Panama City Beach Tourism Maintains Strong Summer Growth Amid Softer Statewide Trends 

July Collections Rise 13.8% as Destination Reports 6.9% Fiscal Year-to-Date Growth 

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 1, 2026–  The Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Bay County Tourist Development Council (TDC) report a strong summer travel season, with Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections increasing 13.8% year over year in July, following increases of 1.7% in June and 0.7% in May. The destination is now up 6.9% for the fiscal year to date, even as statewide visitation trends have shown signs of softening. 

According to VISIT FLORIDA, preliminary estimates show 39.88 million travelers visited Florida during the first quarter of 2026, down 1% from the same period in 2025. Against that backdrop, Panama City Beach has continued to record year-over-year growth in TDT collections, pointing to sustained demand. 

“Tourism is thriving in Panama City Beach, and when our team looks at the numbers, we’re thinking of all the local businesses, hospitality workers and residents who make Panama City Beach what it is,” shares Griff Griffitts, president and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach. “Our ongoing For the Love of PCB campaign gives us an opportunity to share that success with our neighbors and celebrate the community at the heart of our tourism economy.” 

The destination’s performance is further supported by new traveler booking data. Tripadvisor’s 2026 Mid-Year Experiences Trends Report found that experience bookings in Panama City Beach increased 50% year over year during the first half of 2026, placing the destination among the fastest-growing U.S. coastal destinations for experiences. Nationally, the report also found growing demand for several water-based experiences central to a Panama City Beach vacation, with U.S. fishing charter bookings increasing 57%, parasailing bookings rising 45% and boat rentals increasing 37% during the first half of the year. 

Beyond just numbers, national recognition continues to reinforce Panama City Beach’s appeal to travelers. Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards recognized both Panama City Beach and St. Andrews State Park among the nation’s top beaches. As Panama City Beach celebrates 90 years in 2026, the latest tourism data and national recognition underscore the enduring appeal of a destination that continues to evolve while remaining rooted in the experiences and community that have drawn generations of visitors to its shores. 

Tourist Development Tax is a 5% tax on short-term accommodations, including hotels and condominiums, paid by visitors to Panama City Beach. Revenue generated through tourism supports destination marketing and promotion, as well as beach cleaning and grooming, product improvement and beach renourishment, reinvesting tourism dollars into the destination and community. For more information on Panama City Beach visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com or the Bay County Clerk website https://tdc.baycoclerk.com/TouristTax/ to learn more about the bed tax.  

About Panama City Beach 

Panama City Beach is a vibrant coastal destination situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf and St. Andrew Bay converge —an approachable, welcoming place defined by its Real. Fun. Beach. identity. Known for its 320 days of sunshine annually, the area is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of bottlenose dolphins and more than 50 dive sites, offering abundant opportunities for wildlife encounters and outdoor adventure. With nearly 100 public beach access points and amenities that support accessibility, including mobility mats and complimentary beach wheelchairs at key locations, visitors of all abilities can enjoy the shoreline and coastal experiences. Visitors can explore attractions such as St. Andrews State Park and Pier Park, alongside golf courses, spas, sporting events, a growing culinary scene and entertainment that is fun for all ages. The destination’s blend of natural beauty and approachable, welcoming spirit has earned national recognition, including inclusion on Travel + Leisure’s “America’s Best Small Towns” and Southern Living’s “Friendliest Places in the South” lists in 2025. Easily accessible via Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, with nonstop service on Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, the destination offers an affordable and welcoming escape for couples, families, groups and adventure-seekers alike. For more information, call 850-233-5070 or visit the official website of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.visitpanamacitybeach.com. Stay connected with Panama City Beach on Twitter (@Visit_PCB), Instagram (@Visit_PCB) and Facebook (@VisitPanamaCityBeach). 

About Visit Panama City Beach 

Visit Panama City Beach is the official destination marketing organization for Panama City Beach, Florida, working on behalf of residents to ensure tourism delivers long-term benefits for the local community. The award-winning organization has earned industry accreditation (DMAP) from Destinations International, the world’s leading authority in destination marketing, and exists to drive economic opportunity, job creation, community sustainability and quality of life for its residents through marketing, promotion and stewardship of the destination’s Real.Fun.Beach. brand and attributes, tourism development, special event production, and managing beach re-nourishment and maintenance programs. Through collaboration with the Bay County Tourist Development Council and local partners, Visit Panama City Beach reinvests visitor-paid dollars into beach and environmental stewardship, public safety initiatives, accessible public amenities, parks and recreation facilities, workforce development programs and the production of events that generate year-round economic impact.