TALLAHASSEE, FL(WTXL) The Leon County Division of Tourism Development Celebrated Thursday evening after a record year, which saw the direct spending from visitors’ edge closer to $1 billion annually.
Lee Daniel, Executive director of the Leon County Division of Tourism Development, announced that Leon County’s 2.7 million visitors last year infused nearly $914 million of direct spending into the local economy.
"When you consider a very conservative 1.49 economic multiplier, that makes tourism a billion dollar industry here," Daniel said. Averaged over 365 days, which means 7,397 people visit daily and produce $2.5 million in direct spending each day in Leon County.”
Daniel recapped the success of several initiatives in the past years.
"Five years of increased visitation proves that tourism continues to be a fundamental force in our local economy." Daniel said. "We had a very good year including 17 consecutive months of increased hotel occupancy."
Additionally, the division completely revised the VisitTallahassee.com website; they also received awards for Trailahassee.com which showcases trails.
Ashley Barber visits the website frequently said, "The website runs smooth and it allows us to see more things in a easier way."
"Our Tourism Development team continues to raise the bar through so many creative and innovative methods that provide significant information about our community," said Vincent S. Long, Leon County Administrator. "Whether it's developing a new highly functional, mobile-responsive website or developing simple, well-designed campaigns, they are constantly reinventing new impactful ways to reach and greatly assist visitors to our region - as well as Leon County residents, who enjoy the wonderful offerings that we have right here in our own back yard."
