As arts and cultural organizations are dealing with drastic cuts in State funding, the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, FL office is proud to share the 2017 data concerning the impact of the Tourism Product Development (TPD) grant-funded agencies. These arts, culture, and nature based agencies received TPD funds granted by the Alachua County Commission through the Tourist Development Tax (TDT or Bed Tax) paid by visitors to the county. The Commission is committed to the destination enhancement provided by these organizations and the benefits to residents and visitors alike.
Grantees and amounts.
In Fiscal Year 2017, over 433,836 people attended the 3,136 events produced by the 23 TPD grant funded agencies that provided impact numbers. The events involved 3,036 artists, 1,007 staff and 2,703 volunteers who contributed 99,430 volunteer hours.
According to the 2015 Americans for the Arts study, the average cultural event attendee spends $28.01, above and beyond the cost of admission, on lodging, meals and transportation while in Alachua County. In Alachua County, this event-related spending totaled $67.9 million and supported 2,847 full-time equivalent jobs in 2015.
Americans for the Arts Report.
Alachua County One Page Summary.
Tourism Works Flyer.
According to the Florida association of Destination Marketing Organizations, tourism in Alachua County provides over $1 billion in economic impact, generates $10.3 million in local sales tax revenue, $4.99 million in bed tax revenue, and supports over 9,200 local jobs. Local taxes from tourism-generated sales help pay for programs important to Alachua County, including infrastructure development, sports events, and arts, culture, and nature based attractions.
Explore all of the cultural and event opportunities available in Alachua County at the newly designed VisitGainesville.com website and follow Visit Gainesville, Alachua County on Facebook Instagram and Twitter.
For more information, contact Tourism Manager Jessica Hurov at 352-374-5260.