Sarasota Launches Fall Tourism Push Focused on Golf & Shopping
SARASOTA, FL – Visit Sarasota County has initiated a new marketing campaign targeting fall travelers, emphasizing the area’s golf courses adn shopping destinations as key attractions during the traditionally slower season.The campaign, running through August 30th, aims to attract visitors as temperatures cool in northern states.
Beyond its renowned beaches, Sarasota County is actively working to diversify its tourism appeal and distribute economic benefits throughout the region. this seasonal strategy is a cornerstone of Visit Sarasota County’s approach,highlighting different facets of the area each quarter.
According to Hunter Carpenter, Director of Community Relations & Partnership at Visit Sarasota County, the campaign is designed to showcase Sarasota as a warm-weather escape. “We wanted to ensure visitors that they could feel at ease in Sarasota County,” Carpenter stated. “As the temperatures up north are getting colder and colder in the fall and early winter, we want visitors to know that Sarasota is that place where the sunshine doesn’t stop shining, and they’ll be able to go outside and tee up for some golf or go shopping in one of our many districts.”
The initiative leverages a broad network of over 500 local business partners, aiming to drive traffic to inland areas and downtown municipalities, not just the coastline. Visit Sarasota County is employing a multi-faceted marketing strategy, including social media engagement, digital advertising, and print media.
Targeted audiences include residents of nearby cities like Atlanta,Tampa Bay,Orlando,Miami,and Naples,and also potential visitors from major northern hubs – Boston,New York,Chicago,Cleveland,and Washington D.C.- all of which offer direct flights into Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
Carpenter anticipates the campaign’s impact will be visible starting in September, with continued benefits throughout the fall months. He emphasized the broader economic benefits of tourism, stating, “when you build a place people want to visit, you also build a place people want to move to, work in and invest in. Tourists’ investments in local businesses trickle down to keeping doors open and people employed, and their stays further contribute to community well-being through investments that the county makes. It’s critically important to remember that tourism does help drive quality of life for our community.”
