Between tourism and a growing population of retirees and snowbirds with second homes in the region, many travelers are looking forward to ditching the layover on their way to the beach. A nonstop flight from Panama City to New York City will be a boon to the local economy, providing an influx of customers and clients for businesses and entrepreneurs.

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) Executive Director Parker McClellan is known among airline officials as “Mr. Sandman.” When meeting with various airlines to recruit new service to ECP, he takes to his meetings a small chest of alabaster sand straight off the gorgeous beaches for which the Florida Panhandle is renowned.

“At these meetings, this chest is passed around so airline representatives can literally play in the sand,” Parker McClellan says. “We realize the beach is a big part of what attracts visitors, but I like to let them know it comes with Southern hospitality and a beautiful region with a culture that we’re finding to be in significant demand as a travel destination.”

Recently, this attracted the attention of Delta Air Lines, Inc., who, as of this past summer on June 14, introduced a new, nonstop flight between ECP and New York-LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City.

McClellan says negotiations for a nonstop flight to New York have been in the making since 2011. Boasting over 30 years of experience in aviation management, he has been instrumental in expanding ECP’s appeal as what he calls “not just a destination, but an origination.”

2024 was a record-breaking year, as Parker spearheaded efforts to land new, nonstop routes to Austin, Texas and Boston. “When we closed the old airport in downtown Panama City, we would have around 312,000 to 325,000 passengers annually,” he says. “Last year, we recorded just under 1.9 million passengers—a 501% growth.”

With the addition of this new service, and factoring in global and economic considerations, McClellan anticipates at least a small growth, or at least the same success in 2025, saying, “At the end of the day, the addition of this flight and some of our other nonstops during the summer continue to show a really good performance.”

Flights to and from LGA on Delta’s CRJ-900 aircraft originated as a once-a-week, seasonal Saturday service for the 2025 summer season, a popular event that also supplies nonstop travel to other major cities such as Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, and Denver.

But, come November 6, departures to the city that never sleeps will be a daily offering.

“We were excited that, before the inaugural flight even took off this summer, Delta announced that there was a strong enough demand to commence a daily service in November,” McClellan says. “For them to overfly their hub in Atlanta is a huge commitment from Delta and speaks to the desire of the Northeast and New York to come visit the beautiful beaches of our community.”

One of the most-awarded and successful airlines in the United States, Delta is devoted to making the flight as comfortable and accommodating as possible for its passengers. The year-round service will carry travelers on an Embraer 175 aircraft with multi-class amenities, something McClellan claims “keeps people happy.”

McClellan explained that ECP will continue to market the region. He is devoted to meeting with existing airlines as well as new ones to secure destinations, saying that as the airport continues to grow, the expansion will affect the local economy. The ECP will continue to nurture business in and around the airport to benefit aviation and the community with the diversity of its employers.

“There is no stopping us now,” McClellan says. “We don’t sit back on our laurels and say, ‘Well we finally got New York, so I guess we’re done.’ No, we want people to come see us but want to continue to provide the opportunity for our residents to get out there and experience new places as well.”

Business is conducted at the capital. While many of Tallahassee’s visitors are transient, staying for days or weeks at a time, high-quality hotels are limited, opening a gap for travelers seeking apartment-like comforts rather than a simple refuge while staying in the capital.

There is a growing market to accommodate travelers seeking short-term extended stays with more amenities than a hotel can offer that does not require a lease.

“This property is more than just a renovation; it’s a model for where we’re headed as a brand.”

That’s how Bob Brier, cofounder and principal of Edgewater Group LLC, describes the remodeling of the former TownePlace Suites in Tallahassee into the new boutique hotel, Alluxsuites at 1876.

According to Brier, the new hotel will set the tone for future developments across the region. Building a network of high-quality, design-forward extended stay properties is the goal. That includes a sister location in Americus, Georgia, where Alluxsuites at The Vault transformed a historic bank building into a full-service hotel.

While Alluxsuites at 1876 is new to Tallahassee as of February of this year, the Edgewater Group has roots in the city with an office park and other commercial properties.

“Tallahassee has been a key market for Edgewater for several years,” says Ketan Vora, another cofounder and principal of Edgewater. Vora is also a member of the Ascend Collection Advisory Council. “We’ve long recognized the city’s potential for thoughtful, experience-driven hospitality.”

Touting its dynamic university base, government presence, and growing business community, Vora says the Tallahassee market is primed for a new kind of extended-stay offering. The new hotel is the fifth Ascend Hotel Collection property, a brand known for its boutique-inspired stay and distinctive, high-quality properties.

