Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council
Annual Report FY2025
Executive Director
Emanuel J. Perry
561-233-3130
2195 Southern Blvd., Suite 500 West Palm Beach, FL, 33406 discover pbc gov/touristdevelopment
LEADERSHIP
A R D O F C O U N T Y C O M M I S S I O N
(lefttoright,frontrow)ViceMayorMarciWoodward,MayorSaraBaxter,CommissionerMariaG. Marino,(backrow)CommissionerJoelG.Flores,CommissionerBobbyPowellJr.,Commissioner GreggK.Weiss, andCommissionerMariaSachs
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(fromtoplefttoright)
MayorSaraBaxter(Chair), JimMostad(ViceChair), CommissionerChristinaLambert,ElenaPeroulakis, DanielHostettler,MayorTomCarney,DonaldP Dufresne, Esq.,DavickaNicoleThompson,MabelMelton
CountyAdministrator, JosephAbruzzo
DeputyCountyAdministrator, JonathanB.Brown
TDC STAFF
VannetteYouyoute,FiscalManager
JoanHutchinson,Contracts&Grants
ColtonHearn,Finance PatriciaRamirez,Administration
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Palm Beach County continues to set the standard for sustainable tourism growth, welcoming a record 10.7 million visitors and generating $11.6 billion in economic impact while supporting more than 96,000 jobs across our community. We remain committed to protecting the very assets that make our destination world-class. Through a $10.7 million investment in beach renourishment, we are proactively preserving our public beaches, ensuring they remain accessible, resilient, and pristine for both visitors and residents.
Our destination has solidified its position as a premier hub for culture, sports, and creative production: drawing nearly 4 million attendees to our vibrant arts and cultural offerings, hosting 227 sporting events, and attracting 502 film and television productions to our diverse and visually compelling locations. This momentum is further strengthened by the continued success of our Convention Center, which drives year-round demand through tradeshows and group business, fueling visitation and economic activity across the county.
Together, these achievements underscore the strength, diversity, and continued evolution ofourtourismeconomy.Tourismismorethananindustryhere.It’sadrivingforcethatfuels our economy, shapes our identity, and positions Palm Beach County as a premier destinationontheglobalstage.
Sincerely
Mission: To lead the promotion of tourism in Palm Beach County by empowering collaborative partnerships, advocating appropriate destination defining developments,andensuringthesteadygrowthofvisitors
Vision: Palm Beach County will be a globally recognized destination that all travelers will want to visit and experience because of its culture, lifestyle and amenities
The TDC is tasked with managing contracts and overseeing the operations of these four marketing agencies:
In addition to protecting our 47 miles of coastline, the TDC supports:
• CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches
• Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
• Palm Beach County Convention Center
• Palm Beach County Convention Center Garage
HOW“BED-TAXES”FINANCEPALM BEACHCOUNTY’STOURISMINDUSTRY
Unlike Ad Valorem tax dollars, Tourist Development Taxes (TDT) are established through Florida Statute 125.0104. While the taxes come with a restricted use, they are designed to allow a county to invest in future tourism.
Hotels&othershort-termrentals collectthe6%“Bed-Tax”
While each percentage has statutory requirements, the tax is applied to all stays within the County shorter than six months.
Hotels&othershort-termrentalsremit thosefundstotheTaxCollector’sOffice ofPalmBeachCounty
The Tax Collector’s Office then processes the payments, collects their fee, and turns the money over to the TDC for distribution.
TheTouristDevelopmentCouncilof PalmBeachCountyallocatesthefunds accordingtoCountyOrdinance
See the “Stretching the Pennies” page for a full explanation on how the County Ordinance distributes the Bed-Tax collections
Withcarefuloversight,thefundsare investedinpromotingandpreservingPalm BeachCounty
The TDC’s administrative team ensures that Bed Taxes are spent in accordance to Florida Statute, with the goal of not only creating a destination that attracts visitors, but also enriches the lives of our residents.
