Escambia County is beefing up tourism

In order to boost tourism and the local economy, local chambers of commerce have brought back the “You Play, We Pay” promotion that will grant visitors free money just for staying at an area hotel.

Paid for by grant money from BP, travelers who book a room in Escambia County between Aug. 15 – Oct. 1 (excluding Labor Day Weekend) will receive up to $300 ($50 - $100 per night) on an American Express gift card to be used at their discretion.

Ed Schroeder, director of Visit Pensacola, said tourism took a devastating hit last year following the gulf oil spill and that this program helped the local economy bounce back.

For more on this story, see the August 18 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.