FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, Fl, February 19th –Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, the organization dedicated to promoting all of Charlotte County, Florida as a visitor destination, is proud to celebrate February 19, 2025, as Destination Professionals Day to honor the people and organizations that drive tourism, economic growth and community vitality worldwide.
The date holds special significance: on February 19, 1896, members of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce and the Detroit Manufacturers Club came together at the Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, Michigan, to form the world’s first destination organization, the Detroit Convention and Businessman’s League. With a mission of “hustling for conventions,” this group laid the foundation for an industry that has since grown into a global driver of economic and social progress.
Today, there are more than 10,000 destination organizations around the world representing a broad spectrum of entities, including destination marketing organizations (DMOs), visitor and convention bureaus (VCBs), tourism boards, sports commissions and film offices. These organizations are a cornerstone of the travel and tourism industry, which employs almost 348 million people and was expected to contribute about 10% of global GDP – more than $11 trillion – to the global economy in 2024, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
In Charlotte County, visitor impact for 2024 includes:
- Welcomed 1,146,000 visitors into our destination
- These visitors provide a total economic impact of $1,260,293,200, our third time being over $1 Billion
- Direct spending on accommodation, restaurants, groceries, transportation, attractions, entertainment and shopping was $859,126,400
- Total taxes paid by visitors was $91,308,691
- Tourism supported 12,800 jobs and generated $390,435,800 of wages and salaries
- Taxes paid by visitor reduces household resident taxes over $1,000 each year and supports no state tax
- Visitor satisfaction rate was 99% very satisfied or satisfied which is a testament to our wonderful hospitality staff
Why February 19 Matters
Recognizing February 19 as Destination Professionals Day aims to raise awareness by highlighting the vital contributions of destination professionals in enriching community life and driving economic development; celebrate the achievements and recognize the hard work and dedication of destination professionals across all roles and organizations; and inspire future destination leaders by showcasing the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available in the sector to attract the next generation of professionals.
The selection of February 19 as Destination Professionals Day pays homage to the founding of the first destination organization 129 years ago that sparked a global movement that continues to transform destinations like Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach into ideal places to visit, live, work, play and invest.
Join Us in Celebrating the Inaugural Destination Professionals Day
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach VCB invites our partners and community stakeholders to join in recognizing Destination Professionals Day on February 19, 2025. Share your stories, celebrate your teams and help us shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done to make Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach thrive. A social media kit is available here.
Laure Farlow, owner of Farlow’s On The Water restaurant in Englewood stated, “One of the most valued marketing tools for our business is the Visitors Bureau, who handles destination traveling to Charlotte County. As an independent restaurant owner, the VCB provides access to the large and successful social media platforms and publications that we would never know how to reach! They are an amazing asset and face of our community!”
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About Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting all of Charlotte County, Fl as a world-class destination. We work with a variety of stakeholders to develop and implement marketing programs that attract visitors, generate economic benefits and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is Florida’s best-kept secret of a charming natural paradise located on the idyllic Southwest Gulf Coast. This coastal community surrounding the state’s second-largest harbor sits conveniently between Tampa and Naples. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a haven of vibrant experiences in the sun-soaked oasis of the Southwest Florida islands, characterized by almost year-round sunshine and sub-tropical weather. Relaxation and discovery await in miles of waterways and inland exploration trails filled with unspoiled natural beauty. From beaches to boating, hiking to harbor tours, fishing to nature paths; to sun, shelling, and fossilized sharks’ teeth, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach immerses lively locals and active adventurers in a pure island experience. Most notably known for its 830 miles of pristine unparalleled shoreline, including captivating river passages, a mangrove-edged aquatic preserve, and more than a dozen miles of natural Gulf beaches, the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast includes the areas of Boca Grande, Don Pedro Island, Englewood-Cape Haze, Little Gasparilla Island, Manasota Key, Knight Island, Placida, Babcock Ranch, Port Charlotte, Charlotte Harbor and Punta Gorda.
To learn more about Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach, visit www.PureFlorida.com, call 941.743.1900 or discover the destination on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @RealPureFlorida.
Punta Gorda Englewood Beach VCB Contact:
Lois Croft – Public Relations Manager
