Franklin County’s tourist development Council says local tourism is holding up pretty well through the economic downturn.
The council said year-end bed tax collections indicate that Franklin County's tourism industry dipped about 3 percent during 2009 and preliminary 2010 fiscal year figures show positive growth so far. County hotels and vacation rentals collected $750,890.42 in bed tax revenues during fiscal year 2009 – that’s down about 25 thousand dollars from 2008 collections.
The beginning of the 2010 fiscal year posted actual gains. The first month of the 2009-2010 fiscal year saw an increase of nearly $1,000 in bed tax revenues over the previous year.
Helen Spohrer, Chairman of the Tourist Development Council, said “Franklin County continues to be a reasonably priced eco-adventure and beach destination,”. “Our natural amenities, combined with our historical and cultural attractions, offer an experience not found in other parts of Florida.”
At the statewide level, the numbers are similar. Florida tourism officials report more visitors are opting to travel to closer, less expensive destinations within the state.
The tourist development council says it is shifting its marketing efforts to meet the needs of a more local crowd. It has boosted its grant award budget to help more local nonprofit groups promote low cost tourism-related events in Franklin County.
Over the next year, the Tourist Development Council will spend $88,000 to help promote 27 events and festivals – five more events than were funded in 2008. You can see a full list of event the council will help fund this year by going on-line to anaturalescape.com.
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