The tourism industry continues to be a strong creator of Sarasota jobs.
Although Florida's economy as whole still continues to suffer under the grip of the economic recession, the state's tourism industry has emerged as one of the best options for short-term economic gains.
According to an article by the Herald Tribune, elected officials from Sarasota County and North Port, Sarasota and Venice recently hosted an economic summit to discuss ways to generate jobs and attract new industries. The tourism industry became a highlight of that meeting.
It was noted that a recent survey found the number of tourists visiting Sarasota County increased by 6.4 percent during 2009. That number came as a surprise to some officials, who had been discussing property tax breaks to lure new industries and diversify the local economy.
"We want to diversify, but we also have to enhance tourism, because that has always been our bread and butter," Sarasota County Commissioner Shannon Staub said.
Another plus - Richard Bradshaw, hotel operator and chairman of the Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau, noted that hotel room occupancy also increased during 2009. However, it is still unclear weather or not these gains will continue through 2010.
SCVB President Virginia Haley noted that part of the reason figures increased during 2009 was because 2008 was a particularly bad year for the tourism industry. The uncertainty of the economy caused travelers to scale back that year more than usual.
It was further noted that local government have taken several measures during the last few years to promote tourism. Efforts include everything from pushing to renovate Ed Smith stadium for the Baltimore Orioles to developing a new rowing facility at Nathan Benderson Park and expanding visitor marketing.
Another option to bring in more money is to raise the bed tax, a levy charged on hotel rooms and condo rentals, from 4.5 percent to the maximum 5 percent allowed by state law. That extra tax would bring in an additional $1.2 million per year for tourism promotion.
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