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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Marion County takes home prestigious state tourism award

Marion County has been honored with a prestigious tourism award.

The county was recently awarded with the Silver Award in Tourism Advocacy in the 2020 Flagler Awards for a branding photo shoot incorporating local residents.

Marion County commissioners were joined by Tourism Development Manager Sky Wheeler and Tourism Development Director Loretta Shaffer in celebrating a recent tourism award from the 2020 Flagler Awards.

The Flagler Awards were created by Visit Florida, the state’s tourism office, to showcase the outstanding work of Florida tourism partners. Each year, the awards pay tribute to those who use their creativity and innovative spirit to market Florida on a national and international scale.

“This project allowed Marion County to add to its tourist development toolbox while leaning in on a community that is bursting with flavor, personality and beauty,” said Loretta Shaffer, tourist development director for the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau. “By casting our local residents, we established local support and more accurately shared the Marion County destination experience.”

The award marks the 27th state, national or international award Marion County’s Tourist Development Department has received since 2013. Shaffer said the accolades are extremely important because they provide Marion County recognition from industry leaders and help designate the county as a premier tourist destination.