[URL unfurl="true"]https://www.visitsouthwalton.com/userfiles/Spring_2023_Visitor_Tracking_Report.pdf[/URL] An increase in the number of visitors and a 5.8% increase in-roomnights led to a increase in direct spending compared tp.Spring 2022. Despite occupancy being down 2.2%, room nights and visitors were up due to more units being qyailable. T -collections decreased 4.3% in 2023 compared to 2022. With over 1.4 million visitors this Spring, total visitor spending was over $1.2 billion, up 5.2% from Spring 2022. The high ratings Walton County garnered on attributes such as "safe environment where children can run free", "family growth and exploration", and "total relaxation" correlate with the results the Unique Emotional Positioning Study that found that the laid-back atmosphere in Walton County lends itself to a feeling of security and comfort. Walton County visitors agree that the shared purpose of visitors (to unwind and spend time with their families) creates a welcoming and safe environment that allows visitors to relax. The number of visitors who saw information about South Walton from a social media influencer increased 8% from Spring 2022. [ATTACH type="full"]101830[/ATTACH] [ATTACH type="full"]101831[/ATTACH]
