Visit Sarasota County Takes Visitors Services on the Road

NOvember 27, 2024 | Sarasota

The newest team member at Visit Sarasota County (VSC) has four wheels and a purpose to better educate people visiting and living in our community. Meet AVA, the 18-foot “Area Visitor Assistant” RV, which is hitting the streets from UTC to Manasota to promote local businesses and all Sarasota County has to offer.

AVA was purchased and underwent a full branded makeover in Summer 2024. The vehicle’s exterior displays a comprehensive list of the unique neighborhoods and barrier islands that make up our destination, visuals of popular local attractions, and key branding elements such as Sarasota’s trademark, Florida’s Cultural Coast®. Interested visitors can engage comfortably with VSC volunteers and a library of promotional collateral, including Sarasota’s official visitor guide, inside the RV or under an expansive awning.

A dedicated team of volunteers ensures AVA is present at local sporting events, farmers markets, and other gatherings. These volunteers as well as those who stop by will be able to engage in the shade and comfort due to AVA’s sizable awning and interior space.

“We’re thrilled at all the possibilities AVA unlocks to meet visitors where they are,” said Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. “We know that a visitor educated on all there is to see and experience not only spends more money while here, but also has a greater chance of turning into a repeat visitor – meaning further economic impact for our community. So, needless to say, AVA will be making her rounds – and if you see her, make sure you give her a wave!”

The idea for a mobile visitor center was spearheaded by Duggan’s predecessor, Virginia Haley, former President and CEO of VSC, and team more than 12 years ago. The organization’s original vehicle, the Visitor Information Vehicle (VIV), aimed to engage with tourists where they were – at attractions, events, and accommodations – rather than waiting for them at a brick-and-mortar center.

A network of local businesses helped get AVA on the road. VSC purchased AVA locally from Blue Compass RV, with help from Sales Associate Ron Gollaher. Her interior build-out was completed by Our Van Quest LLC and its owner, Jake Bachowski. Miles Partnership designed the exterior wrap, and SignZoo brought this creative to vision to print. 

The purchase of the new vehicle was approved in 2023 by the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners, who granted VSC generous one-time funding to be used in 2024 from Tourist Development Tax, a 6% tax that is charged to visitors on lodging stays under six months.

For more information on the latest events and festivals in Sarasota County, where AVA may make an appearance, visit www.visitsarasota.com/events-festivals. To request AVA for an upcoming community event or check her schedule, email ava@visitsarasota.org.