FLAGLER COUNTY TOURISM 101 Georgia Turner VP, Tourism Development

How Flagler works Tourist Development Council (TDC) of 9 members made up of a 1 BOCC member, 2 City Council members, 6 tourism industry business leaders. Directs the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce in the promotion and development of tourism. BOCC ratifies the TDC budget & promotional campaign

“Bed Tax” Lodgers & Campgrounds collect a 11% Visitor Rental Fee from overnight guests 11% Fee is sent to the State and 4% is returned to Flagler County for tourism development & promotion under Florida law usage guidelines. The returned 4% is divided between three tourism funds.

VISITOR RENTAL FEE – 4% Collections distributed between three TDC Funds: Fund 111 – Beach Restoration (11.25%) Fund 109 – Capitol Improvements (22.50%) Fund 110 – Promotions (66.25%)

Fund 109 Capitol Improvements Receives 22.50% of 4% bed tax Funding can be used to acquire, construct, extend, enlarge, remodel, repair, improve, maintain, operate or promote convention centers, sports stadiums, coliseums, auditoriums, or museums that are publicly owned and operated or owned and operated by not for profit organizations and open to the public.

Fund Promotions Receives 66.25% of 4% bed tax Funding is available for convention bureaus, tourist bureaus or by contract with chambers of commerce or, similar associations for conducting tourist promotion.

Fund 111 – Beach Restoration Receives 11.25% of 4% bed tax Funding can be used to finance beach park facilities or beach improvement, maintenance, renourishment, restoration, and erosion control, including shoreline protection, enhancement and cleanup.

ECONOMIC DEVLOPMENT! Bed Tax brought in $1.5 million in Up 22 months in a row, went down 2 months, but now up again Hopeful for a great Spring 2013!

JOBS! Over 1,600 Rooms & 5 Campgrounds Almost 2,500 people employed in the industry comprising 15% of the county’s employed. (labormarketinfo.com) This does not include the services utilized after the arrival of the visitors: * Trips to the dry cleaners, haircuts, spa treatments, gas stations, shopping, recreation, attractions, etc.

WHO COMES HERE? 100% Leisure 6 Hour Drive Market Florida Residents International - Canadian

WHAT DO WE PROMOTE? BEACH ECOTOURISM SPORTS AND MORE!

BEACH 19 miles of Untouched Beaches Quaint Beachside Communities Pet -Friendly Beaches Bike Trail along coast Beach Vendors & Events

ECOTOURISM Acquisition of Marineland Dolphin Adventure by Georgia Aquarium 90+ Miles of Trails Kayaking, hiking, biking, you name it!

SPORTS New market being developed Researching types of sports to engage Completed Sports Facilities Inventory “Sports Planner” shows City of Palm Coast Sports Alliance

HOW? Print Advertisements Web Advertisements Television Social Media & E-marketing Trade Shows Public Relations Regional Partnerships Community & Industry Partner Education

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RESOURCES TO STAY UP-TO-DATE Monthly TDC Meeting Monthly Tourism Talk Enews Quarterly Visitors E-newsletter “The Source” Monthly Marketing Activity Report New Hospitality & Arts Alliances Monthly Smith Travel Research Report

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