Tourism is big business on the First Coast according to the results of an economic impact study sponsored by Jacksonville’s destination marketing group.
According to the results of a study by Visit Jacksonville, revenues generated by the tourism industry exceeded $2 billion last year.
Visit Jacksonville president and CEO Paul Astleford says the information should serve as a guide for the future.
“This demonstrates that this is one of the largest industries in northeast Florida. And we also think that with some strategic direction in the future, we can continue to grow this industry,” he said.
Astleford says one strategy to come out of the study is the "Bring It Home, Jax" campaign.
The new visitor initiative, he says, will rely on folks who live here to spread the word among their families, friends and associates that the First Coast is a great place to hold a convention or take a vacation.
READ: Visit Jacksonville's economic impact presentation
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