Tourism Appreciation Month

Whether you are sinking your toes in the sugar-white sandy beaches, enjoying family fun activities and shopping or exploring the beauty of the great outdoors, Bay County can provide endless opportunities for any vacationer.

Bay County’s estimated population of 185,000 people supported over 17 million visitors this past year, which has proven our area to be a top destination for family travel in Northwest Florida. It comes as no surprise that tourism is a key industry for Bay County, providing income to thousands of Bay County residents.

However, tourism spans farther than the 30,000 plus hospitality positions. Tourism impacts each corner of our community, including education, infrastructure, public safety and the overall economic impact of our county. Tourism in Bay County means enhanced curriculum in our schools, including five hospitality and lodging pathways for high school students, which is preparing 300 students and future generations for careers in the hospitality industry. Over 18 million dollars in tourist tax revenue and more than 36.2 million in local sales taxes were collected and returned to the county, paying for services our community relies on.

Panama City’s growing tourism market has continued to thrive by sticking to the roots of the community. In addition to the two full-service marinas, the historic neighborhoods, quaint shopping and year round events are what keeps visitors coming back year after year. After launching this past summer, the Panama City Oyster Trail invites visitors and their families throughout the community to participate in the true local experience. More than a dozen local restaurants have participated in this year-round trail, sharing a taste of the culture of Bay County and its residents. Bay County classics such as Gene’s Oyster Bar, Captain’s Table and Hunt’s Seafood & Oyster Bar provide that authentic local experience visitors are looking for.

Just over the bridge, Panama City Beach continues to expand tourism opportunities beyond the beach with a new 38 million dollar facility which will host the best in sports tourism events. It won’t be long until the 210 acres of woodlands are transformed into a premier, multi-purpose sports facility and new Elementary school, serving both locals and visitors alike throughout the calendar year. This state of the art project will encompass thirteen fields for sporting events such as soccer, lacrosse, rugby, football, baseball and softball. This flexible design will bring playability and attraction to the area yearround, driving non-summer business to the beach. This first class facility will further diversify Panama City Beach and ensure a platform for sustainable growth for the destination.

Continuing to drive visitors to the destination is crucial to keeping thousands of our friends, family and neighbors at work. These visitors and the hardworking members of this community help attract larger businesses and corporations into the county. A strong workforce created by our visitors are what attract and retain employees, developing more opportunities for the community.

Tourism Appreciation Month

Tourism Appreciation Month was a huge success! The Bay County Chamber of Commerce collaborated with Destination Panama City and Visit Panama City Beach to celebrate Bay County’s number one industry: tourism.

During the week of May 7-13, the State of Florida recognized the importance of tourism in the state. The Chamber took it a step further to recognize the number one industry in Bay County for the entire month.

Because of Bay County’s assets for tourist and the economic impact it plays on the local economy, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce partners with the business community to celebrate the industry through numerous events. It is the Chamber’s hope visitors and residents alike learn more about the history of tourism in Bay County and take pride in its value to the area.

The month kicked off with First Friday with the Beach sponsored by Seagrass Village and Perennial Grace Financial. Hundreds were in attendance as the Ukulee Orchestra entertained visitors and Dan Rowe, President/CEO of Visit Panama City Beach, educated them on the importance of tourism in Bay County.

The 22nd Annual Spring Classic Golf Tournament took place at Hombre Golf Club where 25 teams competed for the top spot. First place was taken home by Kenny Strange, Jimmy Ward, Ashley Weaver and Dan Ogden; second place by George Roberts, Robbie Willis, Hank Castleberry and Jamie Nelson; and third place: Dennis Gagnon, Drew Armacost, Clint Durst and Jason Vaugn. Congratulations to George Roberts, owner of Hombre Golf Club, for winning our chance to win drawing for $500, presented by the Bay County Chamber Foundation! He generously donated the money back to help support the education initiatives of the Chamber’s foundation.