The Citrus County Tourist Development Council (TDC) convened on November 13, 2024, to discuss key developments in local tourism and strategic planning. A significant focus of the meeting was the analysis of visitor data, revealing that 82% of visitors to popular sites like the Withlacoochee Trail and Hunter Springs were residents, while only 18% were tourists. This data, collected through device tracking, indicated a total of 19,559 devices captured, providing valuable insights into local tourism patterns.

The council also addressed the upcoming strategic plan, which is set to be developed by consultant Berkeley Young. Young will be in Citrus County from December 1 to December 5, engaging with various stakeholders through meetings and workshops. The TDC emphasized the importance of this strategic plan, which aims to create a comprehensive roadmap for tourism development over the next three to five years. This plan is particularly crucial as the last one was commissioned in 2016, and the council is eager to align it with broader county development goals.

In addition to the strategic planning discussions, the TDC reviewed the financial performance of local tourism, noting a slight decline in revenue. The council reported just over $3 million in collections for the year, which was a 5% decrease compared to the previous year, attributed in part to disruptions from hurricane activity. Despite this setback, council members expressed optimism about future growth, emphasizing the need for continued investment in tourism initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for members to mark their calendars for the upcoming strategic planning sessions, which will be crucial for shaping the future of tourism in Citrus County. The TDC is committed to ensuring that the new plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the community while fostering sustainable tourism growth.