ALL RENTALS LESS THAN SHORT-TERM RENTALS INCLUDE HOTELS & HOME SHARING SITES LIKE AIRBNB & VRBO
STRETCHING STRETCHING THEPENNIE$
The first & fourth penny of Bed-Tax collections are used for renewal & replacement of facilities that bring national and international tourism to the County such as: Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, & The PBC Convention Center
Theremainingfourpenniesarecombined andinvestedintoCountyfundedagencies thatpromotePalmBeachCountyasa premiertouristdestinationandprotectour 47milesofpristineFloridacoastline
SPENDING BY INDUSTRY
VISITOR ORIGIN
2.51M
SUNDAY ROUND VIEWERS OF COGNIZANT CLASSIC
3.6M
AVERAGE VIEWERS OF THE 4,000 HOURS OF DELRAY BEACH OPEN
1.1M
PEAK ESPN VIEWERSHIP DURING TIGER WOODS’ TGL DEBUT
50+ COUNTRIES REPRESENTED AT THE WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL 400K+VIEWERS FOR SPRING TRAINING GAMES
VIEWERS PER EPISODE OF GUY FIERI’S DINERS, DRIVE-INS, & DIVES
Artsandcultureplayavitalrolein drivingtourisminPalmBeach County.ThePalmBeachesare hometoexceptionalmuseums, theaters,galleries,andperforming artsvenuesthatoffermust-see exhibitions,experiences,andevents throughouttheyear.It’snosurprise wearerecognizedasFlorida’s CulturalCapital.Eachyear,our culturalsectorattractsan impressive4millionattendees,and researchconsistentlyshowsthat culturalvisitorsstaylongerand spendmore.FY25wasanother outstandingyear,andourcultural sectorprovidedamultitudeof memorableexperiencesforvisitors andresidentsalike.
CulturalactivitythrivesacrossPalm BeachCounty,andtheCultural Councilisdedicatedtopromoting, supporting,andstrengtheningthe artsandculturalorganizationsand creativeprofessionalsthatmakeour communitiessovibrantand welcoming.Wechampioncreative professionalsacrossalldisciplines anddevelopprogramsthatconnect artistsandorganizationswithboth residentsandvisitors.
Eachyear,weproudlyinvestmore than$7millionininnovativegrant programsthatadvancetheworkof ourculturalsectorandhelpattract evenmorevisitors.Through initiativeslikeourBrightIdeas SponsorshipandMOSAIC(Monthof Shows,Art,Ideas,andCulture),we continuetoharnessthepowerof theartsinnewandimpactfulways. AsvisitationtoThePalmBeaches continuestogrow,weremain committedtocelebratingand elevatingourvibrant,world-class culturalcommunity.
$7,000,000 $335Million $57.2Million
MOSAIC: A TOURISM TREAT FOR LOCALS TOO
PresentedbytheCulturalCouncilforPalmBeachCounty,MOSAIC MonthofShows,Art,Ideas,andCulture isanannualmonth-long celebrationthatshowcasesthevibrantartsandculturallandscapeof PalmBeachCountyeachMay.MOSAICinvitesbothresidentsand visitorstoexperiencemuseums,theaters,galleries,gardens,historical sites,liveperformances,andfamilyattractionsthroughexclusive discounts,specialprogramming,andimmersiveculturalexperiences. Theinitiativehascontinuedtogroweachyear,featuringarecord numberofparticipatingorganizationsandoffersin2025,including discountsofupto50percentanduniqueexperiencesdesignedto makeartsandculturemoreaccessibletoawideraudience.
MOSAIChasbecomeanessentialdriverofculturaltourismforPalm BeachCountyduringatraditionallyslowertourismperiodbetweenthe winterhighseasonandsummertravelmonths.Createdspecificallyto increasevisitationduringthe“shoulderseason,”theprogramhelps stimulatehotelstays,restauranttraffic,andlocalbusinessactivitywhile reinforcingThePalmBeaches’identityas“Florida’sCulturalCapital®” Byencouragingtravelersandlocalsaliketoexplorethecounty’sdiverse culturalinstitutions,MOSAICnotonlysupportsthelocaleconomy,but alsostrengthenscommunityprideandelevatestheregion’sreputation asayear-rounddestinationforarts,ideas,andcreativeexperiences
"Culture is the arts elevated to a set of beliefs " THOMAS WOLFE
OPEN STUDIOS
Get a behind-the-scenes look at art in the making in The Palm Beaches. Meet 125+ artists and experience the spaces where they work Watch the creative process firsthand, find inspiration, and purchase original artworks for your collection.
