Sunday, February 14, 2016

From WLRN (South Florida/Miami)—"Keys Study: 'Bloodline' Lures Tourists To Islands"

WLRN's Nancy Klingener also has a link to this radio show on the impact of cable/film entertainment in Florida and the resulting increase in tourism. Here are two excerpts from the text of the article:
     The Netflix TV series "Bloodline" has added millions of dollars to the local economy and employed hundreds of people in the Florida Keys. But a study commissioned by the region's tourism agency says the bigger benefit is in tourism.
     "We found in the first six months since the show was released, which was March of 2015, we already had a huge impact in visitation," said Jessica Bennett, director of market research for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
     That's the agency that collects taxes on short-term lodging in the Keys and spends it advertising the destination and promoting events.
     The study found that while the local production spent $5.8 million in the Keys, it generated more than $65 million in tourism.
[and. . .]
     Florida's film incentive program is due to expire in July unless the Legislature takes action to renew it. [emphasis added]