The New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau has joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) as a destination member.
The New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau is a non-profit, political subdivision of Volusia County Government, established in 1987 that is charged with marketing southeast Volusia County and the cities of: Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oakhill, and Osteen. Funded by the lodging tax on room nights the State of Florida statutorily mandates the lodging tax be used for marketing and promotion for Southeast Volusia County. NSBVB works with the 5 cities on economic development, placemaking, and sustainable tourism to lessen the impact to our precious assets along the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean.
New Smyrna Beach Area
The New Smyrna Beach area includes the communities of New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill, Osteen and Port Orange on Florida’s east Central coast. New Smyrna Beach is an eclectic mix of old and new; of subtle sophistication and bohemian soul that is as “real” as Florida gets. It occupies a notable place in history as the second oldest city in Florida, site of the largest single attempt at British colonization in the new world.
In 2018, New Smyrna Beach celebrated its 250th birthday. The city’s barrier island is recognized worldwide for its incredible surf with Surfer magazine recently touting it one of the “Best Surf Towns in America” and National Geographic magazine including it in its “World’s Top 20 Surf Towns”. Accommodations range from charming bed and breakfast inns to family-size condominium units and oceanfront hotels. Natural attractions include 17 miles of sandy beaches from Ponce de Leon Inlet to Canaveral National Seashore and North America’s most biologically diverse estuary – the Indian River Lagoon. Two distinct downtowns along Flagler Avenue and Canal Street and connected via the Waterfront Loop welcome visitors with independent restaurants, unique shops, artisanal coffee shops and art galleries.
Making Waves with Sustainability
The New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau and its industry partners have emerged as leaders in sustainability efforts and responsible tourism after implementing a variety of eco-friendly measures and through partnerships with globally recognized programs. Local hoteliers, restaurants, attractions, and community groups are making big waves in sustainable tourism in the hopes of protecting the area’s treasures, like the Indian River Lagoon—the most biologically diverse estuary in North America, and coastal wildlife and habitats.
Sustainability took center stage in October 2019 with SpringHill Suites, Third Wave Cafe, Marine Discovery Center, NSB Visitors Bureau and the City of NSB receiving their certifications for participation in the Blue Community Consortium and One Planet Living. Learn more about New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau Sustainability Efforts 2019-2020.
First One Planet Living Sustainable City in Florida
New Smyrna Beach is the first city to join One Planet Living® online eco-system to address the sustainability efforts by Visit NSB and local partners. One Planet Living® encompasses 10 easy-to-grasp SDG’s principles along with detailed goals and guidance. “Together, these provide a clear, practical route map to create a sustainability action plan for any organization that can engage hearts as well as minds,” according to the One Planet Living® website.
Aiming to be a Leader in Sustainable Tourism
“The New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau leads the way!” says Debbie Meihls, President & CEO for the New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau.” “We are committed to responsible tourism that protects our local treasures, like the precious Indian River Lagoon and its vast wildlife, while also benefiting our community and its residents. We are happy to report many of our hoteliers and restaurateurs are engaging in sustainable tourism and we look forward to being a leading City of Sustainable Tourism.”
GSTC Welcomes New Smyrna Beach
“Sustainability in tourism means good management, to strive for healthy economic, social, and environmental conditions for communities that welcome visitors on a regular basis. Too often, tourism has lacked good planning and coordination, and we welcome and applaud our new members from New Smyrna Beach as they strive to plan and build for more lasting and prosperous tourism,” said Randy Durband, CEO of the GSTC.
GSTC encourages destinations pursuing sustainability practices in development and management of tourism, to join as GSTC members and apply the GSTC Destination Criteria (which eventually can lead to achieving certification by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body) and support local business to apply the GSTC Industry Criteria.
