Amelia Island Convention & Vistors Bureau
Press Release
May 3, 2022
Findings indicate more than $1 billion in total economic impact from tourism
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (May 3, 2022) – Visitor activities on Amelia Island generated more than $1 billion ($1,027,582,200) in total economic impact in 2021, according to the newly released 2021 Value of Tourism Report commissioned by the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (AITDC). Compiled by renowned Tallahassee-based Downs & St. Germain Research, the biannual report summarizes the profound impact visitors have on the economy, government, and citizens of Nassau County. In addition to the $1 billion economic impact milestone, the 50-page report shows visitors generated $725 million in direct spending in Nassau County restaurants, accommodations, attractions, gas, retail and grocery stores, and more. Compared to the 2019 report, this represents a 6.8% increase in direct spending, and a 14.67% increase in total economic impact.
“We’ve been tracking the post-pandemic recovery, but it’s a relief to have the final report in hand to document Amelia Island’s return to record-setting economic impact in Nassau County,” said Gil Langley, president and CEO of the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau (AICVB), which markets the destination for the AITDC. “The total number of visitors decreased, but the healthy spike in direct spending and economic impact is indicative of our efforts to focus marketing strategies to attract quality visitors, rather than sheer quantity, for more sustainable tourism growth.”
According to the research, over the past 21 years (2000 to 2021), the number of annual visitors to Amelia Island has increased nearly 85% (84.99%), but the amount of visitor spending has increased more than 171% (171.34%), a clear indication the AICVB has been successful in its efforts to increase yield, thereby building a sustainable tourism industry.
The following are among the many other highlights and insights the report provides on the economic impact of Nassau County’s tourism industry in 2021:
- Visitors to Amelia Island generated more than $1 billion in economic impact.
- Every 94 visitors to Amelia Island employ one Nassau County resident.
- Visitors to Amelia Island save each Nassau County household about $3,707 in all state and local taxes.
- Visitors spent $140 for every $1 spent on marketing by AITDC.
- Every $1 spent on marketing by AITDC generated $55 for Nassau County government.
- Every $1 spent on marketing by AITDC generated $10 for the Nassau County school board.
- The typical travel party that stayed in paid accommodations in Amelia Island spent $2,311 during their trip.
For more information, visit AmeliaIslandTDC.com or AmeliaIsland.com. To download a copy of the 2021 Value of Tourism report, visit www.AmeliaIslandTDC.com/Value-of-Tourism.
About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway; come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information and online planning, visit AmeliaIsland.com.
The Amelia Island TDC recently added to their online library three videos related to the value of tourism in Nassau County:
- Tourism Works: Learn more about the value of tourism on Amelia Island and the $1 billion economic impact it brings to Nassau County, Florida.
- Thank You, Industry: In celebration of National Travel & Tourism Week, Amelia Island says thank you to the area’s dedicated hospitality workers who help make Amelia Island such an amazing place for visitors to Come Make Memories.
- Future of Tourism: Amelia Island tourism and hospitality jobs throughout Nassau County provide a future for our local community. In Nassau County, 32% of jobs are supported by tourism.
“Quality visitors,” really?! Say it like it is – rich. The increase in people who act like they have privilege and a decrease in diversity is becoming disheartening for our community.
It’s odd that there is no mention of the economic benefit to the City of Fernandina Beach.