Marion County has closed out fiscal year 2022-2023 with a record-setting $5.3 million in revenue from the tourism development tax paid by visitors.
According to the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, this amount reflects tax collection from stays in short-term accommodations, less than six months in duration, within Marion County. This is the county’s highest revenue to date for a single year, and it is the third record-setting year in a row.
The Marion County Tax Collector’s Office reported an increase of over $526,000 in revenue for the year compared to the previous highest year.
“Having the honor of sitting on the Tourist Development Council, I can say firsthand that tourism’s positive impact on Marion County is not just on the hospitality industry but also on the quality of life for our residents,” stated Marion County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Craig Curry.
“When travelers vacation to Marion County, they save locals hundreds of dollars in taxes every year while contributing millions to our county infrastructure. It is a win for everyone,” added Curry.
According to the latest research on the economic impact of tourism, which was conducted from April 2022 to March 2023, visitors generated more than $1.1 billion in economic impact to Marion County in the last year alone.
Visitors spent more than $736 million directly on accommodations, restaurants, groceries, transportation, attractions, entertainment, and shopping. In addition, visitors generated a net benefit of nearly $12 million to Marion County government services and infrastructure, saving residents $453 in taxes per household each year.
In a press release, the Visitors and Convention Bureau highlighted that every $1 they spent on marketing in one year is associated with $119 in visitors spending in Marion County.
“The success of this year and the last couple years is inspiring and our entire community should be proud that so many people choose Ocala/Marion County for their vacation,” stated Tourism Development Director Loretta Shaffer. “From launching the rebrand of our destination in 2022 and rolling out our new FREE OcalaMarion Travel Guide app, to helping draw prestigious sporting events and tournaments to the area, the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau has been proactively selling and marketing the county to both leisure and business travelers.”
Shaffer added that the OcalaMarion Travel Guide app is not just for visitors. She encourages Marion County residents to download the app and “further explore our beautiful outdoor playground as a memorable staycation.”
To view the most recent economic impact of tourism study and past studies, visit the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau’s website.