As of February 2025, specific data on tourist bookings for South Walton, Florida, is not yet available. However, recent trends and developments provide some insights into the area's tourism landscape.
Recent Trends:
2024 Decline: In 2024, South Walton experienced an 11.8% decrease in visitors compared to 2023, with a corresponding 12.8% drop in direct spending.
visitsouthwalton.com
Statewide Increase: Contrastingly, Florida's overall tourism saw a 1.8% increase during the same period, indicating regional disparities within the state.
flgov.com
Recent Developments:
Certification Program Fees: Effective February 1, 2025, Walton County implemented a Vacation Rental Certification Program, introducing fees for property owners. Individual properties are subject to a $300 annual certification fee, while community properties incur a $227 fee per property.
mywaltonfl.gov
Tourist Development Tax Increase: Beginning October 2023, the Tourist Development Tax rate in Walton County increased from 2% to 3%, potentially influencing accommodation costs and booking decisions.
touristtax.com
Neighboring Area Insights:
While specific 2025 data for South Walton is pending, nearby Fort Walton Beach reported a 72% Airbnb occupancy rate as of January 2025, surpassing the national average.
getchalet.com
Conclusion:
Although 2025 booking data for South Walton is not yet available, the 2024 decline in visitors, coupled with recent policy changes, suggests potential challenges for the current year. Monitoring upcoming reports from the Walton County Tourism Department will provide a clearer picture of 2025 tourist bookings.
Recent Trends:
2024 Decline: In 2024, South Walton experienced an 11.8% decrease in visitors compared to 2023, with a corresponding 12.8% drop in direct spending.
visitsouthwalton.com
Statewide Increase: Contrastingly, Florida's overall tourism saw a 1.8% increase during the same period, indicating regional disparities within the state.
flgov.com
Recent Developments:
Certification Program Fees: Effective February 1, 2025, Walton County implemented a Vacation Rental Certification Program, introducing fees for property owners. Individual properties are subject to a $300 annual certification fee, while community properties incur a $227 fee per property.
mywaltonfl.gov
Tourist Development Tax Increase: Beginning October 2023, the Tourist Development Tax rate in Walton County increased from 2% to 3%, potentially influencing accommodation costs and booking decisions.
touristtax.com
Neighboring Area Insights:
While specific 2025 data for South Walton is pending, nearby Fort Walton Beach reported a 72% Airbnb occupancy rate as of January 2025, surpassing the national average.
getchalet.com
Conclusion:
Although 2025 booking data for South Walton is not yet available, the 2024 decline in visitors, coupled with recent policy changes, suggests potential challenges for the current year. Monitoring upcoming reports from the Walton County Tourism Department will provide a clearer picture of 2025 tourist bookings.
