Tourism brought an estimated $1.25 billion to Charlotte County in FY2025, consultant tells commissioners
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Summary
A consultant presented FY2025 tourism figures showing roughly $850M in direct visitor spending, over 1.13 million visitors, about 10,700 tourism‑supported jobs, and an estimated $34M net tax benefit to Charlotte County; commissioners asked about trends, staycations and methodology.
Charlotte County’s tourism economy generated significant economic activity in fiscal year 2025, a consultant told commissioners on Feb. 10.
Joseph Saint Germain of Downs & Saint Germain Research presented the county’s FY2025 visitor economic analysis, covering Oct. 2024–Sept. 2025. The study, based on more than 2,200 on‑site and online surveys and other data, estimated an overall economic impact of more than $1.25 billion, including roughly $850 million in direct visitor spending. The consultant estimated more than 1,130,000 visitors during the fiscal year, approximately 10,700 tourism‑supported jobs and about $367 million in wages tied to visitor activity. After subtracting estimated costs associated with visitors, the county’s net tax benefit from tourism was estimated at about $34 million.
Commissioners asked about recent dips in shopping and entertainment spending noted in the report, and whether trends such as staycations or shorter trips were influencing local numbers. Saint Germain said the back half of the fiscal year showed a modest dip that mirrored statewide and national patterns and attributed some of that to consumer confidence and storm impacts early in the fiscal year. Tourism Director Sean Dorey confirmed quarterly and annual reports are posted on the county’s tourism website for public review.
The presentation and discussion concluded with commissioners praising the data for helping demonstrate tourism’s role in local jobs and county revenues and asking staff to continue tracking short‑trip and in‑state visitation trends.
