PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., January 16, 2018 – At the end of a record-breaking year, with bed tax collections up over 13 percent for the fiscal year, Visit Panama City Beach is highlighting new plans for developments that will continue to enhance the destination. 2017 has seen hotel brands including Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International and InterContinental Hotels Group amongst others invest millions of dollars in accommodation upgrades and new projects in Panama City Beach. Further investment has added to the destination’s growing reputation as a Gulf Coast hot spot for family vacations.

“We’re excited for all of the development coming to our destination in 2018 and beyond,” shares Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe. “The plans for these new properties and attractions prove that we are moving into a bright future as we celebrate our position as a year-round destination.”

Below is an overview of new developments occurring in Panama City Beach:

Opening in 2018, a 200-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott will include a lazy river and more family-friendly amenities. The beachfront property is poised to be a favorite for families as well as business travelers seeking a little fun and sun on the job.

The St. Joe Company and InterMountain Management have announced a joint venture to develop a hotel in the extensive shopping and entertainment district of Pier Park. The current plan is for the property to be branded as a TownePlace Suites hotel.

Spring 2018 will see the grand opening of Skywheel, an observation wheel that will rise more than 200 feet above the Gulf of Mexico. Located in Pier Park, this Ferris wheel-style attraction will give riders 360-degree panoramic views of Panama City Beach from the safety of a climate controlled, glass-enclosed gondola. At the bottom of the structure families will be able to enjoy a ropes course, three-story zip line, miniature golf course and refreshments.

A world-class Sports Park has recently been given final approval and is slated to open in early 2019. This complex will include a number of rectangular and multi-purpose sports fields, baseball diamonds, a vending row and a boardwalk where families can relax. Once completed it will be one of the largest complexes of its kind in the Southeast and a welcome home for all kinds of sports tournaments.

The 152-room beachfront Chateau Motel is currently developing a full-service family resort on property that will include a convention center, luxury spa, fitness center, parking deck, various food service facilities and more, to open in 2019.

For more information on Panama City Beach visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.