COMMUNICATIONS
Van Ness Butler Jr. Hospitality Award
We received many deserving nominations for the Van Ness Butler Jr. Hospitality Award. Candidates are judged and awarded for their lifetime body of work, based on their initiative and innovation in achieving organizational success, and for their work with community businesses or organizations to enhance Walton County's local, national or international standing as a travel destination. An announcement of the 2022 winner will be made during an upcoming Tourist Development Council meeting.
This annual hospitality award was established in 2003 by the Walton County Tourism Department to encourage and recognize excellence in hospitality service, travel/tourism marketing, advertising, promotion, and contributions to the local community.
CLICK HERE to see a list of past recipients and learn more about the award.
National Travel and Tourism Week:
The Walton County Tourism Department staff will offer free giveaways and special treats throughout National Travel and Tourism Week to visitors and locals coming into the Visitor Center. We are located at 25777 US Highway 331 South in Santa Rosa Beach. Operating hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.
Tuesday, May 3: Tourism Industry Workshops in the Linkside Ballrooms C & D, located in the Linkside Conference Center across from Sunset Bay Café, 158 Sandestin Boulevard North, Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Miramar Beach. This educational opportunity is offered FREE to all of our Walton County partners and their employees. Each session is limited to the first 100 to RSVP.*
9 - 10 a.m.: Jennifer Edelman and Brooke Bailey, Zehnder Communications
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Scott Russell, Russell & Russell Consulting
*Please RSVP by April 25 to Lisa Foster at Lisa@visitsouthwalton.com or (850) 333-2728 for the May 3 Tourism Industry Workshops.
Wednesday, May 4: Tourism Department-sponsored Walton Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hotel Effie in the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort.
*Please register by April 25 to Gabrielle Kilgore at the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce at Gabrielle@waltonareachamber.com or (850) 892-3191.
For more information about National Travel and Tourism Week, please contact Lisa Foster at Lisa@visitsouthwalton.com or (850) 333-2728.
South Walton in the News:
South Walton was featured in a variety of high-profile publications recently, including Southern Living, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Prevue. Examples of these press mentions can be found below, and a complete list is available HERE.
- Southern Living: The South's Best Beach Towns 2022
- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Spring Travel: 8 Primo Places for A Beach Getaway
- Prevue: Winter Issue: North Florida
Press Release Round-Up:
We've recently shared information about new restaurants, renovations, and other exciting happenings in South Walton as part of our Spring What's New press release, as well as info about upcoming Easter events. These press releases, and others, can be viewed HERE.
New Employee:
The Walton County Tourism Department is pleased to welcome Garrison Davis to the team. Davis will serve as our Content & Public Relations Specialist. He can be reached at (850) 267-1216 or Garrison@visitsouthwalton.com.
What's New in South Walton:
Does your business have a new menu, maybe a new location/offering, or have you recently renovated? We'd love to know "What's New" at your business. Please email Garrison Davis, content & public relations specialist, at Garrison@visitsouthwalton.com.
To view our latest "What's New" press release, CLICK HERE.
Update Your Business Listing:
Are you taking advantage of the free business listings on our website? CLICK HERE to register your business or access our partner portal, where you can review and update your company information. If you are a visitor-facing business in Walton County and don't have a listing, we'd be more than happy to help you create one.
Please contact Amelia Hester, database specialist, at Amelia@visitsouthwalton.com or (850) 267-1216 for assistance.
Events Calendar:
Check out our Events calendar to find out what’s happening in South Walton! If you would like to share your upcoming event, CLICK HERE to submit your information. For more information, contact Industry Relations Specialist Lisa Foster at Lisa@visitsouthwalton.com or (850) 333-2728.
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     Visit South Walton 25777 US Hwy 331 S | Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 VisitSouthWalton.com | (850) 267-1216 |