Committed to delivering unique and unparalleled experiences that enrich the lives of Citrus County’s visitors and residents
The Citrus County Partners in Tourism (PIT) program provides invaluable exposure to visitors, information and education to hospitality partners throughout Citrus County, the Nature Coast. Whether it’s a hotel, restaurant, tour operator, attraction or service provider, the Citrus County Partners In Tourism team’s primary goals are to connect partners to the valuable spending that visitors bring to ALL of Citrus County and help to grow their businesses. Through effective networking opportunities, targeted advertising, promotional events and industry research and information, the team delivers access to countless ways we are fueling Citrus County’s strong visitor economy.
Tourism is a Vital Economic Driver in Citrus County
Tourism plays a pivotal role in the overall prosperity of Citrus County, impacting nearly every sector of our local economy. It supports a wide range of businesses—from hotels and restaurants to gas stations, grocery stores, attractions, retail shops, and professional services. By generating substantial visitor spending, tourism helps sustain local jobs and drives economic activity across the county. Beyond its direct financial contributions, tourism also offers critical tax relief for residents. The revenue generated through visitor-related spending significantly reduces the need for higher local taxes, easing the financial burden on our community. These economic benefits extend even further by enhancing the county’s appeal as a destination to live, work, and invest. The same natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and quality of life that attract visitors also inspire new residents and businesses to choose Citrus County as their home. Ultimately, a strong and vibrant tourism industry supports community development, sustains infrastructure, and enriches the quality of life for all who live here.
Partner Benefits
When you join Citrus County Partners in Tourism, you join a network of more than 600 dedicated hospitality and tourism businesses who are invested in growing their businesses and Citrus County’s visitor economy as a whole. Below is just a sampling of the types of benefits partners are provided. The team recognizes that each business is different and works to build customized partnerships to meet partner needs.
Partner Events
Citrus County’s Partners in Tourism is consistently working to schedule virtual and in-person opportunities to help partners learn, network and create new and innovative ways to grow their business. Through regular programming like Monthly Mixers, partners get exclusive access to learning about travel trends, Citrus County’s marketing campaigns and what is coming NEXT. In addition, to future events such as Annual Tailgates, Partner Orientation and Partner Appreciation Month connect businesses with fellow partners and the Discover Crystal River (DCRFL) staff through networking opportunities.
Access to Research & Marketing
Discover Crystal River is a data-driven agency with an “In The Know” approach of traveler trends and motivators as well as leading edge tourism industry research. Partners can easily plug into this beneficial stream of data through our digital, virtual and in-person opportunities the program offers. In addition, DCRFL is charged with building destination awareness and driving visitation to Citrus County. Learn how DCRFL is accomplishing this through strategic marketing plans and how businesses can gain visibility through these complementary assets spanning digital content on the website, special campaigns, social media and more.
FAM Tours
At Discover Crystal River, we host dozens of FAM Tours a year to promote our area to a wider audience than we could typically reach on our own. FAM is short for Familiarization – So, a FAM Tour is where we create a trip itinerary for a travel agency, international tour operator, content creator, influencer, podcaster or travel journalist to become familiar with what the county has to offer visitors. Our FAM Tours are always unique as we strive to use a variety of hotels, activities, and restaurants, as well as attraction operators across the county. In most cases, our VIP guests have a large following made up of travel enthusiasts, whether it’s a popular social media influencer, or a well-known publication such as Southern Living. In addition, we bring in travel agents from around the Globe for FAM Tours to better enable them to sell our destination to their clients. When you and your company are part of a FAM Tour, you’ll get featured media coverage that will bring more awareness to your business, reaching a new and wider travel fan base. We would love for you to join us as a preferred partner for our FAM Tours, and you can do that just by joining us for Partners In Tourism. (PIT)
Eco Compliant Partner Program
The Eco Compliant Partner Program (ECPP) was created by Discover Crystal River (DCR) to protect what makes this area truly special, our clear natural springs, the interconnected waterways, and the gentle manatees that inspire people from all over the world to visit. As the Manatee Capital of the World®, we have a responsibility to make sure these encounters are safe, sustainable, and beneficial to the environment.
The Eco Compliant Partner Program recognizes Citrus County tour operators who demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship, guest education, and safety practices that protect our water, wildlife and ecosystem.
This program certifies tour companies that follow eco-friendly practices, combining fun and education with meaningful conservation. Each certified partner meets a set of standards designed to protect manatees and their ecosystem while enhancing the visitor experience.
The list below encompasses the requirements to be approved as an Eco Compliant Partner:
Brick-and-Mortar Location in Citrus County
Valid City/County Business License
In-Water Liability Insurance
In-Water Guide Ratio: 1 Guide per 12 Snorkelers
Passive observation must be practiced and enforced by the in water guide and the boats Captain
Guests Must Watch the Manatee Manners Video On-Site
A shallow water anchoring system must be installed and used
Vessel Identification with Logo, Name, and Phone Number
Participation in or Donation to Two Conservation Projects per Year
Educational Component for Guests
Why It Matters Each of these standards plays a vital role in protecting manatees and their fragile ecosystem. Together, they ensure that manatee encounters are conducted safely, ethically, and sustainably. Visitors enjoy a deeper, more meaningful connection to nature, knowing their experience contributes to conservation. Choosing an Eco Compliant Partner means choosing to be part of the solution. It’s a way to experience the magic of Crystal River while helping ensure that future generations can enjoy it too.
To participate, fill out the application form, email to: info@visitcitrus.com along with all required documentation.
Pick Your Date to Host (Don't Miss out!)
Partners are encouraged to choose a date to be the host for a Partners In Tourism meeting. It's a fabulous way to showcase your business to other leaders in the community. You'll be given space on the schedule to provide a tour for the 25-40 partners that attend, along with time to speak about your business and what you have to offer. Contact us for details when you're interested in being featured during one of our PIT breakfast mixers.
PIT meetings will be held every 3rd Wednesday of each month, from 8:30 am – 10:00 am. First meeting to be hosted by Citrus County Tourism team.
Our Inaugural PIT Event will be held May 15, 2024 at the Florida Cracker Monkey Bar.
2024 Event Dates: Jun. 19, 2024 - PaddleTail Waterfront Lodge Aug. 21, 2024 - Old Courthouse Heritage Museum Sep. 18, 2024 - Friends of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Oct. 16, 2024 - Plantation Resort on Crystal River Nov. 20, 2024 - The Cove Resort & Pub
2025 Event Dates: Jan. 15, 2025 - Aggregation Distillery Feb. 19, 2025 - Homosassa Distillery Mar. 19, 2025 - Oscar Penn's Restaurant Apr. 16, 2025 - Crystal River Airport May 21, 2025 - Sweet Citrus Acres RV Resort Jun. 25, 2025 - Waterfront Adventures Dive Shop Aug. 20, 2025 - Storm Distillery Sep. 17, 2025 - Crystal River KOA Journey Oct. 22, 2025 - Beans and Greens Coffee House Nov. 19, 2025 -
NOTE: There will be no meetings in July or December.
Upload Your Events
Promote your events with us and get the word out! It's easy and quick with our do-it-yourself Events portal.
Reach a highly-qualified, engaged audience planning travel through effective sponsored content on DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com. Connect with locals and visitors looking for things to do, places to eat, attractions and more.
