April 2026 Industry Newsletter - Notes from the CEO
Dear Tourism Partner,
as we welcome April, I want to thank you once again for your continued commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across Southeast Volusia. With spring in full swing and our peak season underway, the energy and activity across our communities — from the beaches to the downtowns — is a strong reflection of the work you put in every day.
We’re seeing steady visitation, strong week day demand, and positive engagement with our destination across digital and social platforms. Travelers are seeking meaningful, memorable getaways, and the New Smyrna Beach Area continues to stand out for its balance of natural beauty, coastal charm, and authentic local flavor.
April Highlights
This month brings a full lineup of events that support visitation and drive community pride:
- New Smyrna Beach Food Festival (April 16): Always a crowd favorite, this event brings thousands to Flagler Avenue to sample the best from local restaurants. It’s a great opportunity to showcase our culinary scene and create positive first impressions for first-time visitors.
- Classic Cars on Canal and Farmers Market: These recurring events continue to create a vibrant downtown experience and keep foot traffic flowing for local markets.
- Mike Martin Pro/Am Surf & Skate Festival (April 9–12): A standout spring event celebrating New Smyrna Beach’s surf culture, drawing competitors and spectators while supporting local businesses.
Looking Ahead
As we begin preparing for the summer season, we’ll continue our efforts in the following areas:
- Collaborative Promotions: Our team is working on new summer marketing campaigns that spotlight family travel, water activities, and hidden gems across Southeast Volusia. If you’re offering summer packages, experiences, or specials, let us know so we can help amplify.
- Sustainable Tourism Initiatives: With increased visitation comes increased responsibility. We’re focused on messaging that encourages respectful use of our natural resources, and we’ll be expanding signage and digital materials around beach care, trail use, and eco-responsibility.
-
Beachside Chat - Industry Engagement: June 24th at 9:30 AM, we will be hosting a partner update session at the Coronado Civic Center with the CEO of Visit Florida and the NSBAVB Team. This session will share updates, upcoming opportunities, and the Semiquincentennial (250th Anniversary) initiatives. Please RSVP to [email protected] by June 10th.
A Reminder
Tourism continues to play a central role in the vitality of Southeast Volusia — not just economically, but culturally and socially. Every visitor interaction is a chance to build long-term loyalty, and every event is a platform to tell our story more fully.
Thank you for your continued partnership and professionalism. Together, we’re not only promoting a destination — we’re shaping the experience of what it means to visit and enjoy New Smyrna Beach and the surrounding communities.
Keep Traveling,
