PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla (September 4, 2018)– Visit Panama City Beach and the Bay County Tourist Development Council announce collections for the month of July 2018 were up 6.5 percent compared to July 2017, and the destination is currently up 8.5 percent for the fiscal year, which began October 2017.

“With kids out of school, families chose to escape to Panama City Beach for a summer getaway, many for their annual tradition and some for the very first time,” shared Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe. “With plenty of sunshine, ideal water temperatures, and a premier lineup of events such as our Real.Fun.Fourth celebration, Panama City Beach welcomed guests of all ages this July.”

Home to the largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast, Panama City Beach’s annual Real.Fun.Fourth continues to give families a reason to celebrate America’s independence with loved ones at the beach. The destination’s Summer Concert Series also brought a variety of premier artists to the destination including Tobacco Road and the Tyler Mac Band, along with music lovers of all ages wishing to enjoy a free outdoor concert at Aaron Bessant Park. July also welcomed young athletes for a number of children’s sports tournaments that took place at various locations throughout Panama City Beach such as Frank Brown Park.

The Tourist Development Tax is a five percent tax on short-term rentals including hotels and condominiums. The tax funds marketing and promotional activities led by the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. It is also used for beach cleaning and grooming, product improvement and beach renourishment.

For more information on Panama City Beach visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com or the Bay County Clerk website https://tdc.baycoclerk.com/TouristTax/ to learn more about the bed tax.