The property is part of the Choice Hotels International and their Choice Privileges rewards program that includes more than 7,000 hotels around the world across 22 different brand hotels.

Located at 186 Capital Circle Northeast, the Tallahassee hotel has 93 rooms ranging from studio to two-bedroom units. The hotel has a fitness center and a laundry facility.

Alluxsuites at 1876 offers what they call “business-friendly amenities,” including a larger room for corporate events and small business meetings.

Each suite also comes business ready, with large workstations and stylish decor aimed toward both business and leisure travelers.

All rooms feature complete kitchens with a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, oven, stove, and dishwasher. The hotel website lauds luxurious bedding with crisp linens, thick mattresses, custom comforters, and fluffy pillows.

The hotel celebrates Tallahassee’s legacy with three colleges and a rich history at Florida’s capital by incorporating artwork that reflects the vibrant heritage and culture. Pieces are featured in every room, offering what the hotel calls “a nostalgic journey through the city’s past and present.”

All of this comes with an upscale atmosphere at a competitive price and a promise of “comfort without compromise.”

While open for business, the hotel is still going through a multiphased renovation to update suites and the entire facility, which includes plans for a restaurant and an on-site bar. They hope to open the 1876 Bar & Grille by the summer of this year.

The hotel describes the new dining spot as a “relaxing dining experience” and “offering a diverse menu in a comfortable setting,” which will feature an outdoor dining patio and firepits for unwinding under the stars. The varied menu offers classic burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and salads. They also plan to serve premium dishes, including ribeye steaks, filet mignon, seafood, and pasta, as well as a breakfast menu.

The hotel is pet friendly for up to two pets per room at 50 pounds or less per pet. They do charge a $100 fee per pet, per stay. Parking and high-speed internet are free. The hotel is a smoke-free property.

“Alluxsuites at 1876 reflects our belief that today’s travelers—whether students, professionals, or families,” Vora says, “deserve style, flexibility, comfort, and modern-day conveniences without compromise.” ▪

Tourism is Florida’s No. 1 economic engine, and in Walton County, it plays an especially pivotal role. The scenic 30A corridor is not just a beloved stretch of sugar-white sand and turquoise water; it’s also home to a tourism ecosystem largely built on vacation rentals. Unlike other destinations with an abundance of hotels, this market is predominantly made up of short-term rentals. Of the roughly 20,000 lodging units in Walton County, the vast majority are single-family homes, condos, or townhomes.

That means the health of the region’s tourism sector—and the broader economy—rests heavily on the shoulders of vacation rental operators.

“Tourism is the largest economic driver for Walton County,” says Matt Algarin, CDME, TMP, tourism director of Walton County Tourism. “We have to replace 10 to 15 percent of our visitors every year just through natural attrition. With more inventory entering the market annually, it’s more important than ever that operators elevate their game.”

To meet the expectations of discerning 30A visitors with household income of $175,000-plus, elevating the guest experience has become the name of the game in 2024. According to Walton County Tourism, visitation dropped 7.5 percent from 2023 to 2024, from 5,170,700 to 4,782,600 visitors. And while this dip follows a pandemic-era tourism boom, it marks a noticeable correction in the market.

“People are traveling again internationally, so it’s not surprising to see this normalization,” says Algarin. “But when you add thousands of new rental units to the market each year, supply starts to outpace demand.”

This surplus has fueled competition and sparked innovation. Among the most resilient players is Homeowner’s Collection, a property management company exclusive to Seaside, Florida. Founded in 2013, the company comprises 200 properties and is wholly owned by Seaside homeowners. General manager Amy Wise-Coble says the business model is unique in the U.S.

“Each homeowner purchases a share of stock and receives a membership credit annually based on company profits,” Wise-Coble explains. “Last year alone,we returned $650,000 to our members. That structure creates true alignment.”

Wise-Coble, a seasoned professional with three decades of experience, also helped launch the 30A Professional Operators Alliance, a collective of property managers representing over 2,500 homes. The alliance aims to encourage consistency, responsibility, and alignment among operators on 30A.

“We’ve tackled big issues like teen curfews during spring break, and we’re now collaborating with county leaders on waste management ordinances and short-term rental regulations,” she says. “If we want to maintain the integrity of 30A as a premier destination, we must act collectively.”

Cheryl Moodie, founder of The All Seasons Collection 30A in Rosemary Beach, knows the market intimately. A former Ritz-Carlton general manager, Moodie has spent the last 15 years curating a boutique portfolio of high-end properties in Rosemary Beach.

