A. The Alachua County Visitors and Convention Bureau is a county office that is totally funded by the Alachua County Tourist Development Tax, sometimes called the "Bed Tax" because it is paid by overnight guests in hotels, motels, RV parks, campgrounds, fish camps, bed and breakfast inns, and all other accommodations that are rented for six (6) months or less.

The bureau has three prime responsibilities:

1. To encourage groups to hold meetings, conventions, and conferences in Alachua County.

2. To assist these groups with meeting preparations and details.

3. To encourage tourists to visit and enjoy the historic, cultural, and recreational opportunities that Alachua County offers.

The Visitors and Convention Bureau does not actually organize meetings and conventions. It does, however, help meeting planners and visitors learn about Alachua County area attractions and make the best possible use of all the services that Alachua County has to offer.

Q. Are visitors and convention bureaus a new phenomenon?

A. No. The roots of present-day convention and visitor bureaus stretch back to 1895 when a group of businessmen in Detroit put a full-time salesman on the road to invite conventions to their city. Today, convention and visitor bureaus operate throughout the United States and the world.

At first, convention bureaus existed primarily to sell and service conventions. As the years passed, more and more bureaus became involved in the promotion of tourism. Many have added the words "and Visitors" to their names to reflect this expanded role.

Q. Why work with a visitors and convention bureau?

A. Since the bureau represents all components of the meetings and visitors industry within the county, it is the ideal coordinating agency between convention and visitor oriented facilities and those who wish to use the services. In a sense the bureau acts as the middle-man, working for the county and at no charge, for visitors.

Q. What can a bureau do for a tourist?

A. The staff of the Alachua County Visitors and Convention Bureau know their community well. The Bureau can supply visitors with facts about accommodations, attractions, restaurants, and special events in Alachua County. Bureau personnel are always ready to answer questions and make out-of-towners feel welcome.

Q. What can the Bureau do for a meeting planner?

A. The Visitors and Convention Bureau makes the meeting planner's job easier. It can:

1. Recommend reliable sources for service.

2. Supply information on facilities and prices.

3. Assist in securing hotel commitments.

4. Help with tour planning.

5. Put the planner in touch with business leaders.

6. Act as a liaison between the organization and local officials.

7. Assist with the program planning.

In short, the Alachua County Visitors and Convention Bureau stands ready to help meet all the meeting planner's needs...from pre-convention planning through the last session and on into post-convention activities.

Q. How do I get in touch with the Alachua County Visitors and Convention Bureau?

A. Call 374-5231 or visit 30 East University Avenue, 8:30 - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, except County holidays.

Alachua County Visitors and Convention Bureau
30 East University Avenue
Gainesville, Florida 32601
Phone 352-374-5231 FAX 352-338-3213