This unique weekend allows residents and tourists alike to get involved with art at the granular level within our community.
PalmBeachCounty Film&Television Commission
OnbehalfofthePalmBeachCountyFilm& TelevisionCommission(FTC),itisour privilegetosupporttheCountyandits municipalitiesthroughfilm-friendly locationsassistance,marketingresources, andfreeone-stoppermittingfor productionschoosingThePalmBeaches. AsamarketingagencyofthePalmBeach CountyTouristDevelopmentCouncil,the FTChashelpedadvancetheregion’s productionindustryfornearlyfour decades,supportingjobcreation,local vendors,andcontinuedglobalexposurefor thedestinationthroughfilmed entertainment.
InFY25,ourofficetrackedanimpressive $252millioninproductionspend,a2% increasefromlastyear,demonstrating continueddemandforPalmBeach County’sdiverselocations,experienced crewbase,andfilm-readyinfrastructure.
TheFTCsupported614shootsacrossthe Countyandgeneratedmorethan16,000 hotelroomnights,underscoringthe industry’sdirectcontributiontothelocal economy.Notableprojectsincluded ExtraordinaryWorldwithJeffCorwin (CBS),TheRIP(Netflix),MembersOnly (Netflix),HouseHunters(HGTV),and nationalcampaignsforBergdorf Goodman,Google,Adidas,AT&Tandmany, manymore.
Beyondthis,theFTCcontinuestoexpand industryvisibilitythroughThePalm BeachesTV,featuringnearly140hoursof originalprogrammingshowcasingthe locations,businesses,andcreative communitythatmakethisregionfilmfriendlyyear-round.
TheFTCalsoproducesthestate’slargest studentfilmcompetitionandawardshow, ThePalmBeachesStudentShowcaseof Films,helpingcultivatethenextgeneration offilmmakersandproduction professionals.Togetherwithourpartners, weremainfocusedonstrengtheningPalm BeachCounty’spositionasacompetitive, collaborativeproductiondestinationwhere storiescometolife.
CONTENT EVERYWHERE
MrBeastcametoPalmBeachCountyon threeseparateoccasionsduring2025to capturecontentforhisYouTubechannel. PicturedherewithDJKhaled,Mr Beastis thesocialmediawebsite’slargestcreator, withover400millionmonthlysubscribers
Mr BeasthaspreviouslyfilmedwithSerena WilliamsattheDelrayBeachTennisCenter andmostrecentlydoubledthewinner’s prizeforthemostrecentseasonofCBS’hit realityprogram,Survivor.
SBEHIND THE SCENES
ABC’sWildlifeNationwithJeffCorwin broughtitscamerastoPalmBeachCounty foritsExpeditionFloridaseries,spotlighting thevitalseaturtleconservationwork happeningatLoggerheadMarineCenterin JunoBeach
Theepisode,whichshowcasedhowLMC rescues,rehabilitatesandreleases endangeredseaturtlesalongThePalm Beaches’beautifulcoastline,premieredin May
30thAnnualStudentShowcaseofFilms
TheStudentShowcaseofFilms(SSOF)isthecornerstoneofthePalmBeach CountyFilm&TelevisionCommission’seducationoutreach,recognizing Florida’semergingfilmmakerssince1995.Thisyear’sprogramreceivedan impressive617submissionsrepresenting85schoolsacrossthestate.A distinguishedpanelof54internationaljudgesincludedproducer/director WesBall(KingdomofthePlanetoftheApes,TheMazeRunnertrilogy),and theprogramproudlyhonoredformerPalmBeachCountyAdministrator VerdeniaBakerwiththeLegacyAwardinrecognitionofher37yearsof dedicatedleadership.
