Leon County Celebrates Milestones during National Travel and Tourism Week

Leon County Celebrates Milestones during National Travel and Tourism Week

Tourism in Leon County surpassed $1 billion in economic impact for the first time in 2015, giving the Capital County much to celebrate during National Travel and Tourism Week, May 1-7.

National Travel and Tourism Week annually celebrates the industry’s contributions to jobs and the economy. Leon County will host various activities for the local tourism industry during the week, including educational sessions and a grants workshop.

“We are proud of the record year and sustained growth in tourism’s economic impact here in Leon County,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Bill Proctor. “More and more visitors are learning what we already know: there’s a lot going on in the Capital County, both indoors and out.”

In 2015, tourism for the county resulted in $1.025 billion in economic impact, 2.4 million visitors from 47 states and 36 countries, and 11,389 jobs. Leon County contributed to the success of Florida’s record year in 2015 when 105 million visitors came to the state. Nationwide, travel and tourism is a $2.1 trillion business, supporting 15 million American jobs.

“The County’s team at Tourism continues to raise the bar through creativity and innovation,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “Whether announcing headline musical acts for the Capital City Amphitheater or hosting hackathons at Domi Station, we’re doing things bigger and better than ever before.”

Hotel bed-taxes, which fund the Leon County Division of Tourism Development (Visit Tallahassee) and all of the county’s tourism promotion efforts, also set a new record, with more than $5 million, generating $1 million in revenue per penny of tax.

In addition to funding the county’s marketing activities, Leon County Tourism invested $1.25 million of bed tax funds in local cultural activities and programs through the Council on Culture and Arts (COCA).

Tourism funds also supported 103 signature events, special events and sports events in the county.

The Leon County Division of Tourism Development (Visit Tallahassee) is the official tourism marketing organization for Tallahassee–Leon County, Florida, promoting tourism to the area through direct sales, advertising, public relations, sports, film, product development and visitor services. For more information, visit www.VisitTallahassee.com.

###