The Tourist Development Council meeting held on March 13, 2024, in Citrus County, Florida, focused on enhancing the region's tourism marketing strategies. The meeting began with a presentation on creative concepts aimed at promoting the unique experiences available in Citrus County, both above and below the water.
The discussion highlighted various activities that attract visitors, including manatee encounters, scalloping, fishing, paddling, biking, and local food experiences. A proposed tagline, "Share something beyond land, beyond words," was introduced to encapsulate the essence of these offerings. Another suggested phrase, "Be your own action figure," aimed to evoke a sense of adventure and personal engagement with the destination.
Visual elements of the marketing campaign were also showcased, including digital banner ads that juxtapose above-water and below-water experiences. One ad featured the tagline, "The happiest you lives on the water," while another stated, "Adventure awaits above and below the waves." These concepts are still in development, with plans to refine the messaging based on feedback received during the meeting.
The creative team emphasized their commitment to sharing final assets with the council once they are completed. A notable point raised during the discussion was the suggestion to avoid using the term "waves" in marketing materials, as Citrus County does not have traditional beach waves, which could mislead potential visitors.
Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of crafting a compelling narrative that accurately represents Citrus County's diverse recreational offerings. The council plans to continue refining these marketing strategies to effectively attract tourists to the area.