Beaches of South Walton Rewards Late Summer Travelers with $250 Gift Cards

Beaches of South Walton is enticing travelers to visit the scenic Gulf Coast destination during August and September by offering $250 gift cards good for either shopping at Silver Sands Factory Stores or for future travel on Southwest Airlines. To promote the effort, the destination launched www.250reasons.com to show visitors why they should book now.

“Beaches of South Walton is still the place to BE – the place to be inspired, to be rejuvenated, and most of all, to be rewarded,” said Dawn Moliterno, executive director of the Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council. “We know many of our loyal visitors have been concerned about the Gulf oil incident, but our 15 beach communities are open for enjoyment and we’re ready to prove it with this reward.”

Anyone who books three nights or more for a stay by September 30, 2010, will receive either a $250 gift card for shopping at Silver Sands Factory Stores, the nation’s largest designer outlet center, or for future travel on Southwest Airlines, which began service to the destination in May.

Vacationers, who travel to Beaches of South Walton August 13-15, will also be rewarded with Florida’s tax-free holiday for back-to-school items. Silver Sands offers more than 100 factory direct stores with designer merchandise at up to 75 percent off retail price. Whether guests are looking to enhance their wardrobe at stores such as Michael Kors, Juicy Couture, Kenneth Cole New York and Coach or shop for back to school at the Gap, The Children’s Place, Levi’s and Stride Rite, there is something for everyone.

“Whether you’re planning that last summer beach getaway, or are looking to finish your back-to-school shopping, this gives you plenty of reasons to travel,” said Moliterno. “August through September is a great time to visit Beaches of South Walton as the destination features a number of exciting activities, including the annual Autumn Tides celebration that begins September 1.”

Autumn Tides is a three-month celebration of the art, culture, food, and natural surroundings that make this coastal community unique. The program features a line-up of classic and new events for visitors who want to see the colors of fall in a new way. For a full list of fall events, visit www.BeachesofSouthWalton.com.

The rewards program is good only for stays with official Beaches of South Walton lodging partners listed on the accommodations section of the destination’s website. Gift cards will be distributed at the Beaches of South Walton Visitor Information Center to guests with a printed and dated deposit receipt, the paid receipt from their three-night stay, which includes promotional code (BSW250) and valid driver’s license.

Funding for the program is being provided through a grant from BP as part of the destination’s effort to boost late summer travel to the Gulf Coast. For more information about Beaches of South Walton, visit www.BeachesofSouthWalton.com or contact the Visitor’s Center at (800) 822-6877.