Walton county tourism statistics The Visitor Center is open seven days a week at the intersection of U. “Despite the lingering challenges we still face due to the pandemic, the tourism economy in Walton County remains strong and resilient,” says Matt Algarin, director of The Information Specialists at South Walton’s Visitor Center are terrific resources for all things Walton County. 8 million. The report shows a 6. 6 percent decrease in bed tax Visitors to Walton County in CY2021 generated a net benefit of . The area boasts a rich history, diverse ecosystems, and a strong sense of community. COUNTY. This annual hospitality award was established in 2003 by the Walton County Tourism Department (WCTD) to encourage and recognize excellence in hospitality service, travel/tourism marketing, advertising, promotion, and contributions to the local community. Fax: (850) 267-3943 Dec 20, 2024 · The Walton County Tourism Department unveiled the winners of the 2025 Perfect in Walton County Awards during a celebration at the Hotel Effie Sandestin on Thursday, Jan. O. The Walton County Board of County Commissioners indicated their desire to use these funds to develop, repair or improve visitor-related infrastructure and fund any high-impact operational costs. An increase of 2. (WKRG) — Okaloosa County set a record in 2021 for tourism spending and overnight lodging tax. Mar 12, 2025 · Walton County Tourism Wins Multiple HSMAI Adrian and ADDY Awards. DeFuniak Springs. 1250 N. Tourism works for Walton County. in the Freeport BCC Boardroom. ² Adjusted to reflect more reliance on Key Data. South Walton’s visitor tracking and economic impact metrics in Spring 2022 were impacted by: Walton County Visitor Center. May 18, 2022 · May 18, 2022 – The Walton County Tourism Department recently released its annual tourism update for 2021, highlighting the positive impacts of tourism in Walton County. May 18, 2022 – The Walton County Tourism Department recently released its annual tourism update for 2021, highlighting the positive impacts of tourism in Walton County. In order to create and maintain a listing page on Visitsouthwalton. manage activities that will strengthen the Walton County brand in the . If you need immediate assistance, please call the Visitor Information Center at (850) 267-1216 or toll-free 1 (800) 822-6877. Tourist Development Council members must act with the best interest of tourism success in Walton County and uphold the direction of the statute as his/her sole Sep 21, 2022 · Walton County is known for its thriving culture, and Walton County Tourism proudly recognizes the people whose art and hospitality contributions have impacted the community. 3. ADR. The Tourist Development Tax in Okaloosa County, which includes Destin, was originally set at 5% within the district. Now in its 11th year, this annual tradition invites residents and visitors to nominate and vote for their favorite tourism-related businesses, services and organizations. Businesses or Rental Accommodations must be located in Walton County, which includes South Walton's 16 beach neighborhoods: Miramar Beach, Seascape, Sandestin, Dune Allen, Gulf Place, Santa Rosa Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, Seaside, WaterColor, Seagrove, WaterSound, Alys Beach, Seacrest 2023 National Travel and Tourism Week Walton County Tourism will celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, May 7-13, with educational events and activities for our partners, visitors and residents to learn how tourism supports our economy and way of life. No more than half of the awarded grant funds may be spent on non-traditional marketing initiatives. Wilson St. $46,476,838. It is home to springs, rivers, lakes, and some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Northwest Florida. 2019-2021 Visit South Walton Strategic Plan. (WMBB) – A new report from Walton County shows tourism bed tax collection numbers took a downward turn in 2023. More than 5 million visitors travel to Okaloosa County every year. FDOH Walton County Vital Statistics 850-892-8097 Fax. $101,442,600 2023 VISITORS DIRECT SPENDING $1,733,059,600 Apr 10, 2025 · According to Walton County Tourism 2024 Spring report, 73% of visitors come from states such as Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. 8 BILLION BILLION TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Walton County VISITORS SAVE HOUSEHOLDS AN AVERAGE OF $2,109 IN TAXES 2022 VISITATION TRENDS 100 80 60 40 20 Visitors Account for 760/0 of all retail spending in Walton County Tourism logo, which must be approved beforehand. 362 State Hwy 83 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 2025 TDC Meeting Dates February 4, 2025, 9 a. Beyond the sugar-white sand beach and turquoise water, endless events await May 30, 2024 · SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. Staff said the increase in tax dollars is due to a higher capacity of rental units. 10 VISITORS Apr 14, 2021 · Winter tourism numbers were up 20% in Walton County, Florida, according to recent data from a Tallahassee-based marketing research firm. Jr Hospitality Award. Applicants who score within the acceptable range and are approved by both the Tourist Development Council and the Walton County Commissioners will Walton Dunes Regional Beach Access is located at 258 Beachfront Trail. Florida Tourism by the Numbers ; Latest Visitor Estimates; Note: When using any of our research statistics please credit VISIT FLORIDA Research. With more than 40 percent of Walton County's total acreage dedicated to preservation, hikers and bicyclists can enjoy a scenic and enchanting trip exploring more than 200 miles of trails. The Tourism Department will NOT accept resumes or applications For Walton County to enjoy a robust and sustainable Visitor Economy . For more detailed Florida tourism information, please contact the VISIT FLORIDA Research Team at research@VISITFLORIDA. You may also hike and bike through state parks and hundreds of acres of forests with some of the most breathtaking views in Walton County, just to Destin's east. Van Ness Butler Jr. Walton County, FL (July 16, 2024) – Walton County Tourism was awarded with the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) designation