Local Tourism Leaders Brand Allegiant Aircraft to Promote Region
The plane will be based out of SRQ Airport and celebrates the longstanding partnership between Visit Sarasota County and the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitor Bureau
SARASOTA, Fla. – (January 16, 2025) – During the ribbon cutting ceremony for Sarasota Bradenton International (SRQ) Airport’s new terminal, Allegiant unveiled a custom marine life-themed aircraft that celebrates the airline’s longstanding partnerships with Visit Sarasota County and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The new design, wrapped on the fuselage of an Airbus A320, showcases the area’s beauty and unique marine life – from star fishes and seashells to splashes of colors emblematic of Florida’s pristine oceans. The aircraft is scheduled to be based at SRQ Airport and will be a key vehicle for promoting tourism across Allegiant’s more than 27 nonstop destinations accessible from SRQ.
Funding for this new design was allocated from Tourist Development Tax, which is a 6% tax charged on lodging stays under six months, and generously approved by the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners in 2023.
“Most people flying through SRQ Airport are visitors, meaning their dollars are helping fuel access to so many destinations – which in turn gives our residents even more options to experience,” said Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. “This branded aircraft is yet another way we’re strengthening our region’s status as a must-experience destination nationally, helping not only invite more visitors but also keep local businesses thriving and residents employed.”
“It is spectacular to see the creative results of the marketing teams at Visit Sarasota County, Bradenton Area CVB, and Allegiant. This aircraft, which will be traveling nationwide, promotes the Sarasota/Bradenton area, its beaches, and the local community. The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is proud to base this exquisitely designed aircraft at our facility and extends its gratitude to Allegiant and the local destination marketing organizations for their collaboration in creating this masterpiece.” stated Rick Piccolo, President, CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
In 2017, Visit Sarasota County, Bradenton Area Conventions & Visitors Bureau, and SRQ Airport created the Airline Marketing Program to incentivize airlines to bring new routes into the area. As flights are secured by the airport and airlines, both tourism bureaus provide marketing dollars to promote Florida’s West Coast in those target markets to build awareness and attract more visitors. Since its inception, the marketing program has highlighted Sarasota and Manatee counties in more than 40 destinations through seven different airline services.
About Visit Sarasota County
Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is the official tourism marketing entity and primary provider of visitor information for Sarasota County where tourism is the top industry. Through programs and partnerships, VSC makes Sarasota County a better place by promoting our community on the world stage. These efforts bring together over 500 partners to keep visitors coming, local businesses open and residents employed all year. VSC is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program, a program of the Destination Management Association International (DMAI). To learn more, visit www.visitsarasota.com.