Walton county tourism statistics Phone: (850) 267-1216. - Suite 302 Crestview, FL 32536 . com. More visitors are finding information about Walton County from various other social media accounts (+5% points from 2023) to work, supporting more than 47,000 jobs in the county. “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 Dec 10, 2021 · The Walton County, Florida, Tourist Development Council got a by-the-numbers look at the 2021 vacation season at its Tuesday meeting. The Visitor Information Center is open daily from 8 a. The slight decline in September collections was attributed to the split timing of Labor Day weekend between August and September. The Tourist Development Tax in Okaloosa County, which includes Destin, was originally set at 5% within the district. Therefore, it is your responsibility to collect & remit any Walton Co. For Walton County to enjoy a robust and sustainable Visitor Economy . Walton County Tourism logo, which must be approved beforehand. December 2022 – February 2023. Visitors contribute revenue to Walton County government via taxes and user fees. The Driftwood Road Municipal Parking project is on a 1. Tourism works for Walton County. Directory Events Login Join Today Historic downtowns to coastal dune lakes, sugar-white beaches along emerald-green waters, to lush forests and fertile farmlands – Walton County has it all! Located along the Emerald Coast, in the Panhandle of Florida, the Walton Area has something for everyone. in Miramar Beach. 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. However, following a county-wide expansion in 2021, the tax rate in the original district increased to 6%. 302 N. (WJHG/WECP) - Walton County’s tourism demographics for 2021 is giving the community a positive impact. 32459 | Phone: (850) 267-1216 Total economic impact of tourism on Walton County is a function of direct spending by visitors in Walton County, as well as indirect and induced effects of this spending. County Commission Office Locations:. Encompassing Freeport, Paxton and DeFuniak Springs, these welcoming Walton County communities are filled with incredible historic treasures and pastoral landscapes. 46. manage activities that will strengthen the Walton County brand in the . To learn how the tourism economy supports Walton County read our 2023 Annual Report or watch our 2023 Year in Review video. April 1, 2025, 9 a. T his is what Victoria Sellers had in mind when she approached the Walton County Tourism Department about establishing her first book exchange at the Visitor Information Center. Tourism works for Walton May 13, 2023 · All of that added up to a $7. 119-acre parcel located at 76 Driftwood Rd. 2 billion economic impact for the county in 2022. And while this injection of spending certainly helps lower our residents' taxes (on average $2,109 per household), it also helps put them to work, supporting more than 47,000 jobs in the county. 1250 N. in the South Walton Courthouse Annex. Our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan can be viewed HERE. S. Please feel free to contact us via phone or the contact form with any questions or ideas! The Walton County Tourism Event Grant Program is intended to support, grow, and promote local special events that have the ability to generate economic impact and overnight stays, in Walton County. The top attributes considered most important to Walton County visitors (beautiful beaches and clear water and a sense of comfort and safety) also received the highest ratings for Walton County. Visitors, by using county services and infrastructure, cost Walton County government money. Germain Research uses IMPLAN economic modeling to calculate the economic multiplier based on direct expenditure data collected from visitors to Walton an economic impact of more than $7. 8 million. 2%. 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. us. Oct 20, 2023 · SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. More than 47,700 jobs were supported by tourism in the area. Walton County jobs created by tourism 23,000 Visitors Amount for of all retail spending in Walton County 77% more than67% $1,354 VISITORS SPEND $853 EVERY DAY OF THEIR TRIP 4,305,700 VISITORS SPEND $3. “Once again, Florida leads the nation as an unrivaled destination for tourists,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. 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. Sep 2, 2020 · DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. 2 billion VISITATION TRENDS 2019 0 20 40 60 80 100 The top three attributes considered most important to Walton County visitors (beautiful beaches and clear water, a sense of comfort and safety, and total relaxation) also received the highest ratings for Walton County. Walton County Tourism ROI 2024 Study. to Walton County government. 1 Apr 3, 2024 · SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. These numbers — all increases over 2021 — are staggering. COUNTY. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week at the intersection of U. 2 billion for Walton County. 5 billion $5. Walton County Board of County Commissioners County Administration 76 N 6th Street P. In 2021 The Information Specialists at South Walton’s Visitor Center are terrific resources for all things Walton County. The Walton County Tourism Department continues to take an active approach to improve parking and transportation throughout the county. m. - 4:30 p. Data sources: Walton County government, properties in South Walton that rent to visitors, Key Data, and visitor surveys by Downs & St. O. Clerk of Court & Co. More than 5 million visitors travel to Okaloosa County every year. