For more information, please contact:
Franklin County Tourist Development Council Administrative Office 850-653-8678
Southwest Airlines' Arrival To Boost Tourism in Franklin County
Southwest Airlines will soon begin flying the North Florida skies, thanks, in part, to the efforts of a seven county tourism and economic development group, of which the Franklin County Tourist Development Council (FCTDC) is a member.
Coastal Vision 3000, which markets the Northwest Florida region as "THE Beach," has been wooing Southwest Airlines for years. Southwest this week announced its plan to start flying from the new Panama City International Airport when it opens in May 2010. On the local level, Franklin County tourist officials have already begun to target airports in both Panama City and Tallahassee to tap into this regional marketing effort.
"Within this region, we have the best venue for nature-based tourism as well as uncrowded beaches, lighthouses and a variety of historical and cultural attractions," says Helen Spohrer, Chairman FCTDC. "Southwest Airlines and the new international airport will make Franklin County more accessible to the world."
From Southwest Airlines' Blog, BlogSouthwest.com:
"We're bringing low fares and GREAT service to the land of sugar-white-sand beaches, incredibly gentle blue waters, and an amazing variety of visitor accommodations just in time for vacation season, Summer, 2010! Up until Southwest's arrival, this part of Northwest Florida has been plagued by high fares and a lack of full-sized airline service. We're going to change that. Southwest's entry into the Panama City market will make it possible for all of America to experience the incredible beauty of Northwest Florida!"
Southwest officials say the airline plans to make a substantial commitment to providing affordable and consistent air travel to the Northwest Florida market. According to Bob Montgomery, vice-president of properties at Southwest Airlines who attended the press event in Panama City last week, "We will be bringing two daily flights from four destinations which makes eight non-stop flights. That's almost 2,000 seats coming into the Northwest Florida region every day. By December you'll have an announcement on fares and schedules and by May 2010 you'll see our canyon-blue jets flying over your white, sandy beach and clear waters."
Coastal Vision 3000 Chairman Buddy Runnels calls Southwest Airlines' announcement "a game changer" for tourism and economic development in Northwest Florida. "The Northwest Florida business community, from Perdido Key/Pensacola to Carrabelle, has a lot to be proud of... this is a great day for our entire region," he said.
About Coastal Vision 3000
Coastal Vision 3000 is a membership organization of regional stewards representing tourism and economic development interests in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf and Franklin counties. Business and community leaders established the organization to create a consistent, branded identity for the seven-county region to increase national and international awareness, support local tourism and economic development professionals, and grow the market.
Franklin County's Tourist Development Council joined the organization in 2008. There are ten tourist-related businesses or organizations in the county that are also members of THE Beach including the Apalachicola Bay Chamber, Camp Gordon Johnston, Carrabelle Chamber, Collins Vacation Rentals, Franklin County Tourist Development Council, Prudential Shimmering Sands (St. George), Resort Vacation Properties, St. James Bay Golf, Apalachicola Photo Tours, Sandy Beach Realty and Water Street Hotel and Marina.
Post Office Box 819 • Apalachicola, Florida 32329
17 1/2 Avenue E • Apalachicola, Florida 32320
866.914.2068
850.653.8678
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