BP provided a $7 million grant to seven coastal counties in Northwest Florida for last ditch marketing efforts for this summer season that has been dismal since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The grant was divided among the tourist development councils in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf and Franklin counties. The amount each county received was based mostly on bed tax revenue, the Northwest Florida Daily News reported.
Escambia and Santa Rosa counties were given some extra funds because it they sustained the most impact from the spill and received the most negative press coverage from the national media.
The funds must be used to attract tourists and be spent by Sept. 15.
The Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) started its Be Rewarded campaign with its share of the funds. The program offers a $250 gift card to Silver Sands Factory Stores or with Southwest Airlines to anyone who stays in any Beaches of South Walton lodgings between Aug. 2 and Sept. 30. Reservations must be booked by Sept. 15.
Some of the council’s lodging partners booked nearly 50 reservations during the first two days of the program. In addition to the gift certificates, the money will help pay for a Labor Day concert.
Meanwhile the Santa Rosa County TDC implemented a voucher program that will reimburse guests up to 50 percent for staying at a hotel or condominium that collects bed tax.
The Okaloosa County TDC is expected to finish a marketing strategy plan by the end of next week, according to Mark Bellinger, executive director.
