Local campaign reports $23K economic impact amid rising hotel occupancy rates

In a recent meeting of the Citrus County Tourist Development Council, held on December 11, 2024, members gathered to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts and tourism strategies in the wake of recent challenges, including the impact of a hurricane. The atmosphere was charged with optimism as council members shared promising statistics and future plans aimed at revitalizing the local tourism sector.

One of the key highlights was the impressive performance of local accommodations. The Holiday Inn and WoodSpring Suites reported significant increases in occupancy rates, with WoodSpring Suites jumping from 33% in November 2023 to 68% this year. This surge reflects a broader trend in the area, where the average hotel stay value rose to $396, a remarkable 38% increase from the previous year. Council members acknowledged that some of this growth could be attributed to displaced residents seeking temporary housing due to the hurricane.

The meeting also focused on the effectiveness of a recent reopening campaign, which launched in November. With an investment of $50,000, the campaign has already generated 47 confirmed travel groups, translating to an estimated economic impact of $23,000. The return on ad spend stands at $1.81 for every dollar invested, indicating a strong performance compared to industry standards.

Council members expressed confidence in the campaign's direction, noting that the average stay for visitors is approximately 2.67 days. This statistic suggests that the marketing efforts are successfully attracting new visitors rather than just accommodating those displaced by the hurricane.

As the meeting concluded, the council emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and collaboration with partners to ensure that tourism in Citrus County continues to thrive. With a focus on both short-term rentals and traditional accommodations, the council is poised to leverage the current momentum and further enhance the region's appeal as a travel destination.