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Tourism staff reports December lodging-tax receipts up 2%; visitor study shows 5‑day average stay
Summary
Tourism staff told the Tourist Development Council that December lodging-tax receipts totaled $220,280.51, a 2% rise year over year, and presented visitor‑survey highlights showing a five‑day average stay, strong out‑of‑state visitation, and target origin markets.
A tourism staff member told the Tourist Development Council that December lodging‑tax collections were $220,280.51, a 2% increase from December of the previous year. The figure was presented as the quarterly bed‑tax total for the council to note.
The staff member summarized recent visitor‑profile research conducted with Downs & St. Germain and field surveys at local sites. Key findings included that 39% of visitors traveled as couples, 34% were first‑time visitors, the average length of stay was five days, and the average travel‑party spend was $15.48. The staff said 23% of those surveyed were day trippers and 13% used non‑paid accommodations.
The report named top origin markets for the Sept.–Nov. quarter—Nashville, Atlanta, Knoxville, Houston, St. Louis and Birmingham—and said the typical visitor planned a trip about 50 days in advance, a shift the staff attributed to shorter booking windows and dynamic pricing behaviors.
On grants and timelines, the staff said the advertising grant cycle opened Jan. 23, applications are due March 2, review by the Tourist Development Council is scheduled for March 19 at the TDC budget meeting, and final budget approval will take place when the county closes the September budget.
The council approved routine business items before the presentation: the November minutes and the quarterly expenditure/audit trail report were moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.
The council also heard a brief snowbird update: classes and an expo are under way, with a farewell event scheduled for Feb. 26. The staff noted that some seasonal residents stay in beach condos for about six months, which the staff said contributes significant local economic activity.
The council had no public input and adjourned after routine motions to close the meeting.