SSOFispresentedthroughapartnershipbetweenthePalmBeachCounty BoardofCountyCommissioners,thePalmBeachCountyDepartmentof Housing&EconomicDevelopment,thePalmBeachCountyFilm& TelevisionCommission,andtheMaltzJupiterTheatre.Withthesupportof valuedsponsors,theprogramhasawardedmorethan$45millionin scholarships,cashprizes,equipment,andin-kindservicesthroughoutits history,helpingcultivatethenextgenerationofcreativeprofessionals
PalmBeachCounty SportsCommission
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission continues to demonstrate why The Palm Beaches is ranked as a Top 5 Sports Destination, per the Sports Business Journal, for hosting and attracting sporting events. This recognition underscores our Sports Commission’s leadership in the sports travel and event industry and its consistent success in producing high-quality, impactful events. This past year, the Sports Commission’s robust portfolio of 227 events, representing over 40 different sports, significantly boosted the local economy and enriched the lives of residents. The Sports Commission’s efforts spurred 462,910 room nights, contributing $147 million in hotel revenue and $9 million in bed tax for Palm Beach County’s lodging industry. Additionally, visitor spending tied to these events generated a projected $498 million to the county’s tourism economy, underscoring the powerful economic and community benefits of our sports development plan There is no doubt that the Palm Beach County Sports Commission played a critical role in Florida achieving a #1 ranking for economic impact generated by sports tourism and a #3 ranking for economic impact from spectator sports, as recognized in the Sports ETA State of the Industry Report.
This record-setting year in sports tourism reflects Palm Beach County’s collaborative sports community, a diverse and dynamic collection of venues, the nation’s premier parks and recreation system, a dedicated hospitality industry, and visionary county leadership. This recognition also symbolizes the unwavering commitment of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission and the many valued partners across our community who work tirelessly to elevate The Palm Beaches as a premier destination for sports tourism.
Home to an unrivaled collection of sports venues, Palm Beach County is home to the PGA TOUR, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, the Winter Equestrian Festival, Olympic Qualifiers, NCAA Championships, a strong collection of global events, the nation’s largest amateur sports tournaments, and an unprecedented catalogue of youth sports events
The2024BocaRatonBowlcontinued toshowcasePalmBeachCountyasa premiersportstourismdestination, bringingnationaltelevisionexposure, out-of-marketvisitors,hotelstays,and consumerspendingtotheregion duringthecriticalwintertravel season HostedatFAUStadium,the annualbowlgamegenerates significanteconomicactivityforlocal hotels,restaurants,transportation providers,andhospitalitybusinesses whilereinforcingBocaRatonandThe PalmBeachesasadestination capableofhostingmajorsporting events
ThePalmBeachCountySports Commissionhasbeeninstrumentalin leveragingsportsasaneconomic developmentandtourismtool, workingtorecruitandsupportevents thatmaximizehoteloccupancy, visitorspending,andinternational exposureforthecounty.Thesuccess ofeventsliketheBocaRatonBowl furtherstrengthensPalmBeach County’sreputationasoneofthe nation’sleadingsportstourism destinations,evenwithoutamajor professionalsportsfranchise.
DiscoverThe PalmBeaches
InFY25,DiscoverThePalmBeaches deliveredexceptionalsales&marketing performance,elevatingthedestination’s globalpositioningthroughhighlytargeted, data-drivencampaigns.Strategicbrand initiatives,includingThePalmBeaches Collectioncampaignandkeypartnerships likeMICHELINGuide,reinforcedthe culinary,culture,sports,outdoorsand wellnesspillars.Sustainabilityand accessibilitycampaignsfurther strengthenedbranddifferentiationand year-rounddemand.
Destinationtechnologyandbusiness intelligencereachedanewlevelof sophistication,anchoredbyDestination DemandandacomprehensiveMarTech transformation.Newforecastingmodels, marketingmixmodeling,andweekly demandmonitoringempowered proactivedecision-making,reinforcingThe PalmBeaches’toprankinginrevenueand demandwithinSouthFlorida.