“We were spoiled post-COVID,” Moodie says. “Demand surged, prices surged, and owners got used to that. But the market has corrected. Guests are smarter, more price-sensitive, and have more options.”

Moodie says her company has weathered this correction by staying focused: “We don’t manage more than 40 homes. I stay exclusive to Rosemary. That allows us to check every home three times before a guest arrives. We’re relentless about quality.”

The experience of Jamie Potlock, a longtime visitor from Houston, Texas, underscores the importance of that quality. Potlock has been coming to the 30A area for more than 30 years and has been a loyal guest of The All Seasons Collection 30A for at least six.

“We would not stay anywhere else,” she says. Her loyalty to Moodie’s properties was cemented after a poor experience with another company left her family arriving late to a rental that was dirty and unprepared. A recommendation led her to Moodie. “She told me, ‘Give me 30 minutes,’ and the house we walked into was absolutely five-star,” Potlock recalls. “Every home she manages, I’ve offered to buy.”

Potlock says it’s the little things that keep her coming back—like a staff member delivering ice daily when an ice maker broke or quickly resolving Wi-Fi issues. “Cheryl just has true standards in her business, and she is consistent with those standards,” she says. “We’ve rented homes all over the world, and no one meets Cheryl’s level.”

Potlock typically visits two or three times a year, often with friends or family, and appreciates the area’s walkability and beauty. “The beach is gorgeous and has spoiled us for any other beach,” she says.

She also acknowledges the region’s growing pains. “There’s always some traffic, and we just avoid the July 4th week because it’s so busy. We prefer it quieter, and 30A is very walkable and bikeable, so it balances out.”

Both Moodie and Wise-Coble acknowledge that service is no longer just about clean sheets and clear instructions. It’s about delivering experiences.

“Today’s traveler expects more,” says Algarin. “Whether it’s access to beach gear, LSVs [low speed vehicles], or a private chef experience, operators must look beyond the house itself. They need to offer a lifestyle.”

Yet challenges persist. The beach access debate—fueled by the state’s customary use law—has created confusion among visitors. Private beach signs, social media misinformation, and shifting regulations have left some guests frustrated.

“Ironically, we’re not really having trouble getting guests to the beach,” Wise-Coble says. “It’s more of a PR problem. Confusion creates hesitation.”

Algarin agrees, “We’re commissioning a survey this spring to ask non-returning visitors why they haven’t come back. We think beach access may be part of it, but so is traffic, parking, and cost.”

Despite headwinds, the outlook remains optimistic. “I believe we’re entering a new normal, and that’s okay,” Moodie explains. “Those who adapt—who elevate the guest experience and communicate clearly—will endure.”

For the seasoned professionals shaping the future of 30A’s vacation rental market, this moment isn’t about survival. It’s about refinement. In the ever-shifting tides of tourism, it’s clear: Thriving in this market is about offering a total guest experience. Finding innovative ways to provide a taste of luxury with a side of adventure will attract more people to 30A. ▪

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, a premier destination along Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast, proudly announces the completion of its extensive $35M property-wide renovation, coinciding with the resort’s 40th anniversary of welcoming guests. This multi-phased refurbishment, which began in the fall of 2022, encompasses a comprehensive upgrade of the resort’s accommodations, amenities and dining experiences.

“We are thrilled to reveal the final results of our property-wide refresh,” said Angelina Covington, general manager of Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. “Our goal has always been to modernize and elevate the guest experience while maintaining the exceptional service and hospitality our visitors expect. The completed renovations bring a new level of comfort and sophistication to our resort as we step into the next era of creating an enhanced getaway.”

The first phase of the renovation introduced a complete redesign of all 590 rooms and suites across the resort’s two towers, Emerald and Spa. Each guest room now features a contemporary coastal aesthetic with warmer blues and crisp whites, designed to enhance the natural light and create a serene ambiance. Family-friendly amenities, such as a bunk bed enclave, motion-sensored lighting, upgraded charging stations and deluxe vanity stations, ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for guests of all ages.

Building on the success of the initial phase, the second and third phases of the renovation focused on revitalizing the resort’s six on-site dining outlets, three swimming pools, beachfront deck space and the full-service Serenity by the sea Spa. Each dining outlet has been redesigned to offer a unique culinary experience, blending local flavors with contemporary cuisine. The pools and deck space now feature enhanced lounging areas and improved accessibility, perfect for relaxation and socializing. In addition to the revamped setting, Serenity by the sea Spa has launched new features, including touchless wellness, which uses cutting-edge technology to offer an individualized experience.

