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| The USPA Nationals was a great event during Tourism Week 2013! |
Travel
and tourism is one of America’s largest industries and it’s Florida’s number
one industry. In 2012, the tourism-related spending in Florida contributed more
than $60 billion, while collecting more than $4 billion in total sales tax
revenue.
Without travel and tourism’s contribution to the tax base, each
household could owe up to an additional $1,000 per year in taxes.
How
do those numbers relate to Pasco County? More travel means more sales tax is
pumped into our local businesses. The
sales and tourist tax revenues contribute to a more vibrant Pasco.
In
fact the County’s tourism revenues in the Fiscal Year 11/12 increased nearly
20% than the previous year. The tourist
tax revenue is collected from overnight accommodations. Visitors also eat in
our restaurants, shop, buy gas, rent cars, buy groceries and visit local
attractions like the Giraffe Ranch and Pioneer Florida Museum in Dade City.
The
County’s Tourist Development Plan 2010-2014 still focuses on creating a tourist
experience based on promoting our natural attractions, cultural programs and
creating new sports business. Pasco
County is a premier sports and travel destination thanks to the number of
sports tournaments, special events, outdoor recreation and ecotourism. “It’s
Only Natural” has been our brand for decades. But sports, art, festivals and
culture are “our nature” as well.
The
efforts of County leadership to promote Pasco as a sports destination are
paying off. Major field and lacrosse events contribute an annual estimated
economic impact of more than $4 million.
That is why Pasco County is pursuing a multi-sports facility on the Wiregrass
Development.
Our
private venue partners, like the Little Everglades Ranch, continue to lure
adventure races. On any given weekend the ranch can host nearly 20,000 visitors
who like to play in the mud and then spend their money in downtown Dade City.
This
past week Skydive City once again proved its economic impact to Zephyrhills by
hosting the USPA Canopy Piloting National Championships. The event should
return next year and Skydive City may host the world championships.
So
invite your friends and family from other parts of the state or country to
promote Pasco County. As our State partner Visit Florida says “Share a Little
Sunshine.”
For more information on Pasco County tourism, visit www.visitpasco.net and join us on Facebook at Visit Pasco County Tourism.