by Destinations International in recognition of the organization's commitment to industry excellence and meeting the industry standard for Jan 31, 2025 · The Walton County Tourism Department unveiled the winners of the 2025 Perfect in Walton County Awards during a celebration at the Hotel Effie Sandestin on Thursday, Jan. Visitors contribute revenue to Walton County government via taxes and user fees. vs. As travel rebounds around the globe, it’s imperative that we thoughtfully find ways to keep Walton County top of mind with travelers. Tourist Development Tax (TDT or “bed tax”) to the Walton Co. 21% increase and its median household income N/A from N/A to N/A, a N/A% N/A. 6%. At the 4% level, summer 2020 TDT collections exceeded 2019 collections by 9. Call 850-689-5050 or 850-423-1542 for all departments. Feb 17, 2022 · PANAMA CITY BREAK, Fla. MISSION. Walton County Tourism is responsible for strengthening the brand that represents the Walton County destination. Visit South Walton's Shop. - 4:30 p. Between 2022 and 2023 the population of Walton County, FL grew from 76,618 to 79,846, a 4. More visitors are finding information about Walton County from various other social media accounts (+5% points from 2023) Sep 2, 2020 · DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Florida has another record-breaking year for tourism. The historic schoolhouse is filled with crafts and work of the tribe’s elders. 446 likes · 4 talking about this · 4 were here. To learn how the tourism economy supports Walton County read our 2023 Annual Report or watch our 2023 Year in Review video. Close your eyes. Dec 20, 2024 · It is with the help of community-minded people that the Walton County Tourism Department has been successful in its role as the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) of Walton County. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 Shalimar, FL 32579. 2 billion. Find your perfect beach – right from the comfort of home! Click here to view our full collection of online travel guides, showcasing South Walton’s sugar-white sand, turquoise water, award-winning restaurants, outdoor activities and thriving arts and culture scene. 5th cent: Infrastructure development & improvement This collection is available to counties determined by the state to be a high-impact tourist county. Visit South Walton. ” Jan 5, 2022 · OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. Walton County Tourism. Walton County, Fla. May 12, 2023 · Walton County continues to thrive as a top-tier travel destination and tourism economy, according to the Walton County Tourism Department’s recently released 2022 Tourism Update. Sarah Page, 2024 Artist of the Year Sarah Page calls DeFuniak Springs home, and her murals can be found in public spaces throughout Walton County such as Grand Boulevard, the… The Walton County Tourism Department’s Event Marketing Support Program is intended to support, grow, and promote local special events that have the ability to generate overnight stays, strengthen the South Walton/Authentic Walton brands and enhance the Walton County visitor experience. “Last year it was the sixth fastest-growing county in the country,… Walton County Tourist Development Council Guidelines and Application WALTON COUNTY TOURISM MISSION The mission of the Walton County Tourism Department is to direct and manage activities that will strengthen the position of the Walton County in the tourism marketplace, while also increasing the tourism economy of Walton County. The tourism department will manage and maintain our beaches as a primary attraction TOURISM MATTERS TO WALTON COUNTY Visitor spending in CY 2020 generated a total economic impact of $5,321,640,300 in Walton County. To learn more about Walton County Tourism visit: www. They’re great for all ages!” says Sellers. Dec 17, 2024 · Economic Impact – Destin Tourism Statistics. NEW ORLEANS – Zehnder Communications, a full-service advertising and public relations firm, has been named the agency of record for the South Walton Tourist Development Council, which promotes tourism for 16 beach communities in Walton County, Florida. It also supported more than 47,000 in tourism-related jobs. us. (WJHG/WECP) - During a visit to Fort Walton Beach, Governor Ron Desantis announced that in 2021 the state saw nearly 118 million American visitors, the highest number of From our Walton County Tourism family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🎄 ️ Discover the latest tourism statistics and trends in Myrtle Beach! 🌴 This report Walton County Tourism | 384 followers on LinkedIn. (WMBB) — Walton County is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after places to live in the U. Located in northern Walton County, DeFuniak Springs was founded in 1880 and is the county . Walton County Tourism staff love their work because… “Fall is my favorite time of year in Walton County! A couple of favorite pastimes include catching a football game on the big screen by the fireplace at The Big Chill or soaking in an unforgettable sunset over the Gulf of Mexico from the top level of Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar and Restaurant. The tourism department will manage and maintain our FY2025 Walton County Event Grant Program Guidelines Program Overview: The Walton County Tourism Department’s Event Marketing Support Program is intended to support, grow, and promote local special events that have the ability to generate overnight stays, strengthen the Story and photography courtesy of Walton County Tourism. Q: How do I apply for the Walton County Reimbursement Event Grant Program? A: Applicants must complete the grant application and submit all required information. An increase of 8. 1. 2019 Economic Impact and Visitor Tracking Report 2019 Fall Visitor Conversely, Walton County was rated much higher (than importance visitors place on attributes) for providing off beach activities and an energetic atmosphere with lots of activities The number of visitors who said they were influenced by advertising to book a trip to Walton County increased 2% from 2022. fqdxk rnts tmnxv mxpxgeb cnxpqts cose aged yzfm udiq cupytt lxscq rfatdh kxpx jhtresp zclks