'Fall' Into Funds with $200 Emerald Coast Money

DESTIN, Fla. and FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Before vacationers trade swimsuits and sunscreen for sweaters and scarves, Florida's Emerald Coast invites travelers to turn a getaway into a payday with "Emerald Coast Money," re-launching Oct. 7, 2010. Utilizing a portion of a BP grant to fund the travel deal, 5,000 money cards -- each valued at $200 -- were printed for the program. After tremendous success from the original Sept. 17 launch, nearly 3,800 cards remain to be distributed on a first come, first serve basis until all are reserved (www.emeraldmoney.com).

Fall begins "value season" along the Emerald Coast, enticing visitors to capitalize on cash with Emerald Coast Money, presenting a total of one million dollars in debit cards to overnight visitors staying two nights or more, now through Nov. 7, in any of the 200 participating lodging facilities in Okaloosa County. Acclaimed for wallet-friendly adventures, Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island boast entertaining events and attractions. The money cards can be used at any Okaloosa County business, including lodging, restaurants, retailers, recreation, fishing, gas and more - granting all visitors a tailored travel experience.

Visitors adhering to the promotion guidelines obtain cards at the Emerald Coast Visitors Center on Okaloosa Island. One debit card is awarded per guestroom reservation by providing proof of paid accommodations and receipt, along with a photo ID.

In addition to wallet-friendly activities along the Emerald Coast, festive fall events include:

October

• 62nd Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo - Oct. 1-31
• 15th Annual Destin Arts Festival - Oct. 23
• Pumpkinpalooza at HarborWalk Village - Oct. 30

November

• Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting - Nov. 6
• 12th Annual Pin Fish Classic - Nov. 6
• Northwest Florida Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" - Nov. 20-21

Unpretentious, breathtakingly beautiful and named the "No. 1 Beach Town in the South" for 14 consecutive years by the readers of Southern Living, Florida's Emerald Coast is famous for 24 miles of sugar-white sands and emerald-green waters. Year-round, vacationers indulge in simple pleasures – from the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" and spirited seaside celebrations to 1,080 holes of challenging golf and 14,000 Gulf-edged accommodations.

To take advantage of Emerald Coast Money, visit www.emeraldmoney.com or call the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800.322.3319.

SOURCE Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau