National Travel & Tourism Week

5/4/23 @ 10:20 a.m. 

At the April 24th meeting, the Board approved Resolution No. 2023-052 proclaiming the week of May 7 - May 13, 2023, as "National Travel & Tourism Week" in Nassau County, Florida. This week has been recognized nationally since 1983 to celebrate the U.S. travel community and travel's essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses, and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day. 

Tourism is extremely important to Nassau County as 26% of our residents rely on tourism in their careers in retail, hospitality, and service industries. In 2022, tourism had an overall economic impact of $907 million, with $618 million total in taxable sales within Nassau County including purchases on gasoline, retail, food, attractions, grocery stores, and more. 

$11.4 million was collected from the 5% Tourist Development Tax on short-term hotel, bed and breakfast and vacation rentals. Funds generated from the Tourist Development Taxes cover 100% of beach cleaning on all of Amelia Island, we well as cleaning of all beachfront park restrooms. Funds are also used to support local programs and events such as Dickens on Centre, Restaurant Week, and the Chamber Music Festival, among others. 

We appreciate our partners at the Tourist Development Council for all they do to make Nassau County a world-class travel destination and for their efforts in enhancing the quality of life for Nassau County residents by boosting of local economy, engaging with the community, and providing a visitor experience that our guests will remember for years to come.

Also, the Amelia Island Convention & Visitor's Bureau has released the 2022 Year in Review which provides valuable insights on the performance of the local tourism industry. It also tells a story about our visitors... where they're from, how they spend their money when visiting, how that money supports local jobs, and the overall impact those dollars have on our County. The 2022 Year in Review can be found here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Office