Tourism Sustainability Master Plan

The primary aim of this Tourism Master Plan is to create recommendations, strategies, and implementation plans that will enhance Flagler County's tourism sector. This initiative seeks to unlock its maximum economic potential as a catalyst for quality-of-life improvements throughout the county, benefiting both the local community and visitors, while also fostering the economic growth of relevant business partners.

Tourism is a crucial, significant and vital industry for Flagler County that provides monumental economic impact to the region while employing a substantial amount of its residents and generating increased tax revenues. Therefore, it is the intent of this “RFP” to seek proposals from qualified consultants or firms with demonstrated experience in tourism planning, destination sustainability, and community engagement to develop a comprehensive Tourism Sustainability Master Plan. The plan will serve as a strategic framework for guiding the county's tourism development, infrastructure investments, environmental stewardship, and visitor management over the next 10-15 years. The Tourism Sustainability Master Plan will be achievable with the development of more precise and shorter termed strategic plans.

Flagler County, located along Florida’s northeast Atlantic coast, is known for its natural beauty, quiet beaches, intracoastal waterways, outdoor recreation, and charming coastal communities. Tourism plays a vital role in the local economy, supporting jobs, small businesses, and generating significant tax revenue. Visitors are drawn to the area’s unique blend of unspoiled coastline, eco-tourism opportunities, cultural attractions, and a laid-back lifestyle. As the destination continues to grow, Flagler County recognizes the importance of developing a long-term Tourism Sustainability Master Plan that balances economic benefit with environmental protection and quality of life for residents. Having successfully achieved the objectives outlined in our latest strategic plan, Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches is poised to redefine our destination as more than just a beach getaway. While we preserve our current attractions and beaches, we are also evolving into an eco-tourism hub, offering diverse opportunities to explore Florida's rich fauna and flora within our unique ecosystems. To further support our commitment, the future of Flagler County Tourism envisions the establishment and management of a Regional Visitor Eco-Discovery Center (EDC). The goal of the center is to plan, develop, interpret, manage, and operate a cutting-edge destination for both visitors and residents. This center will be equipped with appropriate facilities, amenities, services, and programs designed to cater to the needs of its guests and the local community while also bolstering local businesses. By creating a variety of diverse revenue streams, the center will ensure its sustainability and longevity, ultimately enhancing the quality of life and attracting new businesses and investments to the area.