Visit Sarasota County Partners with Regional Chambers to Drive Tourism Countywide

SARASOTA, Fla. – (August 4, 2026) – Knowing the best recommendations come from the collective voices of our community, Visit Sarasota County (VSC) in partnership with six Chambers of Commerce created a seasonal tourism marketing campaign to authentically represent the entire region. The "Regional Spotlight Campaign," which ran from April 1 through June 30, targeted potential travelers in key U.S. markets who were actively considering booking a trip, directing them to chamber-curated recommendations. In its three-month span, the campaign generated 9.5 million impressions and 36,000 conversions, significantly underscoring Sarasota County as a collection of destinations.  

The campaign represents a $72,000 advertising investment by VSC, with $12,000 dedicated to each area represented by its respective Chamber of Commerce. Participating Chambers of Commerce included Englewood, Greater Sarasota, Longboat Key/Lido Key/St. Armands, North Port Area, Siesta Key, and Venice Area. Each Chamber provided local insight, creative assets, and messaging that reflected the personality and appeal of its community. 

“Just as visitors rely on locals to point them toward the experiences they won't find in a brochure, this campaign relied on the voices of those who know each community inside and out,” said Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. “Our Chambers responded enthusiastically and contributed their own character based on staff and board feedback to the campaign. Our goal was to encourage visitors to see Sarasota County not as a single destination, but as a collection of unique places. Based on these results, we’d say that was surely accomplished thanks in part to all our Chamber partners.” 

In the campaign’s digital advertising, Englewood embraced an identity of “Refreshingly Real, Authentically Florida.” North Port signaled “Ease in Abundance,” showcasing Warm Mineral Springs and other natural escapes. Venice’s “Unwind and Explore” messaging shined brightly next to photos of Venice Beach. Siesta Key celebrated their recent U.S. News & World Report ranking with the tagline, “Beauty Abounds on the Nation’s Best Beach.” Longboat Key tapped into coastal charm with “Island Life is Within Reach,” leading with images of resorts and shopping. And Greater Sarasota urged visitors “don’t wait, paradise is only year round.” 

This campaign is the latest to build upon longstanding partnerships between VSC and the County's area Chambers. These collaborations include visitor information mailings, industry advocacy, emergency preparedness efforts, and data sharing initiatives. Two Chambers—Greater Sarasota and Venice Area—also house VSC’s Visitor Centers in downtown Sarasota and downtown Venice.  

The campaign further reflected the tourism bureau’s commitment to maximizing Tourist Development Tax investments by turning to trusted partners rather than duplicating efforts, creating a unified approach to destination promotion and economic development. 

For the latest data on VSC’s marketing campaigns, visit www.visitsarasotacountytransparency.com.  

About Visit Sarasota County 
Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is the official tourism marketing entity and primary provider of visitor information for Sarasota County where tourism is the top industry. Through programs and partnerships, VSC makes Sarasota County a better place by promoting our community on the world stage. These efforts bring together over 450 partners to keep visitors coming, local businesses open and residents employed all year. VSC is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program, a program of the Destination Management Association International (DMAI). To learn more, visit www.visitsarasota.com.  

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