The resort’s meeting spaces have also undergone significant upgrades to better accommodate corporate groups, weddings and special events. With state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, flexible room configurations and stylish décor, these refreshed rooms provide the ideal setting for any occasion, from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences.

Hilton Sandestin Beach has long been renowned for creating unforgettable experiences for guests. With the completion of the renovations, the resort is poised to continue this tradition, offering an elevated level of luxury and comfort. The refreshed property aims to attract new visitors while delighting returning guests with its updated features and services.

“The feedback from our guests has been overwhelmingly positive,” added Covington. “We look forward to welcoming travelers from around the world and providing them with an exceptional beachfront getaway.”

For more information on the resort and onsite offerings, visit www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com or call 1-850-267-9500.

About Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, managed by Sandcastle Resorts & Hotels, is located on the sugar-white sands and emerald-green waters of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast near Destin in South Walton, Florida. Northwest Florida’s largest full-service beachfront resort hotel boasts 590 spacious accommodations, more than 62,500 square feet of award-winning meeting and event space, a world-class spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, six on-site seasonal dining venues — including the Emerald Coast’s only AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse — abundant resort recreation options, access to championship golf courses and close proximity to the area’s best attractions. For more information on the premier hotel, visit HiltonSandestinBeach.com, or stay updated with its latest news and promotions on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Hotel Effie, the 250-room boutique hotel located at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, announced today that it has become a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection. As a newly minted member of the Autograph Collection, Hotel Effie enters the brand’s unique portfolio of diverse and dynamic properties, with more than 295 hotels globally. Carefully selected for hotels’ thoughtful vision and passion, each Autograph Collection property creates a singular and special guest experience through its inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality.

“We are thrilled to be a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s distinguished Autograph Collection,” said Sara Becnel, president at Sandestin Investments LLC. “By tapping into the millions of Marriott Bonvoy loyalty members while allowing Hotel Effie to continue to immerse travelers in its unique brand story, we believe that the Autograph Collection affiliation will position the hotel perfectly for future success.”

Located within the 50-year-old Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Hotel Effie is part of a family legacy. Named after owner Tom Becnel’s grandmother, Hotel Effie exemplifies all the charm and personality of its namesake as the ultimate hostess. Hotel Effie welcomes guests as part of the family, serving her homemade chocolate cookies, iced tea and her signature biscuits within the hotel’s food and beverage outlets. Known as the ultimate Southern hostess, Hotel Effie offers refined Southern taste, feminine charm, savvy social grace and authenticity.

The 250 guest rooms are styled with a vision to create a relaxing space for guests to lay their heads and feel right at home. Boasting a coastal color palette to create a soothing oasis, thoughtful details like multiple vanities with natural light and electric mirrors, oversized rooms for extra space and comfort, hydration stations located on each floor with water carafes in every room and bulk amenities by LATHER, for a greener approach, the rooms are sure to delight. Some rooms and suites offer spacious balconies and views of the Choctawhatchee Bay, whereas others offer gorgeous resort views, one just as beautiful as the other.

Hotel Effie’s signature restaurant, Ovide, embraces the local food and cherished flavors of the Gulf Coast and presents them with a sophisticated and refreshing style. Ovide has its own identity and atmosphere yet feels at home within the ground floor’s open format. Helmed by Executive Chef Juan Bochenski, Ovide serves a diverse menu that highlights the fresh, forward flavors and local seafood of the Gulf Coast.

Hotel Effie’s signature rooftop is home to Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge, which has a full menu of poolside bites, wine, craft cocktails and bottle service served daily. The rooftop pool has a stylish vibe and amazing views of the resort, Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. As Northwest Florida’s only hotel rooftop pool, Ara’s open-air event environment is ideal for relaxing poolside vibes, providing chill music by day and up-tempo beats by night. Interactive game space allows for competitive fun and creates a vibrancy for the overall experience. Highlights include luxury cabanas and chaise loungers on the pool perimeter.

The hotel’s wellness center, Spa Lilliana, welcomes guests with a tranquil pampering experience featuring ten spacious and well-appointed treatment rooms. Guests start their journey when the elevator doors open to reveal floor-to-ceiling, mother-of-pearl walls bathed in warm candlelight. Innovative facial treatments from Paris-based Biologique Recherche are offered, in addition to an array of organic treatments by OSEA. More recently, Spa Lilliana introduced new exclusive treatments featuring award-winning products such as the transformative LYMA Laser, luxurious Miriam Quevedo hair and scalp care and the multifaceted Hydrafacial MD.

