of the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association.

HOTELS/RESORTS

» Orlando-based hotel chain Kessler Collection has opened its first European office in Vienna, Austria.

» Ravallo Resort Development has unveiled plans for Ravallo Resort and Conference Center, a $300-million, 1.8 million-sq.-ft. condo/hotel near the Orange County Convention Center.

» The Peabody Hotel near the Orange County Convention Center is planning a 1.2-million-sq.-ft. expansion, including a new 32-story tower.