Saleseffortssecured306,000+grouproom nightsandmorethan$100millionin visitorspending.Strategicmeetingsand conventionsinitiatives,includingthe successfullaunchofEudemonia,boosted visitationandrevenue,whileleisuresales programsincreasedaveragelengthofstay acrossdomesticandinternationalmarkets. Enhancedtradepartnerships,targeted promotions,andstrongpartner collaborationensuredbooking momentumandoptimizedoccupancy duringneedperiods.
Communityengagementprogramssuch astheHospitality&TourismJobFairand CertifiedTourismAmbassadortraining strengthenedcommunitysupportandthe localtourismpipeline Internally, investmentsinstaffdevelopment,AI trainingandoperationalefficiencies improvedorganizationalperformance, whilestrategicadvocacyeffortshelped securecontinuedtourismfunding, ensuringthelong-termsustainabilityand impactofthedestination’stourism economy.
400+
1.6Million 306,000
EXPANDING FOOD SCENE
TheMichelinGuideofficiallycameto PalmBeachCountyinApril2025, markingthefirsttimethecounty's restaurantswereevaluated Ninelocal restaurantswereevaluatedforthe covetedawards.
TwoWestPalmBeacheateriesreceivedtheBibGourmanddistinction,awardedto restaurantsofferinghigh-qualityfoodatreasonableprices:includingAioli,abeloved neighborhoodspotknownforfresh,seasonalAmericanfare,andPalmBeachMeats, Florida’sonlyall-Wagyubutchershop.
Michelindesignatesrestaurantswithsixdistinctionsrangingfromonetothreestars(the highestachievement),BibGourmand,Greenstarsforeco-friendlyspots,andfinally “selected”recommendationsthatcomprisethebulkoflistingsinmostcities.Restaurants mayalsobesingledoutforspecialhonorsincludingservice,cocktail,andwineprograms
SeatoPreserve
SeatoPreservehighlightsThePalmBeaches’commitmenttosustainabilityandresponsibletourism,positioning thedestinationasaleaderinprotectingitsnaturalassets.Designedtoengagebothresidentsandvisitorsas protectorsofplace,thecampaigntargetednatureandoutdoorenthusiastsacrossSouthFloridatoencourage responsibleexplorationwhileshowcasingthedestination’snaturalassets,eco-friendlyattractions,and conservationpartnerssuchasManateeLagoon.
Builtontheinsightthatlong-termdestinationhealthdependsonbothvisitorbehaviorandcommunity engagement,thecampaignshiftedfocusfromdrivingdemandtoshapingit promotinglesser-knownparks, wildlifehabitats,andoutdoorexperiencestohelpmitigateovertourismwhilestrengtheningappreciationforthe destination’snaturalenvironment
Afullyintegrated,multi-channelstrategy includingTV,digitalout-of-home,streamingvideo,paidsocial,radio, print,andprogrammaticdisplay drovestrongregionalreachandengagement.Thecampaignexceeded expectations,generatingmorethan25millionimpressionswithover100,000visitstothecampaignlanding page
Morethanamarketinginitiative,SeatoPreservestrengthenedbrandperceptionbypositioningThePalm Beachesasasustainability-mindeddestinationrootedinpurposeandauthenticity.Byaligningenvironmental protectionwithtourismpromotion,thecampaignbuildslong-termbrandequitywhilesafeguardingthenatural assetsthatdrivethedestination’scontinuedeconomicvitality.
Environmental Resources Management
FY25sawanotherrecord-breakingyear oftourisminThePalmBeaches,and thatmeansanotheryearofmilestones forecotourismaswellasanincreased focusonhowournaturalresources groundeveryothertourismmetric. Whenwelookbackovertheyearby thenumbers,itisalwaysimportantto rememberwhyThePalmBeaches becamethenation’s“FirstResort Destination”…itwasbecauseofthe beaches,theEverglades,thebluewater, thereefs,andtheriversandestuaries. Dependingonthestudycited,between 80-98%ofvisitorscometoFlorida becauseofsomeaspectof nature/ecotourism.
