for the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort , across the street from Ocean Center and a primary hotel for event attendees .
The economic impacts of sporting events to the community are significant . A 6 % ‘ tourist tax ’ is charged to all visitors of hotels and vacation rentals . Any such revenues generated through sporting event hotel stays are
Robert Eubank included within the overall collection amount .
Also , revenues from vacation accommodations only comprise about 15 % of overall visitor expenditures , according to the CVB ’ s annual reports on the economic impacts of tourism on Volusia County – with spillover benefits to businesses , retail , restaurants and attractions . For instance , the report estimates that total visitor expenditures in Volusia County for 2019 were $ 6.2 billion .
As expected , tourism expenditures dropped sharply in 2020 , compared to the two previous years . But tourist tax revenues have rebounded robustly this year , with some months ’ tourist tax collections surpassing pre-pandemic levels , especially during the summer .
Tourism leaders also credit this rebound with the desires of visitors to once again vacation , especially those who drive to their destinations . And in regard to sporting events , Eubank at the Hilton says , “ our location as it relates to I-95 and I-4 is an advantage because most tournaments are drive-in rather than participants flying .”
The Ocean Center with its vast expo hall and arena with fixed “ bowl ” seating enables the facility to “ host just about any indoor sport ,” notes Buckley , adding that many groups are attracted to the ability to use both type spaces under one roof , “ which is not something you find in many event venues today .”
Aside from the Ocean Center , with an arena of 42,146 square feet , various other facilities also draw the interest of sports enthusiasts for competitions and also as recreational , cultural or phenomenal tourist attractions .
Ø Holly Hill ’ s 24-court ‘ Pictona ’ pickleball complex already has more than 700 members and has hosted three national and international tournaments in just more than a year . The complex , which will be expanded to 48-courts over the next
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