Tourist Development Tax collection showed a 26.04% increase in South Walton for January 2022 compared with the previous year. Total collections for January 2022 were $1,411,870.84. 

The Tourist Development Tax, or bed tax, is a five percent tax collected on hotels, condos, and other short-term rentals south of Choctawhatchee Bay. It is the best way to gauge visitation and demand trends in South Walton. The revenue supports tourism marketing and beach operations efforts, including cleaning and maintaining beaches, lifeguards, destination improvements, and preservation initiatives. 

Tourist Development Tax collection on short-term rental accommodations north of the Choctawhatchee Bay totaled $16,302.87 for January 2022.

The Tourist Development Tax, or bed tax, is a two percent tax collected on hotels, condos, and other short-term rentals. It is the best way to gauge visitation and demand trends.

• Van Ness Butler Jr. Hospitality Award
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• South Walton in the News
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• Update Your Business Listing
• Events Calendar 

• Beach Access Updates
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• February Website Stats
• Social in South Walton
• Beach Safety Toolkit
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• Group Sales FAM
• Recent and Upcoming Sales Missions
• Visitor Center Updates
• Merchandise Spotlight: Sport-Tek 1/4 Zip Sweatshirts

Building off the momentum from the 2019-2021 strategic planning process, the Walton County Tourism Department has contracted with DMO Proz to once again guide the organization's strategic planning efforts.

As the environment in which the tourism department operates continues to evolve, it needs to continually re-position itself and its programming as it continues to build the visitor economy in an increasingly competitive environment, while balancing the needs, interests, and quality of life concerns within the community.

Want to learn more? CLICK HERE to see the complete timeframe of the strategic planning process. 

We want to hear from you! The Walton County Tourism Department is asking for resident feedback as it navigates its strategic planning process.

Follow the link below to submit your survey ahead of the March 25 deadline.

Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJZVT7H

Director of Beach Operations Brian Kellenberger was recently named as the interim director of the Walton County Tourism Department, given the resignation of Jason Cutshaw. 

The Walton County Board of County Commissioners has already begun laying the groundwork for its search to fill the position, based on input from community stakeholders and the Tourist Advisory Council. 

The safety of Walton County remains at the forefront of our minds. We've created a COVID-19 Travel Updates page on our website to share information about safely traveling to Walton County. This page is updated as new information becomes available.