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 Shalimar, FL 32579. The tourism department will manage and maintain our beaches as a primary attraction VISITORS SAVE WALTON COUNTY HOUSEHOLDS AN AVERAGE OF $2,082 IN TAXES The Value of WALTON COUNTY VISITATION Targeted advertising keeps Walton County top-of-mind with our loyal visitors, strengthens our brand and reaches out to new markets to help create balanced and robust demand. You will receive a welcome email with login credentials to the partner extranet, where you can manage account details, employee contacts, website listings, logos and business images. ¹ 2020 tax rate is 4. Tourist Development Tax (TDT or “bed tax”) to the Walton Co. No more than half of the awarded grant funds may be spent on non-traditional marketing initiatives. Dec 30, 2024 · Walton County kicks off 2025 with an exciting array of attractions, events and experiences happening now through March. Staff gave an update on financials at the Tourism Development Council meeting on April 2. 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 Walton County Visitor Center. (WJHG/WECP) - Florida has another record-breaking year for tourism. 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. Tourism remains the top economic driver in Walton County and in 2021 tourism supported 47,700 jobs in our community. From maps to merchandise, the Visitor Center staff are eager to help you find your perfect beach, create the perfect memory while you’re here, or bring a bit of South Walton home with you. 10 VISITORS 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. County Phone Directory May 17, 2024 · PANAMA CITY, Fla. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic escape or simply looking for inspiration, discover May 19, 2022 · WALTON COUNTY, Fla. September 2018 TDC Update May 10, 2023 · Representatives with the Walton County Tourism Department report the total economic impact of tourism in 2022 was $7. We'll continue to explore opportunities to expand beach access, develop Apr 3, 2025 · Walton County Tourism is celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week May 4 – 10 with informative events and activities highlighting how tourism supports the Walton County economy and way of life. 362 State Hwy 83 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Under the supervision of the Deputy County Administrator, the Walton County Tourism Director is responsible for all operations of the Walton County Tourism Department including developing strategies to achieve the mission; annual quantitative and qualitative goals; supervision of assigned staff and preparation of a budget. Throughout the week the Visitor Information Center staff will be giving away *NOTE: Please allow up to 2 business days, after all required information is submitted, for Walton County Tourism to create your account. ² Adjusted to reflect more reliance on Key Data. Leading the Keep Walton County Beautiful effort for the Walton County Tourism Department is Cecilia Canut, Marketing Specialist. Staff said the increase in tax dollars is due to a higher capacity of rental units. 2024 Fall Visitor Tracking Report 2025 Tourism The economic impact multiplier for Walton County in 2024 is 1. fl. Physical Address: 25777 US Highway 331 South Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459. – 4:30 p. in the Freeport BCC Boardroom. wcfltourism. MISSION. 1 . “Last year it was the sixth fastest-growing county in the country,&#8… Walton County Board of County Commissioners County Administration 76 N 6th Street P. Marketing Walton County’s brands is key in attracting visitors and supporting the local economy. Applicants who score within the acceptable range and are approved by both the Tourist Development Council and the Walton County Commissioners will Nov 14, 2024 · Jennifer Adams, director of Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism, said the county collected approximately $43 million in bed taxes for fiscal year 2024, despite facing increased competition in the tourism market. Authentic Walton. September 2023 – November 2023 Visitors to Walton County in CY2021 generated a net benefit of . In order to create and maintain a listing page on Visitsouthwalton. 6%. Box 1355 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 4:30 pm Please note that Walton County is NOT contracted with ANY platform including the ones mentioned above to receive taxes on your behalf. 2024 Meeting Planner Study. The net impact of local government revenue Walton County Tourism represents all of Walton County, Florida, from South Walton’s 16 beach neighborhoods to everything north of the Choctawhatchee Bay. 5% compared to 4% in 2019. (WKRG) — Okaloosa County set a record in 2021 for tourism spending and overnight lodging tax. S Looking ahead, 2022 is an important year for Walton County and its tourism economy. As we move into the future, we'll continue to explore ways to promote our destination while understanding we must also protect what makes our community special. com:. (WMBB) — Recent numbers show tourism is growing this year in Walton County. $101,442,600 2023 VISITORS DIRECT SPENDING $1,733,059,600 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. Wilson St. Multiplier Downs & St. that provides an exceptional Quality of Life for our residents. 