Guests at Hotel Effie have access to the full complement of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort amenities including more than seven miles of pristine beaches and bayfront, four championship golf courses, 12 world-class HydroGrid clay and three hard tennis courts, six pickleball courts, a 226-slip marina and an additional 65,000 square feet of meeting space. Additionally, the Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife, is located within walking distance of Hotel Effie.

Rates at Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection start from $299. For more information, please visit www.hoteleffie.com.

About Autograph Collection® Hotels

Autograph Collection Hotels advocates for the original, championing the individuality of each of its over 295 independent hotels located in the most desirable destinations across 50 countries and territories. Each hotel is a product of passion, inspired by a clear vision, soul, and story that makes it individual and special: Exactly Like Nothing Else. Hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality, Autograph Collection properties offer rich immersive moments that leave a lasting imprint. For more information, please visit www.autographhotels.com, and explore on social via Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to be inspired by immersive moments that are #ExactlyLikeNothingElse. Autograph Collection is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Highgate

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in major U.S. gateway cities, including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu, with a growing footprint in Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. The hospitality forward company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate has a proven record of developing its diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts with contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle, Waikiki and London. For more information, visit highgate.com.

About Hotel Effie Sandestin

Hotel Effie, situated on Florida’s Emerald Coast, features 250 guest rooms and suites, four culinary concepts, including the hotel’s signature restaurant Ovide, offering a refined approach to coastal flavors and upscale design, the luxury Spa Lilliana, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and Ara Rooftop & Pool Lounge—the only hotel rooftop pool on Florida’s Emerald Coast. The hotel also features 20,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 13,000-square-foot ballroom. Guests have access to the full complement of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort amenities, including more than seven miles of pristine beaches and bayfront, four championship golf courses, 12 world-class HydroGrid clay and three hard tennis courts, six pickleball courts, a 226-slip marina and an additional 65,000 square feet of meeting space. Included in each stay, enjoy bike and kayak rentals, beach parking, free tennis court time and discounted resort golf rates. Additionally, the Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife, is located within walking distance of Hotel Effie. Visit hoteleffie.com to learn more, and follow the hotel on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Hotel Effie Sandestin, a distinguished luxury property located within Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, is thrilled to announce its latest partnership with Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI). This collaboration is set to redefine luxury experiences and further elevate Hotel Effie’s portfolio of exceptional offerings for event and travel enthusiasts.

ALHI serves as a global sales organization (GSO) for its exclusive membership of the world’s most distinguished independently operated or owned hotels and resorts, cruise ships, and destination management companies within the meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition (MICE) marketplace. With a dedicated GSO team of nearly 80 professionals located among 26 offices across North America and Europe, ALHI delivers personalized service and connectivity to a select membership of over 250 luxury properties located worldwide.

“ALHI is such a distinguished name in the luxury industry,” said Laurie Frank, executive director of sales for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and Hotel Effie. “Our partnership with ALHI brings a wealth of experience and a portfolio of prestigious brands that align perfectly with the exclusivity and genuine hospitality that define Hotel Effie. This opens up new horizons for meeting planners who are accustomed to unprecedented levels of service and sophistication, who are looking for a unique venue for their next meeting or event. We couldn’t be more excited about this, knowing that we can take our group and guest offerings to new heights, making every meeting or stay at Hotel Effie a memorable one.”

The partnership between Hotel Effie Sandestin and ALHI is a testament to their shared commitment to providing impeccable services, ensuring every event and travel experience exceeds expectations.

For more information about Hotel Effie Sandestin and Associated Luxury Hotels International, please visit HotelEffie.com and ALHI.com.

About Associated Luxury Hotels International

Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) serves as a global sales organization (GSO) for its exclusive membership of the world’s most distinguished independently operated or owned hotels and resorts, cruise ships and destination management companies within the meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition (MICE) marketplace. With a dedicated GSO team of nearly 80 professionals located among 26 offices across North America and Europe, ALHI delivers personalized service and connectivity to a select membership of over 250 luxury properties located worldwide. For more information, visit ALHI.com.

About Hotel Effie Sandestin

Hotel Effie, situated on Florida’s Emerald Coast, features 250 guest rooms and suites, four culinary concepts, a luxury spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center and the only hotel rooftop pool on Florida’s Emerald Coast. The hotel also features 20,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 13,000-square-foot ballroom. Guests have access to the full complement of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort amenities, including more than 7 miles of pristine beaches and bayfront, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, a 226-slip marina and an additional 85,000 square feet of meeting space. Additionally, the Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife, is located within walking distance of Hotel Effie. In 2023, Hotel Effie received the coveted AAA Four-Diamond designation. To learn more, visit HotelEffie.com or follow @HotelEffie. | #HotelEffie