by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Wed July 12, 2017
Tourism in the Florida beach town of Panama City has climbed over the last year, with May marking the fourth consecutive month of double-digit growth for the city.
Visit Panama City Beach and the Bay County Tourist Development Council announced that tourism numbers were up 14 percent in May as compared to the same month in 2016. In addition, overall numbers have increased by 14.8 percent for the fiscal year, which began in October 2016.
The tourism growth is being attributed to a new advertising campaign entitled "Make it Yours," along with special events, visitor loyalty and ideal weather conditions. The fiscal improvements are also due to Tourist Development Tax, which is a five percent tax on short-term rentals including hotels and condominiums.
"Our continued success has brought an energy and excitement to Panama City Beach that is contagious for both our visitors and the entire community," Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe said in a statement.
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The Tourist Development Tax funds marketing and promotional activities led by the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the money is also used for beach cleaning and grooming, product improvement and beach renourishment.
Panama City was named the "Top Trending Spot for a Summer 2017 Vacation Rental Stay" by TripAdvisor earlier this year, and the area prides itself on providing opportunities for visitors to live the Panama City Beach brand throughout the summer season.
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