NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Collections at the Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority increased nearly 20 percent for February compared to 2009 figures.
In fact, SVAA Executive Director Deborah Boyd says February collections hit an all time high compared to any February in the Authority’s history.
"The Authority’s revenues have shown solid gains for the past eight months," Boyd said. "It is the only tourism agency in Florida to show growth at a time when tourism is down around the state."
The Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority which operates the Visitors Center, derives income from transient visitors - those staying in accommodations in New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill and Port Orange under six months. The Authority is bound by statute to use its funding to advertise to bring more tourism to the area. Volusia County collects the special tax, and then redistributes the monies to the Authority and the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.
The Visitors Center is open seven days a week and is located at 2238 State Road 44, New Smyrna Beach. To learn more go on-line to www.nsbfla.com.