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Visit Putnam reports group bookings, new events and digital outreach in quarterly tourism update
Summary
The county's tourism contractor updated commissioners on group sales, recent events, influencer outreach, and new digital tools including an app and trail-town materials. Staff said the office is pursuing several group events and building itineraries to boost overnight stays.
Kimberly Morgan of the Chamber of Commerce delivered the tourism quarterly update on July 8, reporting recent event activity, new group-sales prospects, and digital-marketing projects aimed at increasing overnight stays and local spending.
Morgan said Visit Putnam has been developing a group-sales effort that is courting several events, including the Southeast Wood Producers Association annual meeting at the Putnam County Fairgrounds in September, a Nissan Z car owner regional meet expected to bring about 200 vehicles in February 2026, and discussions with organizers of a crappie fishing tournament considering the county as a new venue.
Recent events the tourism office highlighted included the 76th Azalea Festival in February, the Mug Race in May, the Wolfson Children's Hospital bass-fishing tournament and the Babe Ruth District 3 All-Stars softball tournament, all of which generated visitor spending, Morgan said. "Those people spent money in our community, and invested in our community," she said.
The tourism office also described influencer and media outreach: a Palatka Trail Town video produced with Visit Florida; a highlight by St. Johns Riverkeeper of a sunset bat-kayak tour; a PBS segment showcasing Angel's Diner; and a Discovery Channel segment expected from an influencer, Misty Wells, who will film in September. Morgan said a University of Florida intern is helping build tours in the Visit Putnam app and that the county GIS team is assisting in mapping trails, docks and cycling routes for users.
Morgan told commissioners Visit Putnam has been convening local overnight-accommodations meetings to coordinate hotels, fish camps and RV parks on group-event needs and to encourage keeping visitors in Putnam County when one property is sold out.
Commissioners and staff applauded the marketing and youth engagement projects Morgan described and asked for continued coordination on upcoming events and promotional plans.