2024 Market Penetration/Market Potential Study. NET BENEFIT. walton. tourism marketplace, in order to increase the region’s Additional Reports and Presentation Links: 2022-2025 Visit South Walton Strategic Plan. 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. Germain Research. Box 1355 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 4:30 pm Friday: 8 am to 3:30 pm. 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. In fact, visitor spending accounted for 76 percent of all retail spending in Walton County. In these subsequent pages you’ll find many examples of how tourism has continued to work for Walton County and, I hope, many reasons to feel fortunate that Walton County’s underlying economy was able to fare better than most others around the world. In 2023 it was 1. June 3, 2025, 9 a. Winter 2023 Visitor Tracking Study. (WMBB) – A new report from Walton County shows tourism bed tax collection numbers took a downward turn in 2023. at 25777 US Hwy 331 S, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. JAY TUSA Executive Director Walton County Tourist Development Council executive director’s WALTON. The report shows a 6. ” 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. Throughout the week the Visitor Information Center staff will be giving away free souvenirs to visitors at the center, located at the corner of U. Fall 2023 Visitor Tracking Study. Tour past the beautiful Victorian homes and the buildings of the former Chautauqua Assembly. “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 Visit South Walton, FL - The Official South Walton Tourism Site 5th cent: Infrastructure development & improvement This collection is available to counties determined by the state to be a high-impact tourist county. Every dollar spent on tourism marketing translated to $479 in visitor spending, which boosted local businesses in 2023. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at (850) 892-8155 or pio@co. Plans To learn more about Walton County Tourism visit: www. It also supported more than 47,000 in tourism-related jobs. $46,476,838. 1. 2019-2021 Visit South Walton Strategic Plan. They’re great for all ages!” says Sellers. FDOH Walton County Vital Statistics 850-892-8097 Fax. 850-892-8764 Mailing Address. 2 billion. 3 Decreases in occupancy and room rates are partially due to changes in Key Data’s database. Feb 3, 2025 · In fact, visitors accounted for 76% of all retail spending in Walton County in 2023. TOURISM. More visitors recall seeing advertisements for Walton County on various other social media accounts than through any other type of promotion. Comptroller. As travel rebounds around the globe, it’s imperative that we thoughtfully find ways to keep Walton County top of mind with travelers. (WMBB) — Walton County is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after places to live in the U. “I love literacy, and there are so many benefits to these tiny libraries. 43. They also reported in 2022, 47,000 Walton County jobs were fueled by WALTON. 6 percent decrease in bed tax Aug 6, 2024 · The report said the county still managed to stay ahead with Tourism Tax Collections, raising 2% to $16. The Mission of the Walton County Tourism Department is to direct and . Call 850-689-5050 or 850-423-1542 for all departments. in the South Walton Courthouse Annex QUALIFICATIONS. Apr 14, 2021 · Winter tourism numbers were up 20% in Walton County, Florida, according to recent data from a Tallahassee-based marketing research firm. Fax: (850) 267-3943 TOURISM MATTERS TO WALTON COUNTY Visitor spending in CY 2019 generated a total economic impact of $5,185,759,600 in Walton County. From festive winter food celebrations to luxurious new ways to explore the Emerald Coast, these updates highlight the best of what Walton County has to offer this season. Highways 331 & 98 in Santa Rosa Beach. &… Nov 14, 2023 · While some individual properties may be experiencing different vacancy rates, overall, our South Walton tourism industry is strong and our numbers are right where we expect them to be,” Algarin said. tourism marketplace, in order to increase the region’s . Here's a look at some projects currently undergoing or preparing for improvements. The Walton County Tourism team offices are in the same building and open Monday - Thursday, 8 a. From the most discriminating traveler to the culinary connoisseur, whether… *Interviews were with out-of-county guests who stayed at properties/vacation rentals at beach communities across South Walton, and with visitors at various locations along the beaches. The Walton County Tourism team offices are in the same building and open Monday - Thursday, 8am - 4:30pm. For Walton County residents, this visitor spending translated into an average of $2,109 in tax savings per household. South Walton’s visitor tracking and economic impact metrics in Spring 2022 were impacted by: Jan 5, 2022 · OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. At the 4% level, summer 2020 TDT collections exceeded 2019 collections by 9. An increase of 8. Dec 17, 2024 · Economic Impact – Destin Tourism Statistics. 2025 TDC Meeting Dates February 4, 2025, 9 a. Walton County Visitor Center. xwaplw unwjcrx kvnfjo rwpj hqheu imlxf oeeh zfym dvnoajcqo gztdz nlsev hojyk htegsv adfqerv qqba