Although Navarre Beach isn’t officially a municipality, Southern Living magazine has named it one of the South’s Best “Tiny Towns.” And the recognition comes at a time when county tourism revenues are soaring.
Southern Living’s November 2017 issue and website feature an un-ranked list of 19 locations. The listing for Navarre Beach also mentions nearby Gulf Islands National Seashore along with local accommodations and restaurants.
“We were very fortunate to be given the title of ‘The Souths Best Tiny Towns’ for the State of Florida in the Nov 2017 issue of Southern Living magazine. It shows we are being recognized as a growing destination that is still being discovered by many with our pristine beaches and small town atmosphere,” said Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Director Julie Morgan.
According to Morgan, her office also received a Silver 2017 Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Adrian Award for the “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place” campaign.
“The Adrian’s are widely regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of travel, hospitality and entertainment marketing. The awards showcase the best in creativity from the who’s-who of worldwide travel and hospitality brands by the top global advertising and PR agencies. Our Advertising Agency Paradise Advertising will accept the award on our behalf in NYC in February 2018 at the ceremony,” she said, adding, “We have a wonderful PR Team at Paradise Advertising that pitches our story to travel writers and media this is how the (Southern Living) article came about.”
Additionally, during Monday’s County Commission committee meeting, Morgan told the board the TDO has “come a long way” since bringing county tourism efforts in house three years ago.
County Commissioner Rob Williamson said tourist tax revenues have grown to $2.8 million. “All the credit goes to Julie and her team,” he said.
Commissioner Chairman Bob Cole also praised staff for a “great job,” expressing optimism the tourism industry in Navarre will continue to grow.
