Tourism

'Bed Tax' Collections Were Up Dramatically in May

The Sarasota County tax collector's office took in nearly $2.8 million in Tourist Development Tax money in May, well above normal.

07/09/2021 By Staff

Weekend Planner

Your Top 5 Things to Do: July 11-17

Lots of laughs at FST’s Improv Festival, Dig the Beach volleyball tourney and more.

07/11/2019 By Ilene Denton

Retail

Florida Consumer Confidence Rises

After four months of declines, consumer confidence among Floridians increased in December.

01/02/2019 By Staff

Data

Florida's Population Surpasses 21 Million

According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the state's population is expected to grow by another 5 million by 2030.

10/25/2018 By Staff

Tourism

St. Armands Circle Named to Travel Website's 'Hall of Fame'

St. Armands Circle was recently named to the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame.

07/12/2018 By Staff

Data

Floridian Consumer Confidence Rises

After two months of declines, consumer confidence among Floridians increased in April.

05/03/2018 By Staff

Data

Number of Retail Jobs Up

The American retail industry added 12,900 jobs during the month of November after losses in October.

12/12/2017 By staff

Data

Number of Visitors, Economic Impact of Tourists Both Up

More than 1.2 million visitors stayed overnight in a paid lodging in Sarasota County during Visit Sarasota County's most recent fiscal year.

11/21/2017 By staff

Tourism

Tourist Development Tax Collections Hit New High

The Sarasota County tax collector's office collected almost $21.3 million in Tourist Development Tax money during its most recent fiscal year.

11/17/2017 By staff

Data

Consumer Confidence Rating Hits Highest Point in Almost 17 Years

Americans' consumer confidence increased between September and October, according to The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index.

10/31/2017 By staff

Retail

'Shoptember' Returns

Visit Sarasota County is again partnering with stores and shopping districts for Shoptember, a month-long promotion intended to encourage retail business.

09/01/2017 By staff

Data

Florida Sees Record Tourism Numbers

Florida saw a record number of visitors during any six-month period in the state's history during the first half of 2017.

08/30/2017 By staff

Tourism

First Sports Event Showcase Set for Aug. 15

The showcase will feature area sports events and allow for local businesses to learn more about the events and create new partnerships.

07/31/2017 By staff

Weekend Planner

Your Top 6 Things to Do: July 20-26

Snooty’s Birthday Bash at the South Florida Museum, Friday Fest at the Van Wezel, the Bradentucky Bombers and more.

07/20/2017 By Ilene Denton

Data

Florida Tourism Hits New High

Florida set a new record for tourist visitation in 2016, according to new numbers announced by Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday.

02/16/2017 By staff

Data

Sports Tourism Numbers Way Up in 2016

The Sarasota County Sports Commission hosted 135 events in 2016, a 20 percent increase over 2015, and generated an economic impact of $178.6 million, a 23 percent increase.

02/14/2017 By staff

Marketing

Tourism Agency Unveils New Branding

Elements include a new logo and images and videos intended to convey the feeling that Sarasota County is a place where visitors can feel 'at ease.'

01/18/2017 By staff

Tourism

Visit Sarasota to Unveil New Ad Campaign

Visit Sarasota County, the county's tourism promotion agency, will unveil its new advertising campaign, shaped by new market research.

01/13/2017 By staff

Tourism

Tourist Tax Collections Increase to Almost $20 Million

Tourist Development Tax collections increased to almost $20 million in fiscal year 2016, a 4.7 percent increase over 2015.

11/18/2016 By staff

Tourism

Summer Tourism Numbers Up in Sarasota County

Visit Sarasota County on Thursday reported growth in tourist visitation and spending, hotel occupancy and room rates and consumer satisfaction during the months of July, August and September.

10/27/2016 Research by staff