TDC Considers Next Step in Regional Marketing

When Coastal Vision 3000 closes its doors later this month, it opens a window for direct marketing communications between tourism boards stretching from Franklin to Escambia County. The Franklin County Tourist Development Council will continue to participate in the effort to market a unified region.

According to Helen Spohrer, Chairman of the FCTDC, “regional marketing through the area’s Tourist Development Councils is the next logical step in promoting the area, now that Southwest Airlines service is a reality.” Coastal Vision 3000 was instrumental in bringing Southwest Airlines to Panama City’s Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Southwest will begin flying out of the new airport in May.

Dedicated to building Northwest Florida’s tourism industry, Coastal Vision 3000 successfully created a regional brand, “THE BEACH” to unify a seven-county coastal area. The organization’s structure and assets, including a comprehensive website, will remain intact with coordination shifting to the Walton County Chamber of Commerce.

The FCTDC now has direct access to the organization’s media contacts, database, and marketing materials.

As a Founding Member of Coastal Vision 3000, the FCTDC literally placed Franklin County on the marketing maps, providing continued international exposure. Southwest’s decision to locate service at the Panama City airport rather than at locations further west was impacted in a significant way by the involvement of the Franklin County TDC.

Spohrer said, “Our TDC’s involvement in combined marketing efforts has been a win, win for everyone. We’re looking forward to continuing this work directly with the tourism councils across the region in the future.”