Panama City Beach Reports Boost in Tourism

Image: Panama City Beach, Florida. (photo courtesy of RobHainer/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (RobHainer / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: Panama City Beach, Florida. (photo courtesy of RobHainer/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (RobHainer / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
TravelPulse Staff
by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 12:07 PM ET, Thu June 7, 2018

WHY IT RATES: As travel agents continue to book summer travel for their clients, Panama City Beach continues to be a growing destination.-Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.


Visit Panama City Beach and the Bay County Tourist Development Council announced collections for the month of March and April 2018 were up a combined 15 percent. Collection for April 2018 was up 4.9 percent compared to April 2017, and the destination is currently up 9.9 percent for the fiscal year, which began October 2017.

"With a sold-out Seabreeze Jazz Festival marking its 20th year in Panama City Beach, our destination welcomed music lovers from near and far for a world-class lineup of talent taking the stage," shared Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe. "Panama City Beach is a premier destination for spring vacations and the Tourism Development Council continues to strategize different ways and provide additional reasons for visitors to come back to the beach.

A new digital campaign was well received by visitors in key markets, showcasing beautiful beaches, fun activities and encouraging everyone to "Make it Yours" when it comes to a trip to Panama City Beach.

In addition to the crowd favorite Seabreeze Jazz Festival which took place over five days at the Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater at Pier Park, the new SandJam Fest presented by Pepsi, as well as Easter falling on April 1 provided ample opportunities for visitors to create unforgettable spring memories at the beach.

The Tourist Development Tax is a five percent tax on short-term rentals including hotels and condominiums. The tax funds marketing and promotional activities led by the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. It is also used for beach cleaning and grooming, product improvement and beach renourishment.


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