Key Points
- Tourism has raised awareness of Amelia Island across the globe. Through the tourism industry's marketing efforts, the door has been opened to other business and industry which helps diversify the Nassau County economy.
- The tourism industry is Nassau County's largest employer.
- Through the collection and payment of the tourism development tax, sales taxes, and property taxes, the tourism industry provides direct fiscal benefits to Nassau County and Fernandina Beach.
- The tourism industry is environmentally friendly, generates the largest amount of direct spending, and is an active participant in the local community.
- The tourism industry supports an enhanced quality of life including fine dining, golf, clean and renourished beaches, and unique special events.
Economic Impact
According to a
study by the Haas Center at the University of West Florida
- Visitors generate approximately $346 million in total sales (retail plus business-to-business sales) locally;
- Results in the creation of about 4,781 jobs tourism related jobs;
- Generates local income and wages of approximately $94 million
- Tourism-related sales averaged 36% of Nassau County’s total taxable sales.
- Nassau County is twice as dependent on tourism as the average county in the state of Florida.
