The tourism industry in Jacksonville and its surrounding areas generated $2.2 billion last year, and tourism officials are hoping that number helps stakeholders realize the importance of visitors to the local economy.The figure comes from a new economic impact study sponsored by Jacksonville’s destination marketing group, Visit Jacksonville. This is the first study of its kind conducted here since 2009.
The group says that the findings reveal that tourism is a vital component of the area’s economy today, and that tourism-related jobs make up the third largest source of employment in our area.
Paul Astleford, president and CEO of Visit Jacksonville, joined Charlene Shirk on First Coast Connect to discuss the study and the importance of tourism to the economy of the First Coast.
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