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Local businesses report weak foot traffic; board and staff discuss community events and map distribution to boost visits
Summary
Local business owners and partners told the Tourist Development Council on Sept. 10 that retail and restaurant foot traffic is down, and they described community-driven efforts such as a Sip & Stroll event and distribution of 175,000 Discovery Maps to draw visitors.
Several local business concerns surfaced Sept. 10 as board members and community partners reported decreased foot traffic and retail sales in downtown areas and asked the Tourist Development Council for support.
Lou Ann Jacobs, who organizes a forthcoming Sip & Stroll event in November, told the council she has already begun selling tickets and targeting Orlando, Tampa and Ocala for advertising. She said the event has attracted sponsorship and that early ticket sales are concentrated in Inverness and The Villages; she recommended combining events with hotel-package offers or bus trips to bring overnight visitors. "If we could get a bus, bring them in, you know, and take them home, that would be beneficial," she said.
Al Pascual, representing Discovery Map of Citrus County, told the council he has distributed 175,000 printed maps within and outside the county, including replenishment visits to Ocala hotels and RV parks and outreach to The Villages. Pascual said the maps include a QR code to a digital platform and that franchise distribution is national; staff and board said the maps are a useful free collateral to guide regional travelers to county businesses.
Board members said they have seen restaurants and tour operators reduce hours or close days of the week owing to low foot traffic and urged staff and the marketing agency to pursue special projects that drive visitation beyond seasonal events. Suggestions included targeted activations at the World Equestrian Center, distillery tours, market takeovers and coordinated hotel-room packages. Staff said some of those ideas can be pursued as special projects outside the core media plan. The council approved changes to the grant program at the meeting that staff said should help event producers access funds more quickly.
No formal action was taken specifically on the Sip & Stroll or map distribution; staff said they would work with community organizers and report back with options for special projects and potential partnerships.
