Walton County Tourist Development Council and Committee Applications

 

The mission of the Walton County Tourism Department is to direct and manage activities that will strengthen the position of Walton County in the tourism marketplace, while also increasing the tourism economy of Walton County. The tourism department will manage and maintain our beaches as a primary attraction and serve as a responsible industry organization to take a leadership role in addressing issues that affect tourism and the quality of life in Walton County. In an effort to increase community involvement, the following volunteer advisory committees were established. These committees will assist with tourist development and creative initiatives. 

 


TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

It is with the help of community-minded people that the Walton County Tourism Department has been successful in its role as the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) of Walton County.

 

Tourist Development Council members must act with the best interest of tourism success in Walton County and uphold the direction of the statute as his/her sole charge. This includes oversight of expenditures to ensure they are in line with the statute.

 

The TDC shall continuously review expenditures of revenues from the tourist development trust fund and shall receive, at least quarterly, expenditure reports from the Walton County Board of County Commissioners or its designee. Expenditures which the TDC believes to be unauthorized shall be reported to the BCC and the Department of Revenue. The BCC and the tourism department shall review the findings of the council and take appropriate administrative or judicial action to ensure compliance with this section.

 

TDC Guidelines: www.waltoncountyfltourism.com/userfiles/TDC_Guidelines_2024.pdf

TDC Member Code of Conduct: www.waltoncountyfltourism.com/userfiles/TDC_Member_Code_of_Conduct_2024.pdf

 

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

The Marketing and Communications Advisory Committee will provide expertise and feedback to assist marketing and communications strategies and implementation. The goal of the committee is to ensure that all efforts support the local tourism economy and strengthen the Walton County Tourism brand.

 

DESTINATION IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE

The Destination Improvements Advisory Committee will support efforts and provide feedback in the areas of capital improvement projects, visitor center renovation, South Walton signage, public parks and paths. The goal of the committee is to ensure that South Walton beaches and beach-associated amenities meet a uniform, high-quality standard. The committee will also provide input in selecting beach improvement projects. 

 

TDC ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS' CODE OF CONDUCT

  1. Committee members shall not take any action that would undermine the actions of the TDC if such action has been approved by the TDC and the Walton County BCC. Regardless of their personal viewpoint, committee members shall not speak against, or in any way undermine TDC solidarity once a vote has been made.
  2. Committee members are expected to attend all committee meetings and make every effort to attend the Annual Meeting.
  3. Committee members shall avoid, in fact and in perception, conflicts of interest and disclose to the committee staff liaison or the tourism director, in a timely manner, any possible conflicts.
  4. Committee members’ contributions to discussions and decision-making shall be positive and constructive.
  5. Committee members' interactions in meetings shall be courteous, respectful and free of animosity.
  6. Committee members shall be prepared for meetings, having read pre-circulated material in advance of the meeting.
  7. Committee members shall not attempt to exercise individual authority or undue influence over other committee members or staff.
  8. Committee members must notify the tourism director or their staff liaison once they have filed their intent to run for any political office.
  9. Committee members shall conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner at all times, and shall be governed by Florida's Code of Ethics.
  10. At all times, members of the committees shall be current in the payment of any and all tourist development tax assessments (“bed taxes”). This requirement shall apply to members both individually, and to any entity of which the member is a part of or conducts business with.

Noncompliance with any of the above provisions shall constitute grounds for removal from a committee.

For questions or more information, please contact Dana McDowell, Administrative Support Specialist, at Dana@WCFLTourism.com or (850) 267-1216.