Manatee County Tourism Bureau Launches Post-Hurricane Marketing to Revive Tourism
The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (BACVB) is actively implementing a post-hurricane marketing campaign to restore tourism to Anna Maria Island and surrounding areas following hurricanes Helene and Milton. These efforts were outlined during the Nov. 14 meeting of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC).
BACVB has a crisis management plan in place to address events like hurricanes, red tide, and other environmental impacts. After assessing damage and consulting with local officials and tourism industry members, the bureau focused on correcting misleading media coverage and addressing tourist concerns about cancellations and refunds. To ease tensions, the bureau sent promotional items such as beach towels and Tervis tumblers to affected visitors in hopes of generating positive social media feedback.
The bureau criticized national media outlets for exaggerating the storm's impact, which it claims contributed to public misconceptions. To counter this, BACVB allocated $500,000 from its emergency marketing fund to target primary and secondary markets with accurate updates. Efforts included a live broadcast from the Bradenton Beach Pier by Pittsburgh journalist Larry Richert, who highlighted the area’s readiness for vacationers.
As businesses reopen, their status is being displayed on an updated digital map to inform potential visitors. The bureau is also collaborating with Visit Sarasota and Visit Florida to amplify its marketing reach, including digital advertising and co-op campaigns.
Additional Updates:
The TDC recommended that $375,000 in tourist tax revenues be temporarily allocated to the city of Bradenton Beach for repairs to a hurricane-damaged floating dock near the Bradenton Beach Pier. This funding will be reimbursed by FEMA.
A recommendation to go to Manatee County Commissioners with a $100,000 budget was approved to support the Realize Bradenton organization’s new Bradenton Art and Music Festival, set to take place April 5 along the Bradenton Riverwalk.
The council endorsed $50,000 for a Multi-Cultural Festival at LECOM Park in Bradenton, scheduled for July.
With these initiatives, BACVB aims to repair the area’s tourism appeal and drive economic recovery through strategic partnerships and marketing campaigns.