Development is underway for a state-of-the-art airport, slated to debut early in 2010. The Panama City – Bay County International Airport is expected to be the first to open in the U.S. since Sept. 11, 2001. It will provide travelers with better service and more competitive fares from major domestic markets and abroad.

Located on Panama City Beach’s expansive West Bay, the eco-friendly terminal will highlight the destination’s natural beauty. A 40,000-acre nature preserve will be created in conjunction with the airport. Called the West Bay Preservation Area, the refuge will offer the largest expanse of undeveloped coastline in Florida. It will provide permanent protection for the areas around bay, including 33 miles of shoreline and 44 miles of tributaries and creeks. In addition to preserving water quality and biodiversity, the sanctuary will feature large expanses for hiking, fishing and bird watching.

For shopping and dining enthusiasts, Pier Park completed its second phase of construction in 2008. Located in the heart of town across from the City Pier, this open-air complex spans nearly one million square feet, making it Northwest Florida’s largest shopping/dining/ entertainment venue. Pier Park houses a mix of popular national chains and favorite local boutiques and eateries. Included in the lineup are: Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Dillard’s, Old Navy, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Candymaker Candy Stores, The Back Porch restaurant and Hofbrau Beer Garden. Visitors enjoy a park-like setting and spectacular Gulf views.

Choices abound in accommodations too, the destination continues to increase its offering of upscale beachfront resorts and condominiums. Room inventory climbed to 21,200 in 2008. Options range from cozy beach cottages to luxury condominiums overlooking the Gulf.

Families find affordable fun in the sun year-round – from marine attractions, water parks, zoos and pirate cruises to boating, fishing, snorkeling, diving and parasailing.

Popular family attractions include GulfWorld Marine Park, where families learn about preservation and enjoy up-close-and personal encounters with dolphins, sea lions, reptiles, tropical birds and more. At Shipwreck Island Waterpark, a speedy, new online ticketing service gives guests more time for thrills and spills at one of Florida’s largest water theme parks. For more action and adventure, visitors cruise Gulf waters aboard the Sea Dragon, an authentic 85-foot pirate ship, with cannons blasting and pirates hanging from the rigging. There is also ZooWorld Zoological & Botanical Park, home to more than 250 animals, including rare and endangered species. Other attractions include Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, housing fascinating finds from around the world. Additionally, Coconut Creek Family Fun Park offers miniature golf and one of the country’s largest human mazes.

Visitors who venture beyond the sand and surf find there’s always something fun going on in Panama City Beach, including: music and food festivals, arts and crafts fairs, world-class sporting events, car shows, motorcycle rallies, holiday fests and more. The Seafood, Wine and Music Festival serves up fresh seafood, local wines, concerts by nationally acclaimed artists, and family activities. Emerald Coast Cruizin’ classic car and hot rod show features thousands of cars, live music, vendor expos, swap meets and more. New events for 2009 include the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in April, one of the nation’s largest jazz celebrations, and the Grand Lagoon National Saltwater Fishing Tournament, boasting eight competitive divisions spanning four marinas and a $1 million purse.

For golfers, Panama City Beach offers pristine greens, reasonable fees and plenty of choices for all skill levels. With five championship golf courses – including the only Nicklaus-design course in Northwest Florida -- the destination has been recognized by Golf Digest magazine as one of America’s top three golf towns.