PalmBeachCountyworkstirelesslyto ensurethatour47milesofbeachesand coastaldunesweremaintainedand restorednotonlytoservevisitorsand residents,butalsothemorethan2 millionseaturtlehatchlingsthatbegin theirlifealongourcoastline.InLake WorthLagoonandtheLoxahatchee River,restorationofmangrove,seagrass andoysterreefshavecontinuedto restorehabitatandwaterqualityfor manateesanddensestpopulationof juvenilegreenseaturtlesontheeast coast.Inour32,000acresofPBC NaturalAreas,restorationhasdriven recoveryoftheendangeredEverglades snailkiteandbroughtinover517,000 visitorstothesewildspacesin2025, representinga53%increasein visitationover2019.
ThefutureoftourisminThePalm Beachesisbright,andwillcontinueto beevenbrighterwitheachdollarwe collectivelyinvestinpreservingand restoringthenaturalresourcesthat groundourvisitorsdecisionstotravel hereeachyear.
Seaturtleprotectionisoneofthepillarsof EnvironmentalResourcesManagement
47+
1.3Million 32,000
DeborahDrum, Director,EnvironmentalResources
ProtectingPalmBeachCounty’sPrized Beaches
EnvironmentalprotectionsofthebeachesinPalmBeachCountyareessentialtosustainingboththeregion’s naturalresourcesanditstourism-driveneconomy.Asadestinationwhere“welivewhereothersvacation,”the county’sshorelineisoneofitsmostvaluableassets,drawingmillionsofvisitorseachyearforitscleansand, clearwater,andvibrantcoastalecosystems Effortssuchasdunerestoration,seaturtlehabitatprotection, waterqualitymonitoring,andbeachrenourishmentnotonlypreservetheecologicalintegrityofthecoastline butalsomaintainthehigh-qualityvisitorexperiencethatfuelslocalbusinesses,supportsjobs,andgenerates significanteconomicimpact.
FormoreinformationabouttheworkDeborahDrumandherteamatEnvironmentalResourcesManagement do,pleasefeelfreetovisittheirwebsiteat:https://discover.pbc.gov/erm
ThePalmBeach CountyConvention Center
ThePalmBeachCountyConventionCenter hadanotheramazingyear,postingits strongestfinancialperformanceinits22year historyandcontinuingitsreputationasone ofthetopconventioncentersinthecountry. Achievingalltimehighsincriticalareassuch astoplinesalesandoperatingprofit,the OVGVenueManagementandOVG Hospitalityteamswerealsoabletocontinue thepositivetrendofoperatingthePBCCCat asurplus,whichisamajorbenefittoPalm BeachCounty.
FY25startedoffwithabangasthePBCCC teamhostedtheelectionnightviewingparty andacceptancespeechforthePresidentof theUnitedStatesDonaldTrump,and continuedtheyearlongrunwithan incrediblemixofhighimpactgroup conferencebusinessandannualregional andlocaleventswhomanynowcallthe PalmBeachCountyConventionCentertheir permanenthome.
DaveAnderson, GeneralManager (Operations)
Generated Operatingincome EventAttendees
$8.6Million
168,547
Thefacilityoperationsteamhadanother successfulyearcompletingnumerouslarge scalecapitalimprovementprojectsin collaborationwiththePalmBeachCounty FacilitiesDepartmenttoassureapeak operatingefficiencyonallPBCCC infrastructure. Thehospitalityteam welcomedournewExecutiveChefGioArias, toleadtheculinaryteamandtodebutanallnew,elevatedcateringmenuthatreflects theevolvingtastesofourclientsandthe localcommunity. Theoneteam commitmentfromeachdepartmentatthe PBCCCisamajorreasonforourcontinued successandgreatclientfeedback.
TheOVGPBCCCteamalsocontinuedits commitmenttothelocalcommunityby participatinginnumerouslocalinitiatives suchasfood,clothingandblooddrives,meal donations,Adopt-a-Family,QuantumHouse, studentcareerdaysandPieitForward. AndinpartnershipwithDiscoverThePalm Beaches,thehospitalityteamlaunchedthe inauguralRisingChefsChallenge, showcasingandsupportingthenext generationofculinarytalentfromPalm BeachCountyhighschools.
