by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Focus on tourism.
That was the mission given to the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau (AICVB) when the Nassau County Board of Commissioners decided to bring it out from under the umbrella of the Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce in 2008.
“The Chamber was doing a great job, but tourism is only a part of what they do,” said Barry Holloway, chair of the Nassau County Board of Commissioners. “We wanted to increase our efforts in the tourism industry and this allowed us to create an organization to focus on that.”
These efforts have recently led to national recognition with a tourism promotion being featured on www.time.com and in the Washington Post.
The AICVB is offering a “Vacation from Inauguration” package for residents of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. who may be overwhelmed by the masses attending the historical inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama Jan. 20 in the U.S. capital.
“We started thinking about it after one of our bed and breakfast owners talked with some of their guests from D.C.,” said Gil Langley, president of AICVB. “They said it was going to be a zoo up there for the inauguration.”
Looking at places like New Orleans during Mardi Gras and cities that host the Super Bowl, the bureau realized that people like to get away when big events come to their cities.
The bureau has tried to entice people looking to escape by pointing out the direct flights that are available from D.C. to Jacksonville and lodging discounts available at nine properties on Amelia Island ranging from Amelia Island Plantation to the Ash Street Inn.
“We are thrilled with the new concepts,” said Regina Duncan, president of the Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce. “We are seeing a lot of activity in the chamber office because of those promotions.”
The bureau has gotten a little help with some free publicity from www.time.com, which included the promotion in an article titled “Travel News: An Inauguration Day How-To” published Jan. 2 and it was also in an article posted Wednesday in the Washington Post.
The discounts are available from Jan. 18-22, but a valid drivers license from one of the three states is required to get the discount.
Another promotion will take place after the inauguration. “Restaurant Week” will take place from Jan. 25-Feb. 1 and will feature 19 dining establishments on the island. Fixed menus will be available at two prices, $19 and $29. People can journey around the world with American, Spanish, Italian, French, Irish and Portuguese Cuisine, as well as the seafood that helps define Amelia Island dining. Lodging discounts are also available for people participating in the program.
“With the economy slowing, people still want to go out, but they want a good value,” said Langley. “With 19 restaurants participating, there should be something for everyone.”
Some restaurants are requesting reservations, so call ahead. The full list of restaurants can be seen at www.ameliaisland.com or by calling 1-800-226-3542.
The AICVB is funded through the tourism development tax.
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