Coming to the close of the 2017-2018 fiscal year the TDC is now centering its attention on developing new ways to attract visitors to Washington County.
by Kathy Foster
Working in recent meetings the TDC members have spent a lot of time focusing on how they can bring in more visitors to enjoy the unique qualities that make this county so special.
While day visitors still make up over half of those coming into the county from elsewhere, those associated with the TDC report that 48 percent stay overnight. Additionally, they point out that Millennials are the largest generation among travelers to Florida’s Northwest inland counties and that about 30 percent of the travelers are couples.
Looking forward to the new year, TDC Director Heather Lopez says top on their project list for 2018 will be developing a Downtown Walking Experience to attract visitors to the Historic Downtown Chipley area, including historic markers, a printed walking tour guide, historic fact sheets, window displays and a discount program with downtown merchants.
The TDC also has a recreation map highlighted for the coming year. The map will identify all boat launch facilities, with a rating system for amenities and ease of use. They will also identify other recreation opportunities such as trails and outfitters.
Of special interest for the upcoming year is development of a Agritourism Trail, creation of four seasonal farm tours that will include farm-to-table experiences, and a fall farm tour in conjunction with Jackson and Holmes counties.
Commenting about the Ralph Carter Wildflower Trail, Lopez says the TDC is working with Washington County to coordinate mowing schedules for county designated wildflower areas and with the Florida Department of Transportation to coordinate mowing schedules for state designated wildflower areas. In the coming year she says the TDC will create a map for the trail with a checklist of local wildflowers and butterflies to identify.
Expected to be another draw for Washington County will efforts to gain a National Heritage Corridor for Northwest Florida that will include the Highway 90 Corridor which organizers hope to have braded as a scenic drive that will attract visitors to drive through the Panhandle.
The TDC plans to expand work to attract Snowbirds and help with logistics of the Washington County Heritage Fest/Rock the Falls Music Fest, as well as other emerging events or attract events that are looking to expand.