The Clay County Tourist Development Council (TDC) meeting on July 16, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in tourism marketing strategies aimed at boosting local engagement and attracting visitors. The meeting opened with a review of the previous minutes, followed by a presentation from Advanced Travel and Tourism, which showcased impressive campaign results from April to June.

The marketing team reported a staggering 6.2 million impressions for the ExploraClay brand, successfully driving 70,000 visitors to the website. Notably, the campaign's video ads garnered over 117,000 full views, while audio ads on platforms like Spotify achieved a near-perfect listening rate of 96%. Social media efforts also thrived, with over 151,000 engagements recorded, indicating strong community interest and interaction.

A targeted email campaign aimed at Orlando residents achieved an exceptional 48% open rate, significantly surpassing the industry standard. This campaign emphasized Clay County's natural attractions, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts seeking an alternative to urban experiences.

The meeting also spotlighted successful promotions, including a history passport initiative and a ticket giveaway for the county's first annual rodeo, which generated substantial engagement on social media. These efforts reflect a collaborative approach between the TDC and local stakeholders, enhancing the visibility of Clay County's unique offerings.

Looking ahead, the TDC is excited about upcoming partnerships, including a feature on the "Let's Take It Outside" television series, which will showcase Clay County's fishing and outdoor activities. Additionally, a new article highlighting family-friendly attractions in Clay County is expected to reach a wide audience, further promoting the area as a desirable destination.

Website performance metrics were also discussed, revealing an 84% increase in new users and a 223% rise in page views year-over-year. These statistics underscore the effectiveness of ongoing marketing efforts and the importance of maintaining fresh content to engage potential visitors.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue leveraging innovative marketing strategies to enhance Clay County's tourism appeal, ensuring that the community reaps the benefits of increased visitor engagement and economic growth.