Franklin County Tourism Rebounds in June and TDC Earns State Marketing Awards

Two Franklin County non-profits earned State recognition this week for their efforts in promoting the county and nonprofit events. The recognition follows on the heels of more good news from the State Department of Revenue that Franklin County tourism numbers in June jumped nearly 11% over last year.

The Franklin County Tourist Development Council (TDC) brought back two VISIT FLORIDA Marketing Awards this week from the VISIT FLORIDA Governor’s Conference held in Tampa, August 28-30. The Franklin County TDC was awarded a Silver Flagler award for its direct marketing campaign featuring the TDC’s e-newsletter and a Bronze Flagler for print advertising. The TDC e-newsletter, which reaches a nationwide audience of more than 110,000 each month, was recognized for its coverage of area events and activities. The print ad was recognized for its effective design and messaging to the Canadian travel audience in Dreamscapes Magazine.

The Apalachicola Bay Chamber also brought home a Silver Flagler Award for its 2023 Butts-N-Clucks event promotion that brought the nationally-recognized Food Network Channel to Apalachicola and many visitors to the area during January when tourism numbers are traditionally low.

The Flagler awards were presented during the 24^th annual Governor’s Conference Chairman’s Dinner in Tampa on August 28, 2024. Franklin County Tourist Development Council (TDC) director John Solomon and TDC vendors Tana Kendrick, (2K Web Group), Royce Rolstad, (Forgotten Coast TV) and Cindy Clark (Bay Media Services) were on hand to accept the awards.

“VISIT FLORIDA is once again acknowledging the amazing marketing work coming from our Franklin County TDC team! It’s truly rewarding to see their efforts being recognized!” said Franklin County Commission Chairman Ricky Jones. 

This makes the 10VISIT FLORIDA Flagler awards that the Franklin County TDC team has earned in the last five years.

“I am so very honored for the Franklin County TDC team which includes the Franklin County Commission, TDC Board of Directors, the TDC Vendors, our partners and everyone that works in the hospitality industry in Franklin County,” said director Solomon. “Having our entire marketing team here to accept these awards is a special experience. Flagler Awards are not a participation award. They recognize the great works of everyone in the state for their hard work and dedication to the tourism industry. Seeing the marketing team hear Franklin County’s name called out as a Flagler winner is a wonderful experience.”

Solomon, who was recently appointed to the VISIT FLORIDA Industry Services Committee, presented a spotlight session during the conference “Winning Big by Promoting Small” in which he outlined how small DMOs can market lesser-known destinations by capitalizing on their unique amenities to win big in the tourism arena.

The annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism (GC24) is considered the premier educational conference for the Florida tourism industry. This event brings together tourism industry professionals, advertising agencies, travel experts and state leaders to explore the latest trends and opportunities for the industry. The Flagler Awards is an annual statewide competition recognizing outstanding Florida tourism marketing. The program was created by VISIT FLORIDA to honor the countless individuals and organizations that help position Florida as the No. 1 travel destination in the world. Each year the Flagler Awards pay tribute to the determined efforts of those who use their skill, resourcefulness, creativity and innovative spirit to market Florida to the world. Winning campaigns are judged and selected by national marketing and media professionals who review entries submitted by hundreds of destination marketing organizations, destinations, and nonprofit groups from across the state of Florida.