Squareft.of ExhibitSpace
150,000
KathyGriffin GeneralManager (Food&Beverage)
THRIVING EVENT SPACE
ThePalmBeachCountyConvention Centerremainedacornerstoneofthe county’stourismeconomyinFY25, servingasacentralhubformeetings, conventions,tradeshows,andlarge-scale communityevents Strategicallylocated indowntownWestPalmBeach,the facilityplaysavitalroleindrivingyearroundvisitationbyattractingadiverse mixofbusinessandleisuretravelers.Its consistentcalendarofhigh-profileevents generatessignificanthoteloccupancy, supportslocalrestaurantsandretailers, andreinforcesPalmBeachCounty’s reputationasapremierdestinationfor bothcorporateandassociation gatherings.
CHEFGIOVANNIARIAS
With a culinary journey that began in Puerto Rico at a young age, Chef Giovanni moved to Miami to pursue his passion and refined his skills at Johnson & Wales University He went on to build an impressive career in some of Miami’s top hospitality kitchens, including Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa and Turnberry Isle Resort, where he gained extensive experience in both wellness-focused cuisine and large-scale event dining.
Now leading our culinary program with OVG Hospitality, Chef Giovanni combines creativity, precision, and passion in every dish. From elegant plated dinners to high-energy conventions, he specializes in crafting customized menus that bring each client’s vision to life.
Palm Beach County’s tourism master plan is still actively in development, but has moved past the conceptual phase and is now entering the recommendation and feasibility stage.
The initiative officially called the “Love The Palm Beaches Tourism Master Plan” was launched in late 2024 by the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council along with partners including Discover The Palm Beaches, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, and the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission. The county hired consulting firm CSL to create a 20-year roadmap focused on balancing tourism growth with resident quality of life
In March 2026, consultants presented commissioners with roughly 50 recommendations and 10 major “big ideas” intended to shape the county’s tourism future
The Tourist Development Council is currently in the process of following Board direction and beginning the feasibility analysis portions of the Tourism Master Plan’s 10 major “big ideas.”
As part of the Palm Beach County Tourism Master Plan process, CSL International conducted a comprehensive survey of over 1,700 full-time and part-time residents to assess their perspectives on the county's tourism-related assets, challenges, and future development opportunities. The findings offer valuable insights into how those who live in or seasonally occupy Palm Beach County perceive tourism’s impact on quality of life, infrastructure, and the county’s identity as a place to live, work, and visit.
This phase establishes the institutional and operational foundation needed to implement the Tourism Master Plan effectively Palm Beach County focuses on governance alignment, cross-agency coordination, workforce readiness, and shared performance metrics By formalizing structures, unifying branding, and strengthening data systems, the County creates a cohesive tourism framework that builds confidence, delivers early wins, and supports future, more complex initiatives
PHASE II: PROGRAMMATIC SCALE & EARLY ACTIVATION (YEARS 3–4)
Withcoresystemsinplace,PhaseIIshiftstowardvisible, visitor-facing improvements. The County activates new experiences, expands cultural and community tourism, and enhances wayfinding and visitor services Emphasis is placed on geographic balance, off-season visitation, and inclusive programming. These early actions demonstrate progress, refine best practices, and build momentum while ensuring tourism growth aligns with communityvaluesandenvironmentalpriorities
PHASE III: DESTINATION DIFFERENTIATION & CATALYTIC INVESTMENT (YEARS 5–7)
This transformational phase advances major investments and signature experiences that elevate Palm Beach County’s national and international profile Focus areas include cultural, sports, wellness, culinary, and convention assets, supported by public-private partnerships Innovation, design excellence, and datadriven management enhance competitiveness, positioning the County as a high-value, differentiated destination with a resilient and diversified tourism economy
PHASEIV:MATURITY , RESILIENCE&GLOBAL READINESS(YEARS8–10+)
The final phase ensures long-term adaptability and sustained success. Palm Beach County prioritizes climate resilience, global market readiness, and continuousimprovementwhileprotectingqualityoflife With strong systems and partnerships established, the County refines policies and responds to emerging trends.Thisphasepositionsthedestinationasanational model for community-focused tourism and prepares it forthenextgenerationofgrowth
Running parallel to Palm Beach County’s coast lies 47 miles of natural coral reef formations. These formations were created thousands of years ago and are part of Florida’s Coral Reef that stretches 360 miles fromtheSt.LucieInlettotheDryTortugas.
