County Stimulus Funds Earmark the Arts and Fuel Innovative Tourism Marketing Campaigns

Among the campaigns to attract Palm Beach County visitors is Culture Key, a new 2-for-1 ticket promotion

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla., June 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a $3 million stimulus package that Tourism Development Council (TDC) agencies will use to help attract tourists and raise the short-term bed tax receipts.

In an innovative step to help fuel the tourism industry, the board of county commissioners approved using the funds from a bed-tax reserve account. Of the $3 million, $2 million will go to the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and $1 million will be divided among four TDC agencies: the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, Sports Commission, Environmental Resource Management and Film and Television Commission.

“With these funds, the Board of County Commissioners and TDC agencies are taking bold steps to combat the decrease in tourism,” says Rena Blades, Cultural Council President and CEO. “This is an unprecedented collaboration that will spur the local economy and provide visitors with great values.”

The Cultural Council and CVB will use the funds for campaigns that highlight the county’s year-long centennial celebration. Visitors can “Unlock 100 Years of Culture,” with Culture Key, a special 2-for-1 discount on tickets to more than 30 cultural attractions ranging from museums to the performing arts. Please visit www.palmbeachculture.com/ck for a complete list of participating art and cultural organizations.

“Deals of the Century” are offered through the CVB’s 1909 Founder’s Day Package, which provides hotel rooms for $19.09 after a minimum stay of two – four nights, depending on the property. Other discounts are also available through the promotion; please visit www.palmbeachfl.com for more information.

The Cultural Council will receive $473,500 of the stimulus funds for out-of-county marketing. The council will use 20% of the funds for co-op advertising in publications, websites and electronic media. The remaining funds will be granted to approximately 35 major and mid-size cultural organizations for their out-of-county marketing endeavors.

“These promotions provide a great opportunity for visitors to experience exceptional values while enjoying one of the finest vacation destinations in the world,” Blades adds. “Thanks to the TDC agencies’ collective efforts and the Board of County Commissioners’ support, many more potential visitors will hear about great vacation values throughout Palm Beach County and the wonderful Culture to enjoy while here.”

SOURCE Palm Beach County Cultural Council