Michael Corrigan, CEO of Visit Jacksonville, Targets Potential Tourists And Visitors To Northeast Florida

To attract tourists to Jacksonville, the city advertises to communities within a 4 hour drive of Jacksonville and to communities that have direct air flights to the city, Michael Corrigan, president and CEO of Visit Jacksonville reported to the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville. The newly selected head of Visit Jacksonville explained that his agency has 3 major functions: to run visitors’ centers; recruit conventions and events to the city; and to market the city as a tourist destination. Funding for all of this is paid for, not by Jacksonville residents, but by a 6% bed tax charged by hotels and motels in Duval County. He reported that the advertising campaign “Jacksonville - It’s easier here” has come under heavy criticism but appears to be working. He will continue the campaign until it no longer pulls inquiries. His biggest challenge is drawing people to the visitors’ centers because people use mobile devices to learn about the city. He is working on an interactive presentation, an app and relocation of the downtown center to make the center more attractive. Corrigan is pictured on the right with Club President Bill Langley.