The Franklin County Tourist Development Council released its 2020-2021 collections numbers this week and the news was very good, particularly to area businesses that rely on the area tourism to survive .
Total collections for the fiscal year netted over 2.4 million dollars - a nearly 72 percent increase over the previous fiscal year.
According to Franklin County Tourist Development Council Director John Solomon, a one percent lodging tax increase implemented in July bumped collection numbers by more than 30% during the last three months of the fiscal year.
But even without the increase we would have seen an increase of 46% over the previous fiscal year.
The extra revenue generated this year means the TDC is able to accomplish many important infrastructure improvements that were otherwise unaffordable.
Some of the projects already underway include local museums and beach park facility improvements including restrooms, parks and beach accessibility improvements.
A number of other tourism infrastructure improvements are currently under consideration by the Franklin County Commission.
Solomon said “These increases all happened even when faced with Hurricane Michael aftermath and a worldwide pandemic.” adding this has been a collaborative effort between the County Commission, TDC Board members, TDC vendors, lodging providers and hospitality workers.”
Solomon said. He is pleased with the results and is proud to be part of a team that loves our
community. It shows in a job very well done.
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