Mayor Donna Deegan proclaimed May 19-25 National Travel and Tourism Week in Jacksonville at a reception May 22 at Visit Jacksonville’s headquarters and visitor center Downtown.
Deegan said 10% of Duval County’s residents, about 54,000 people, work in the tourism industry.
She also commented on surveys that measure the experience people from out of town have while in Jacksonville for the annual Donna Marathon Weekend.
“They all say our citizens are so welcoming. It’s a proud thing to hear,” Deegan said.
City Council President Ron Salem is chair of the Duval County Tourist Development Council, the city agency that administers grants for tourism and events that attract visitors to Northeast Florida.
“This week is a reminder of the incredible impact travel and tourism have on our community and our economy,” Salem said.
In 2023, there were more than 22 million overnight visits and day trips made by visitors to Jacksonville, amounting to a $4 billion economic impact, he said.
Visit Jacksonville President and CEO Michael Corrigan said the convention and visitor’s bureau for Jacksonville and the Beaches is expanding its programs this year.
About 75 people have completed the Tourism Ambassador Program, which allows them to learn about the community and the tourism industry and tell Jacksonville’s story to visitors.
The Explorers Program that began last year at the Beaches with a sand castle contest and silent disco at the Jacksonville Beach Pier is expanding to include more events throughout the city.
Corrigan said the Jacksonville Ale Trail self-guided tour of local craft brewers has grown to include a coffee and doughnut trail and this week, the Mayport Shrimp Trail will be added to what he called “The Jacksonville Trail Mix.”
Information about all of Visit Jacksonville’s programs for tourists and residents may be found at visitjacksonville.com.