NEWS RELEASE
Charlotte County Tourist Development Tax Collected for Fiscal Year Exceeds $4.3 Million
PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 2, 2019) – The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau is pleased to announce tourist development tax revenues collected during fiscal year 2018-2019 (Oct. 1, 2018 – Sept. 30, 2019) totaled $4,336,758. This is up 5.1% over fiscal year 2018 – 2019 ($4,123,367). Since the Bureau's inception in 1997, this is the most tourist development tax revenues Charlotte County has collected during one fiscal year.
"We are pleased with another record-breaking year of tourist development tax collections. Increased service from Allegiant Air, vibrant events and natural amenities make Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach an attractive vacation, meetings, and events destination. The success of our marketing efforts coupled with tourism industry partnerships reflect in the fiscal year's revenue," said Wendie Vestfall, tourism director of the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau.
In addition to the 7% sales tax, Charlotte County levies a 5% tourist development tax on accommodation stays six months or less. The first 3% is spent for tourism promotion and marketing support and the fourth and fifth percent are used to fund the debt service on the bond for the recent renovations at the Charlotte Sports Park.
Annually, the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau conducts marketing, sales and promotional campaigns to increase awareness of and visitation to Charlotte County. In addition to generating economic contributions, the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau is also focused on developing soft adventure, a low-impact industry enabling the county to preserve the invaluable natural resources that contribute to its ecological health, distinguish the area and draw visitors.
For information, contact Jennifer Huber at 941-743-1900 or jennifer.huber@charlottecountyfl.gov.
###
