Tourism Revenue on the Rise in January

WALTON COUNTY, Fla.—March 6, 2018—Tourism numbers were up 9.5-percent in South Walton during January 2018. Walton County recorded approximately $501,000, in Tourist Development taxes in January, a new record and an increase of 9.5-percent over the same month in 2017.

“The Walton County TDC strives to strengthen visitation, especially in our shoulder seasons,” says Visit South Walton Director of Communications David Demarest. “Letting visitors know about the great reasons to visit during these slower times of the year helps keep local businesses doing well, and ensures that the local economy is healthy year-round.”

The Tourist Development tax, or bed tax, is a four percent tax collected on hotels, condos and other short term rentals. It is the best way to gauge visitation and demand trends in South Walton. The revenue supports tourism marketing and beach operations, including cleaning and maintaining beaches, destination improvements and preservation initiatives.