Palm Beach County reefs are part of the largest coral reef ecosystem in the continentalUnitedStates!
In1991and1999,votersapprovedatotalof$250 millioninbondfundsforthepurchaseoflands for conservation purposes. ERM manages more than 31,000 acres of these conservation lands that are the County’s last wild places open sunrise to sunset and are free for all to enjoy passive, nature-based activities such as hiking, birdwatching,andenvironmentaleducation.
Enjoy a unique experience of hiking, biking, or horseback riding on 4 long distance multi-use trails that connect to 10 individual publicly owned lands. The entire area includes over 160,000 acres of preserved lands including natural areas, parks, & wildlife management areas.
Historically, lightning sparked wildfires in Palm Beach County's forests periodically, every 3 - 5 years in pine flatwoods and every 10 years in scrub habitats. Fire became a normal occurrence and life in the forests adapted and became dependent on it for survival. Fire is nature's way of keeping things in check by removing thick underbrush so that sunlight reaches the forest floor to allow for greater biodiversity This creates new growth by generating heat-- which causes manytreesandplantstogerminate,recycling nutrients and minerals back into the forest soils.
PalmTranbusesareaconvenientandbudget-friendlywayto exploretheentirecounty,withextensiveroutesandaccessible servicethatmakeiteasytogetwhereyouneedtogo—whether you'recommutingorsightseeing.
Tri-Railprovidesareliableandaffordablecommuterrailoption withscenicviewsalongtheway,connectingyoutomajorhubs inSouthFloridaandhelpingyouavoidtrafficwhilereducing yourcarbonfootprint.
FlyinginandoutofPalmBeachInternationalAirport(PBI)isa breezethankstoitsefficientlayout,friendlystaff,andshort securitylines—plus,it’sjustminutesfromdowntownWestPalm Beachandsomeofthearea’stopattractions.
TravelinstyleandcomfortwithBrightline’shigh-speedrail service,offeringafast,modern,andeco-friendlywaytoconnect PalmBeachCountywithMiami,FortLauderdale,andOrlando— allwhileenjoyingspaciousseatingandcomplimentaryWi-Fi.
Enjoyafunandsustainableridewithlocalelectricshuttles, whichofferfreeorlow-costtransportationaroundourpopular districts,makingiteasytoshop,dine,andexplorewithout needingacar.
PEAKING PEAKING AHEAD AHEAD PEAKING AHEAD
NORA DISTRICT JOINS THE SCENE
The NORA District will transform West Palm Beach into a vibrant, walkable destination with dining, retail, and entertainment, enhancing Palm Beach County’s tourism appeal By attracting new visitors and encouraging longer stays, the development is expected to boost local spending and further position the county as a dynamic, year-round destination
MISS AMERICA COMES MAKES HER NEW HOME IN PALM BEACH COUNTY
The arrival of the Miss America competition in West Palm Beach brings a nationally recognized event that will attract visitors, generate economic impact, and elevate Palm Beach County’s profile
As its new home, the competition strengthens the area’s reputation as a premier destination for major events and tourism
RISING CHEFS AT THE PALM BEACH COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
The Rising Chef competition at the Palm Beach County Convention Center presented a unique opportunity for students to participate in a “Chopped” theme cooking competition. With $1,000 in prizes given away to the winning school’s culinary program, Convention Center staff give back to the community in a unique way that challenges the students to think outside of the box (and in the kitchen!)
PEPSI’S NATIONAL
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
The Pepsi National Battle of the Bands in Boca Raton brings a nationally recognized celebration of HBCU culture, music, and tradition to Palm Beach County, attracting visitors from across the country during MLK Weekend The event enhances tourism, generates economic activity for local businesses, and further positions Boca Raton as a destination for major cultural and entertainment events
