Leon County Announces Milestone of $1 Billion in Economic Impact From Tourism

Tallahassee, Fla. (Dec. 17, 2019) – The Leon County Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee) announced record-breaking year-end numbers during its annual marketing industry meeting Monday evening at Bannerman Crossing’s Hangar 38.

With year-over-year increases in visitation, this year marked the achievement of creating over $1 billion in economic impact to Tallahassee/Leon County, the highest amount on record. Economic impacts from tourism efforts in fiscal year 2019 resulted in $7.2 million in tourist development tax collections, 2.4 million visitors and more than 16 thousand jobs added to Leon County.

“From achieving a coveted spot on Southern Living Magazine’s Top 10 Cities of the South to hosting more than a dozen signature and sporting championship events, in many ways over the past year we achieved results and broke records. “ said Leon County Commission Chairman Bryan Desloge. “This year I am proud to say that we beat our personal best in reaching this milestone.”

The County also unveiled its new creative platform, “Pretty. Unexpected.,” which emphasizes the blending of the community’s beauty and unexpected elements while taking a fresh and modern look at the destination. Additional 2020 marketing initiatives shared included a new mobile-first website, destination mobile app and new content creation.

“With 11 consecutive years of growth, tourism has established a record of success in taking the Board’s vision and efforts to the next level,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “And while 2019 was a record year, we anticipate keeping our momentum into 2020 in setting the standard for being not only the best play to live, work and play, but also the best place to visit.”

The annual marketing industry meeting provided an exclusive look into the 2020 marketing campaign for the County’s tourism initiatives and the County’s plan to continue its forward trajectory.

“We are excited to implement a new fully integrated marketing campaign in 2020 that allows us to reach visitors in a dynamic way, as well as broaden the narrative and ensure continued growth as we look ahead,” said Leon County Tourism Director, Kerri L. Post. “With the new hotel construction, the mixed-use Cascades Project, the addition of North America’s first Jack Nicklaus Legacy Golf Course and other capital improvements coming to fruition, 2020 promises to be another extraordinary year,” said Post.

For more information, go to VisitTallahassee.com or call toll free (800) 628-2866. Engage with Visit Tallahassee on social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, #iHeartTally,  #Trailahassee.

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About The Leon County Division of Tourism/Visit Tallahassee: The Leon County Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee) is the official destination marketing organization for Tallahassee-Leon County. Tourism is charged with marketing Tallahassee-Leon County nationally as a premier leisure, business and sports destination through direct sales, advertising, public relations, sports and visitor services. Named as one of Southern Living’s top 10 Cities of the South, in 2019, Tallahassee-Leon County welcomed 2.4 million visitors who contributed $1.04 billion in economic impact and accounts for more than 16,000 people employed in our community in the tourism & hospitality industry.