MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Marion County is closing out the year with the highest revenue to date from tourism.
County officials shared in a news release Thursday that the county has reached a ‘record revenue of $5.3 million’ from the tourism development tax paid by those visiting the county.
“This is the highest revenue to date for a single year for the county and is the third record-setting year in a row,” said the county.
The Marion County Tax Collector’s Office says they recorded a more than $526,000 increase in revenue over the year prior.
According to economic impact research done by the Ocala/Marion County Visitor & Convention Bureau (OMCVCB), last year from April 2022-March 2023, tourists contributed over $1.1 billion in economic impact to the county. This is an 18.3 % increase from July 2020-June 2021. County officials say visitors spent $736,250,900 on accommodations, attractions, entertainment, groceries, transportation, and shopping alone – another increase of 20.6 % from July 2020-June 2021.
In addition, the report said a ‘net benefit’ of over $11.8 million was generated to Marion County government services and infrastructure.
What does it mean to you?
County officials say it saved residents $453 in taxes per household.
“When travelers vacation to Marion County, they save locals hundreds of dollars in taxes every year while contributing millions to our county infrastructure. It is a win for everyone,” said Marion County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Craig Curry.
According to the research report, tourists also supported over 11,000 local jobs in April 2022-March 2023. This ultimately generated over $300 million in wages and salaries.
Take a look at the numbers…
Tourism marketing plays a major role in contributing to this success. County officials say for every $1 the OMCVCB spent on tourism marketing in one year directly correlates with $119 in visitor spending within the county.
“The success of this year and the last couple years is inspiring, and our entire community should be proud that so many people choose Ocala/Marion County for their vacation,” said Tourism Development Director Loretta Shaffer. “From launching the rebrand of our destination in 2022 and rolling out our new FREE OcalaMarion Travel Guide app, to helping draw prestigious sporting events and tournaments to the area, the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau has been proactively selling and marketing the county to both leisure and business travelers. The OcalaMarion Travel Guide app was built for both our traveling visitors and residents, and I encourage everyone in our community to download it and further explore our beautiful outdoor playground as a memorable staycation!”
To download the app, click here.“Having the honor of sitting on the Tourist Development Council, I can say firsthand that tourism’s positive impact on Marion County is not just on the hospitality industry but also on the quality of life for our residents,” said Marion County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Craig Curry.