Coastal Vision 3000 Chairman Says New Airlift Is Game-Changer for "THE Beach" Region

DESTIN, Fla., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Coastal Vision 3000 / "THE Beach" Chairman Buddy Runnels applauded Southwest Airlines' announcement Wednesday of its intent to serve Northwest Florida beginning in May 2010 when the new Northwest Florida - Panama City International Airport opens. The nation's leading low-fare carrier will fly twice-daily nonstop service from Northwest Florida to four yet-to-be-named U.S. gateways.

Calling the announcement "a real game-changer for tourism and economic development in Northwest Florida," Runnels said, "The Northwest Florida business community has a lot to be proud of as we came together and worked as one towards this end goal."

Community delegations across the region have advocated for Southwest service for many years. These efforts have included the development of a range of community-based incentive packages, commitments of marketing support and a pledge to serve as a true regional partner for the airline.

"Coastal Vision's focus has been on bringing low-cost service and more competitive airfares to Northwest Florida," said Runnels. "Southwest Airlines was interested in Northwest Florida as a regional destination and the new airlift will be supported through promotion of the regional halo brand, 'THE Beach.'"

In its effort to put Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast on the national tourism stage, Coastal Vision 3000 created "THE Beach," "a celebration of our amazing white sand beaches, our sweet tea hospitality and our wonderful way of life," added Runnels.

In the weeks ahead Coastal Vision 3000 will be reaching out to businesses, the military, organizations and community groups to discuss the ways we can support and grow low-cost service.

Southwest Airline tickets to and from Panama City will go on sale in December. For more information on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, visit www.TheBeachFLA.com.

About Coastal Vision 3000

Coastal Vision 3000 is a membership organization of regional stewards representing tourism and economic development interests in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf and Franklin counties. Business and community leaders established the organization to create a consistent, branded identity for the seven-county region to increase national and international awareness, support local tourism and economic development professionals, and grow this market. For more information, visit www.thebeachfla.com.

SOURCE Coastal Vision 3000

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