2/29/25 @ 1:00 p.m. 

Congratulations to the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (AICVB) for winning five awards for travel marketing excellence by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International during their annual Adrian Awards Celebration on February 18, 2025. The Adrian Awards, now in their 68th year, are the largest and most prestigious competition in global travel marketing. The Amelia Island CVB received a Silver Award, three Bronze Awards, and a Silver-Best of Category Award, indicating its commitment to innovative, award-winning tourism marketing.

To see the Press Release related to this prestigious award, please click here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

Press Release
Britney Guertin
Hayworth Public Relations
(386) 677-7000 x 4
[email protected]

​Amelia Island Restaurant Week Now Features Signature Dishes and Deals
Make reservations now at one of 21 local participating restaurants 
​
Widely known for its culinary diversity and excellence, Amelia Island is featuring a new recipe for its annual Amelia Island Restaurant Week (Jan. 17-26). This year’s 10-day, island-wide culinary celebration will now serve up great savings on designated signature dishes and offer a variety of deals from 21 local restaurants. Those eager to start making reservations can browse participating restaurants, featured signature dishes and deals, and special event information online at AmeliaIsland.com/Yummy.

This year’s Restaurant Week will showcase 21 restaurants in 10 days – from fine dining to casual to seafood, Mediterranean, pizza and more – allowing locals and visitors alike to enjoy their favorite or try something new. The island-wide campaign is a great opportunity for local restaurants to showcase their signature dishes and fan favorites, enticing diners with great savings. The complete list of restaurants includes:

1928 Cuban Bistro
Arte Pizza
Baba’s Mediterranean
The Boat House
Café Karibo
Cantina Louie
Coast at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
The Crab Trap
David’s Restaurant & Lounge
Duck Pinz
Indigo
Marché Burette at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
The Patio at 5th and Ash
Salt Life Food Shack
The Salty Pelican Bar & Grill
Sandbar Amelia Island
Scully’s Irish Pub & Eatery
Story & Song Bookstore Bistro
Tidewater Grill at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
V Pizza Fernandina
Verandah at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

*Restaurant Week is sponsored by the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

1/8/25 @ 10:00 a.m.

The Amelia Island Tourist Development Council was proud to sponsor the Duke University Football Welcome Team Dinner on December 29, 2024, for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. During this event, several County Commissioners joined them for the Blessings in a Backpack charitable event in which Duke Football Team packed more than 500 bags for students who are food insecure in Northeast Florida. These bags will stay in Nassau County to support kids at Hilliard Elementary School.

-Sabrina Robertson 
 Communications Officer

10/24/24 @ 5:00 p.m. - The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau has provided 10 "insider tips" for the 10th Annual Dickens on Centre Event taking place in Fernandina Beach December 12-15, 2024. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Britney Guertin with Hayworth Public Relations at (386) 677-7000 ext. 4 or via e-mail at [email protected]. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2024) – Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, with Amelia Island, Florida, voted the No. 4 Top Island in the U.S. The only Florida island recognized in the awards, Amelia Island’s coveted No. 4 ranking puts the destination in the Top Five alongside No. 1 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; No. 2 Kiawah Island, South Carolina; No. 3 Maui, Hawaii; and No. 5 Oahu, Hawaii.

More than 575,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers’ Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest-running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. The full list of winners can be found online.

“We are deeply honored to once again be voted among the best islands in the United States by the well-traveled readers of such a prestigious travel magazine,” said Gil Langley, President of the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This recognition reflects the passion of everyone who lives and works here to create an unforgettable experience for visitors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who voted and invite both new and returning guests to come discover why Amelia Island is a perennial favorite for so many travelers.”

The Omni Amelia Island Resort and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, two of the island’s top-rated resorts, were also recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, being voted No. 4 and No. 14 respectively among the “Best Resorts in Florida.”

The 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website at CNTraveler.com/rca and will be celebrated in the November issue.

About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty.  Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters.  Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts.  The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries.  Forget the everyday getaway; come make memories on Amelia Island.  For visitor information and online planning, visit AmeliaIsland.com.
​
For Condé Nast press inquiries, please contact: [email protected].

