Visit Pensacola Celebrates Escambia County's Tourism/Hospitality Industry

I had the opportunity yesterday to speak and present a proclamation at Visit Pensacola's Hospitality Heroes Awards Luncheon at Bayview Community Center.

The luncheon was presented and sponsored by Visit Pensacola, and the host was CEO of Visit Pensacola Darien Schaefer.

The Board of County Commissioners approved a proclamation at our last meeting in April naming this week hospitality and tourism week in Escambia County-- which I presented at the luncheon as Mr. Schaefer graciously introduced me and invited me to the stage.

One of the best, most enjoyable parts of the program was the video montage of a recent "Hospitality Olympics" held by Visit at Blue Wahoo's stadium---where some interesting competitions were had.

--sack races

--toilet paper backward over hand toss into trash cans

--50 yard dash with a tray loaded with cocktails

--tug-of-war over a kiddy pool.

Yes, the video drew some chuckles from the crowd.

I was honored to speak yesterday at the Hospitality Appreciation Luncheon

But the overall topic of tourism is very serious.  

According to the information given by Schaefer during the introduction to the program---the serious financial impact of tourism last year is evident in real numbers:

-In 2021 2.1 Million Visitors came to Pensacola

-the 2.1 Million Visitors generated $1.2 Billion in Economic Activity/Spending

-the hospitality/tourist sector locally employes more than 20,000 Escambia Citizens

-the taxes collected from visitors totaled more than $70 Million--representing 26% of all taxes collected

-the taxes collected from visitors, if not realized, would necessitate an additional $600 yearly in taxes on county residents.

So yes--Tourism/Hospitality is a big deal.  Huge.

The final portion of yesterday's event centered on recognizing individuals for accomplishments in this space.  5 total citizens were awarded based upon exceptional acts over the last year.  The most prominent recipient was a hotel employee who witnessed a child drowning and jumped in fully clothed with his wallet, cellphone, keys and all----and saved the child's life.  It was a powerful picture--this individual Rosendo Morillo Peralta of the Surf & Sand Hotel, holding the little girl he rescued!

Read all about the awards here

Read about what Visit Pensacola does to promote our area, here

Visit Pensacola's Staffing over 5 Years

The chart above is a graphic illustration of the staffing of Visit Pensacola over the last 5 years since that entity came out from under the umbrella of the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce.

During last week's initial budget hearing, there were questions from the dais about "employment creep" at Visit Pensacola.  The above chart shows the growth that has occurred, and also the corresponding increases to the budget at Visit Pensacola over the same 5-year time frame.