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Survey detects tourists' likes

A University of Florida study reports almost 95 percent of visitors say they would revisit the county.

By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET
Published June 14, 2005

A University of Florida study reports that almost 95 percent of those who responded said they "agreed" or "strongly agreed" they would revisit Pasco County.

It's no surprise in a county that celebrates everything from seafood and pioneers to rattlesnakes and kumquats.

Festivals are Pasco County's most popular tourist attraction, with nearly 60 percent of the out-of-county visitors attending one, according to the preliminary results of a recent survey. Shopping (51 percent) and visiting friends and relatives (28 percent) also were popular activities.

By contrast, fewer tourists reported antiquing (20 percent), visiting a state park or wildlife preserve (18 percent), fishing (12 percent) or visiting a museum or historical site (10 percent). The results total more than 100 percent because each person could list multiple activities.

The survey of 971 visitors, conducted by the University of Florida, also found that Pasco County is more popular as a day-trip destination than for overnight stays, and that most visitors learn about the area through the Internet and word of mouth.

All of those findings will help tourism promoters retool their efforts to lure more visitors - and their dollars - to Pasco County.

"I think we're right on track with what we're doing: staying with the Florida drive market," tourism coordinator Diane Jones told the Tourist Development Council on Monday.

The advisory group, which includes public officials and industry representatives, paid $30,000 for the study, using revenue from the county's tax on hotels and other short-term lodgings.

The study pointed out several areas for improvement.

Consider the fact that nearly 55 percent of those surveyed said they learned about Pasco County, at least in part, from family or friends.

"This accentuates the need to continue to educate our residents about what's going on in Pasco County," so they can tell others, Jones said.

Among other things, Jones is working on "Discover Pasco," a series for Pasco's government access channel highlighting local attractions.

The survey also found that 53 percent turned to the Internet for information about Pasco County, yet only a fraction of them used the county's own Web site,visitpasco.net. Jones plans a "Web site awareness campaign" to draw more people.

University of Florida researchers Lori Pennington-Gray and Brijesh Thapa began the yearlong study in May 2004. They handed out surveys at hotels, festivals and other attractions.

Last year's hurricanes brought a brief drop in tourism, so the researchers suspended the study from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, 2004. They plan to distribute surveys during those months this year.

The results presented Monday are preliminary because they reflect only eight months' worth of surveys. Still, the data provided some telling trends.

Asked about their perceptions of Pasco County, visitors gave the highest praise to the good climate, relaxing atmosphere, attractive scenery, wide variety of restaurants, and beautiful greenery and parks.

Tourists gave low marks to Pasco's sporting events, variety of bars and nightlife.

Still, nearly 95 percent either "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that they would visit Pasco County again.

In other tourism news:

--Sports facility nears completion. Delayed a couple of weeks by the rain, the opening of the Sports and Field at Seven Oaks training center is now slated for mid to late August, sales director Curt Lutz said.

The complex on State Road 56, near Interstate 75, will provide state-of-the-art training facilities for professional athletes, such as Devil Rays pitcher Hideo Nomo, as well as the general public.

--Anclote Island shuttle in the works. The state parks system is about to seek proposals from charter boat companies to provide shuttle service to Anclote Island, making the recreational spot available to everybody.

The island, located about 3 miles from Tarpon Springs, boasts 4 miles of picturesque beaches and the restored 1887 lighthouse.

Jones is hopeful at least one company will provide service from Pasco County, as there is already a boat ramp at the Anclote River Park in Holiday.

[Last modified June 14, 2005, 01:25:21]