Restaurants & Bars
Dining rooms, bars, and cafes that serve visitors and residents and depend on a healthy tourism economy.
Independent voices. Shared purpose.
A Unified Voice for Walton County's Tourism Economy.
Tourism is a cornerstone of Walton County's economy. The businesses that welcome, serve, support, and provide experiences for our visitors deserve a meaningful voice in the decisions shaping our community.
The Walton County Tourism Network is an advocacy group for tourism supporters and for businesses that depend on tourism. We press for smart policies, responsible public spending, improved infrastructure, and a thriving local economy. When county decisions on spending, fees, regulations, access, or traffic hurt those businesses, we push back.
Free membership, subject to administrator approval.
About the network
The businesses tourism depends on speaking together.
The Walton County Tourism Network represents the businesses and professionals whose livelihoods depend on tourism. That includes the places visitors walk into, and the firms that support them: restaurants, lodging, shops, attractions, property management, transportation, professional services, and the suppliers and operators behind them.
We exist because county decisions on taxes, fees, regulations, beach access, roads, parking, and marketing spending shape whether those businesses can keep operating. Advocacy here means showing up together, with a clear position, instead of one business at a time.
We can support the Walton County Tourism Department and the Tourist Development Council when their work serves local businesses and the community. The network is independent of both. We will question spending, regulations, and decisions that fall on local businesses, and we will push back when those decisions hurt the tourism economy.
Our mission
What we are here to do.
To unite and represent Walton County businesses that depend on tourism, promote policies that support a thriving visitor economy, and advocate for responsible investments, fair regulations, and a strong business environment that benefits residents, visitors, and local businesses alike.
What we stand for
Our advocacy priorities
An organized voice. Practical positions.
A stronger Walton County.
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01
Tourism Economy & Local Jobs
Support policies that strengthen Walton County's tourism economy, local businesses, employment, and year-round economic opportunities.
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02
Tourism Development Tax Accountability
Advocate for transparent, responsible use of tourism tax revenues, with clear reporting on expenditures and measurable benefits.
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03
Transportation & Traffic
Support improved road connectivity, traffic management, parking, pedestrian safety, and transportation infrastructure.
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04
Beach Access & Preservation
Promote responsible beach management, clean beaches, public access, and protection of the natural resources that attract visitors.
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05
Fair Business Regulations
Oppose unnecessary fees, burdensome regulations, and inconsistent enforcement that negatively affect tourism-related businesses.
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06
Tourism Marketing & Promotion
Encourage effective, transparent destination marketing that supports local businesses and provides measurable economic value.
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07
Workforce & Housing
Support practical solutions to workforce availability, employee housing, transportation, and seasonal staffing challenges.
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08
Infrastructure & Public Services
Advocate for adequate public safety, utilities, stormwater management, sanitation, and infrastructure serving residents and visitors.
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09
Government Transparency & Accountability
Monitor county decisions, spending, regulations, and policies affecting tourism businesses, while encouraging meaningful public participation.
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10
Tourism Industry Representation
Give tourism-supported businesses an organized voice before the Board of County Commissioners, Tourist Development Council, and other government bodies.
Membership
Who should join
If your work depends on Walton County's tourism economy, and you want an advocacy group that will stand up for it, this network is for you.
Hotels & Vacation Rentals
Lodging operators and vacation rental businesses whose rooms depend on visitors.
Retail & Shopping
Shops and galleries that rely on visitor spending.
Attractions & Recreation
Attractions, tours, and recreation businesses on the Gulf of America and across the county.
Property Management
Firms that manage rental homes and other visitor lodging.
Transportation Services
Businesses that move visitors and employees around the county.
Professional Services
Attorneys, accountants, insurers, and other professionals who serve tourism businesses.
Tourism Support Services
Maintenance, suppliers, and other firms that keep tourism businesses running.
Informed and involved
Current Issues
County issues and advocacy
Members only
Current issues, documents, and the network's positions are shared with approved members. Sign in to view them.
Why join
An advocacy group that will push back when it needs to.
We want members who support tourism and who want an organized group that will advocate for it, including when that means pushing back on the county. If a decision on spending, fees, regulations, beach access, or traffic hurts the businesses tourism depends on, this network is here to say so, together.
- A single voice before the Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and other county bodies.
- Issue pages that will show a summary, status, documents, meeting dates, and the network's position when one is adopted.
- Free membership. An administrator reviews every application before anyone is added.
- A member discussion area, member-submitted issues, and email alerts when tourism items appear on county agendas.
Join the conversation in our Facebook group.
Stand with the mission
Membership is free.
Join if you support tourism and you want an advocacy group that will push back when county decisions on spending, fees, regulations, access, or traffic hurt tourism businesses.
Join the Network
Membership is free and subject to administrator approval.