MEDIA INFO: Britney Guertin
Hayworth Public Relations
(386) 677-7000 x 4
[email protected]
 
Amelia Island Voted No. 2 “Best Island” by Travel + Leisure Magazine
Amelia Island Makes “World’s Best” List for Sixth Consecutive Year
 
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (July 11, 2024) – Located just off the northeastern coast of Florida, Amelia Island has been voted No. 2 among the “Best Islands in the Continental United States” by readers of
Travel + Leisure magazine, one of the most popular travel publications in the world. This is the sixth consecutive year Amelia Island has made the magazine’s “World’s Best Awards” list, now in its 29th year. Amelia Island’s No. 2 ranking puts the destination in excellent company, including the Golden Isles, Georgia (No. 1), Mackinac Island, Michigan, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, and the Florida Keys. To see a complete list of the World’s Best Islands, visit TravelAndLeisure.com.

“Being voted into the No. 2 spot is a great honor and a testament to the incredible beauty, diverse offerings, and genuine hospitality that really set Amelia Island apart,” said Gil Langley, President of the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The discerning readers of Travel + Leisure also recognize and appreciate the amazing, hard-working locals and industry partners who welcome our visitors and help make Amelia Island one of the world’s best vacation destinations.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, one of the island’s top-rated resorts, was also recognized by the readers of Travel + Leisure, being voted No. 6 among the “Best Resorts in Florida.” To read the list of Florida’s Best Resorts, visit  TravelAndLeisure.com.
​
The World’s Best Awards is a travel awards program run by Travel + Leisure and based on an annual reader survey. The prestigious annual awards honor the top travel destinations, hotels, and companies worldwide. The winners will appear in an upcoming issue of Travel + Leisure magazine and have been released on TravelAndLeisure.com.
 
About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty.  Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters.  Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts.  The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries.  Forget the everyday getaway; come make memories on Amelia Island.  For visitor information and online planning, visit AmeliaIsland.com.

Photo Credit: Deremer Studios

5/10/24 @ 11:30 a.m. - According to a poll from Global Traveler's Magazine, Amelia Island is the best island in the U.S.! This accolade was determined after an eight-month-long survey, reaching 850,000 Global Traveler Readers. 

Click here to see a story published by reporter Noah Hertz of Jacksonville Today. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

11/17/23 @ 8:45 a.m. - At the Board of County Commissioner's meeting held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Gil Langley, President & CEO for the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (AICVB), presented their fourth quarter report which reflected the total economic impact tourism had on Nassau County during the 22/23 fiscal year from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023. 

During his presentation, Mr. Langley reported that in over the last fiscal year, tourism had a total overall economic impact of over $932 million derived from bed taxes and taxable sales. Mr. Langley also provided an update on the AICVB's new marketing strategies and an overview of special events, including an update on this year's Dickens on Centre event. 

Attached is a copy of Mr. Langley's PowerPoint presentation. If you would like to watch his presentation, you can do so by clicking here. 

Note: The AICVB is the managing agency of the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council which was established in 1988 to collect bed taxes for overnight stays on Amelia Island. Funds generated from the TDC are used to promote tourism on Amelia Island, but are also used for beach improvements and cleaning, as well as for various special events that add to the quality of life for Nassau County residents. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

Media Contact: 
​Britney Guertin
Hayworth Public Relations
(386) 677-7000 x4
[email protected] 

9/18/23 @ 1:30 p.m.

During the 2023 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism (Sept. 6-8), the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) won a total of five Flagler Awards for outstanding tourism marketing, including Best of Show. Their second consecutive Best of Show award, the Amelia Island CVB has now won six “Best of” honors, the most of any entrant since the award was introduced in 2005. The CVB took top honors in the Social Media Marketing and Mobile Marketing categories, accepting two Henry Awards and the Best of Show trophy during the award ceremony, Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. The CVB also won two Bronze Awards in the Print Advertising and Radio Advertising categories.

“Once again, our outstanding team has found its way onto the award stage to be recognized among Florida’s best and brightest marketers, taking a well-deserved bow as much for its consistency as its creativity,” said Gil Langley, president and CEO of the Amelia Island CVB. “We’re proud to be honored for our hard work and our commitment to strengthening of our local community through strategic, sustainable tourism.”

A fixture on the Flagler Award podium, the CVB this year won Henry Awards for its Social Media Travel Guides (Social Media Marketing), and for the Amelia Island Weather Trigger campaign (Mobile Marketing), which also won Best of Show. The CVB also won Bronze Awards for the “It’s an Island Thing” campaign (Print Advertising), and its Amelia Island Podcast Advertising (Radio Advertising).

As the state’s annual tourism marketing competition, the Flagler Awards recognize Florida’s travel businesses and organizations that demonstrate outstanding tourism marketing efforts. Each year, the Flagler Awards honor many of the countless individuals and organizations that help position Florida as a premier travel destination and pay tribute to the determined efforts of those who help ensure the continued success of the state’s most important industry.

For more information about Amelia Island, visit AmeliaIsland.com.

8/22/23 @ 11:30 a.m. - The Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (AITDC) has announced that they are seeking applications for an individual to fill a vacancy. The AITDC is a volunteer, citizen-based committee who is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The AITDC is charged with providing recommendations to the BOCC on tourism related matters including, but not limited to, the creation of marketing plans, new product development, and the expenditure of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds. 

In order to be considered for this vacancy, you must: 

• Reside in Nassau County, Florida
• Be a registered voter in Nassau County, Florida
• Be involved in the tourist industry either as an owner or operator of a hotel, motel, recreational vehicle park, or other tourist accommodations on Amelia Island subject to the Tourist Development Tax

To apply for the vacancy, please click here. Applications will be accepted beginning at 8am on Thursday, August 24th - 5pm on Friday, September 22nd. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

7/18/23 @ 11:00 a.m. 

For this Turtle Talk Tuesday, we would like to take a moment to thank our lodging partners for helping us educate visitors about sea turtle nesting and what is being done locally to protect the species. 

We recently visited the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island to see strategies they employ for sea turtle safety which includes placement of signage, double checking that all outdoor lights are turtle friendly, and by securing their courtyard switch so it can’t be turned on by guests during turtle nesting season.
 
Through their two staff environmentalists, they also work hard to ensure that guests are aware of local regulations that enhance sea turtle safety. This includes suspending bonfire activities, ensuring all beach furniture is brought in daily, and by placing informational magazines in the room of all guests educating them on sea turtle nesting season and what they can do to keep our beach safe for nesting sea turtles. 
 
We greatly appreciate the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island for doing their part to protect this wonderful species!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

5/4/23 @ 10:20 a.m. 

At the April 24th meeting, the Board approved Resolution No. 2023-052 proclaiming the week of May 7 - May 13, 2023, as "National Travel & Tourism Week" in Nassau County, Florida. This week has been recognized nationally since 1983 to celebrate the U.S. travel community and travel's essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses, and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day. 

Tourism is extremely important to Nassau County as 26% of our residents rely on tourism in their careers in retail, hospitality, and service industries. In 2022, tourism had an overall economic impact of $907 million, with $618 million total in taxable sales within Nassau County including purchases on gasoline, retail, food, attractions, grocery stores, and more. 

$11.4 million was collected from the 5% Tourist Development Tax on short-term hotel, bed and breakfast and vacation rentals. Funds generated from the Tourist Development Taxes cover 100% of beach cleaning on all of Amelia Island, we well as cleaning of all beachfront park restrooms. Funds are also used to support local programs and events such as Dickens on Centre, Restaurant Week, and the Chamber Music Festival, among others. 

We appreciate our partners at the Tourist Development Council for all they do to make Nassau County a world-class travel destination and for their efforts in enhancing the quality of life for Nassau County residents by boosting of local economy, engaging with the community, and providing a visitor experience that our guests will remember for years to come.

Also, the Amelia Island Convention & Visitor's Bureau has released the 2022 Year in Review which provides valuable insights on the performance of the local tourism industry. It also tells a story about our visitors... where they're from, how they spend their money when visiting, how that money supports local jobs, and the overall impact those dollars have on our County. The 2022 Year in Review can be found here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Office

3/17/23 @ 9:30 a.m. - At the Wednesday, March 15th Board of County Commissioners meeting, Gil Langley, President and CEO of the Amelia Island Convention and Visitor's Bureau, provided a quarterly update on tourism in Nassau County. The presentation included information on visitors to the area, the economic impact of those visitors from sales and bed taxes, and the economic impact of special events including the recent Concours d'Elegance and Restaurant Week. 

To view the presentation, please click here to be directed to the Clerk of Courts website. The presentation can be found under "Tab C". 

The 1st Quarter Report can be found here on the Amelia Island Convention & Visitor Bureau's website. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer