National Tourism Week provides an opportunity to celebrate tourism's vital role in our community. Everyone in Panama City Beach benefits from tourism's economic, cultural and social contributions, including consumers, school children, retirees and business people.

Tourism is undoubtedly the largest industry in our community. Last year alone, more than 4.1 million leisure visitors traveled to Panama City Beach, contributing $1.5 billion to the local economy. This revenue drives the growth and development of Panama City Beach as one of Florida's premier destinations. The money goes into our schools, transportation, construction, recreation services and community programs. It enhances the destination's offerings, as well, to entice even more visitors. Additionally, Panama City Beach tourism provides jobs for more than 14,000 people. The cyclical nature of tourism benefits us all, generating funding to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

This past year has witnessed many developments that contribute to the vitality of our community. National Tourism Week is an ideal time to recognize our industry partners for their achievements and contributions in making our town a major destination.

In March, The Beach Lovers Beach completed its massive, yearlong beach renourishment project. The U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers project extended 16.6 miles of our coastline by 30 feet on average and restored the elevation to its pre-1999 level. The restoration provides critical storm protection and beautifies our coastline. Panama City Beach is known for having the world's whitest beaches. This tourist season, residents and visitors alike will see the most spectacular product we've had in years.

It's no surprise our beaches enjoy national acclaim. In February, Panama City Beach was honored to be recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as one of America's Most Beautiful Beaches.

Ten new properties opened last year, and this year will see the debut of 13 more for a total number of available rooms topping 24,000. By year-end 2007, room inventory is expected to hit an all-time high of 33,000. Travelers here find a wealth of accommodation options for all budgets, from campgrounds and charming beachside cottages to new resorts, condominiums, townhouses, villas and more.

Getting around is easier now too, thanks to improved transportation as part of our transformation. Hathaway Bridge's $86-million renovation will be completed this summer. Increased airlift and newly renovated, four-lane highways add to the ease of getting to and from Panama City Beach.

Exciting attractions will make their debut. Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Odditorium and Ripley's Moving Theatre will open this summer on Thomas Drive. It promises to be one of Panama City Beach's coolest, weirdest and most unusual attractions yet.

Pier Park will add still more to our offerings. This family-friendly retail destination will offer 900,000 square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment. Target and a 16-theater movie complex will be completed the end of this year. The entire Pier Park project is scheduled for completion in 2007.

Along with our year-round offerings, world-class events also play a huge role in our standing as a top destination. So many events take place here it is impossible to describe them all in this space. Just to name a few annual highlights, the Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show and Music Festival attracts exhibitors from around the country. Our Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament holds the state record for a 1,046-pound blue marlin caught in the waters off our glorious beach. Indian Summer Festival -- one of the largest festivals in the Southeast has made our town famous for sensational seafood and entertainment. And let's not forget the Florida Ironman Triathlon; 1,800 - 2,000 athletes from more than 45 counties worldwide come here each year to compete in this first-class sporting event.

This is a historic time for Panama City Beach, and much of our progress is due to the contributions of our friends and colleagues in the community. As we celebrate National Tourism Week, there is no better time to thank our residents, tourism partners and visitors who continue to drive the development of Panama City Beach as one of America's Best Beaches.

Bob Warren,
President and CEO
Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau