DESTIN — Okaloosa County has broken tourism records for the fifth consecutive year.
Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island achieved their highest monthly year-over-year growth in revenue, up 13.04 percent, during fiscal year 2015. This also marks 21 consecutive months of year-over-year revenue growth. A monthly revenue of $72 million was achieved in July for the first time in the county’s 100-year history.
The year saw economic growth with the grand opening of several new restaurants and family attractions.
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone, on Okaloosa Island, features a miniature golf course, frozen yogurt shop, zip line, full-service sit-down pizzeria, and a 30-foot rock climbing wall. Gulf seafood restaurateur Lucy Buffett opened her 20,000-square-foot LuLu’s Destin restaurant along the Choctawhatchee Bay. The “Gulf to Table” movement continued with the opening of 10 on the Harbor at HarborWalk Village as well as Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer, sister restaurant to Jackacuda’s, which specializes in fresh, local seafood and large steamed shellfish platters.
Other openings included Destin Diner, which offers a retro atmosphere, originality, comfort, and food, and The Craft Bar, which offers 30 craft beers on tap as well as cutting-edge handcrafted cocktails created by its own mixologists.
Additional tourism initiatives throughout the year included a rebranding of the destination’s airport to increase its recognition as a central travel hub into the Emerald Coast.
In addition, the Emerald Coast encouraged Chicago residents to leave behind the icy weather of the Windy City and “Escape to Sun” during their coldest winter months. The campaign prompted Chicagoans to visit microsite www.EscapetoSun.com to learn more about replacing their wind chills with extreme thrills and learn more about the Emerald Coast beaches, activities, dining, and events, as well as exclusive offers and opportunities.
"It is so encouraging to see the boost that tourism gives to our local economy, and we are excited to announce another record-breaking year for our destination," Ed Schroeder, ECCVB director, stated.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Emerald Coast has historic revenue growth for fifth year