DeSantis announces $1 million to support Northwest Florida tourism recovery after Hurricane Isaias
Tallahassee, Florida – Northwest Florida will receive $1 million in tourism marketing support to help bring visitors back following Hurricane Isaias. Governor Ron DeSantis announced that VISIT FLORIDA will award the funding to the Northwest Florida Tourism Council to restart its Northwest Florida Beaches campaign.
The effort will promote the Panhandle’s beaches, outdoor recreation, and other visitor experiences, with particular attention to fall and winter travelers arriving by car. It will also provide support for the counties most affected by the storm.
The money comes from VISIT FLORIDA’s crisis recovery budget, a dedicated source of funding used to assist the state’s tourism industry after hurricanes and other disasters. Local businesses are among those expected to benefit as the campaign works to encourage visitation.
Read also: Coral Springs bowling teams celebrate seniors before October 19 district championships
“Today, I was proud to announce that VISIT FLORIDA is awarding $1 million to the Northwest Florida Tourism Council to resume their successful marketing campaign following Hurricane Isaias,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This investment comes from a dedicated disaster recovery budget that is set aside to help Florida’s tourism industry. The returns are proven to be great: For every dollar invested in this strategic tourism marketing effort in 2024-2025, Northwest Florida generated $58.95 in total economic impact.”
The new funding continues a partnership between VISIT FLORIDA and the Northwest Florida Tourism Council, which represents eight Gulf Coast counties. An earlier marketing initiative received part of its funding from Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc.
According to the governor’s announcement, that initiative generated more than 2 million additional visitors between 2024 and 2025. Those visits contributed $327 million in additional visitor spending and supported nearly 3,000 jobs.
The reported returns included $35.74 in direct visitor spending for each dollar invested. Total economic impact was higher, at $58.95 per dollar, reflecting a separate measure of the program’s results.
Read also: Givens and Hearn receive exceeds expectations ratings after requesting limits on raises
“When a community is ready to welcome visitors again after a storm, good marketing is essential,” said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “Our partnership with the Northwest Florida Tourism Council has built an effective Panhandle-focused campaign, and VISIT FLORIDA is stepping in to keep that work funded so Northwest Florida can recover quickly.”
The tourism council welcomed the investment as its member communities work toward recovery. Its chairman, Walton County Tourism Director Matt Algarin, thanked state leaders and expressed confidence in the region’s ability to attract visitors again.
“On behalf of the Northwest Florida Tourism Council and the eight counties we proudly represent, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Governor Ron DeSantis and VISIT FLORIDA for their support following Hurricane Isaias,” said Matt Algarin, Tourism Director for Walton County and Northwest Florida Tourism Council Chair. “As our communities come together, we are confident in our ability to emerge stronger than ever, and look forward to welcoming visitors to experience the unforgettable adventures that make our region so unique.”
VISIT FLORIDA will work with local tourism leaders to launch the renewed Northwest Florida Beaches campaign. Further details about the funding and the partnership’s previous results are available in the governor’s announcement.
