TOURISM TALK: Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Peter Cranis Provides Update, Rapid Growth in Brevard County
By Space Coast Daily // June 16, 2025
24 new hotels to open in Brevard County between 2025-2028
WATCH: Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Peter Cranis visited the Space Coast Daily TV studios on Friday to provide an update on the tourism industry and the rapid growth it is bringing to Brevard County.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Peter Cranis visited the Space Coast Daily TV studios on Friday to provide an update on the tourism industry and the rapid growth it is bringing to Brevard County.
The Space Coast Office of Tourism continues to see strong performance across key economic and visitor metrics as the region expands its hotel inventory, strengthens its affordability messaging, and leverages its unique appeal as a rocket launch destination.
During a recent interview on Space Coast Daily TV, Executive Director Peter Cranis highlighted several initiatives and trends shaping the tourism landscape along Florida’s Space Coast.
Hotel Growth on the Horizon
According to data shared during the interview, the Space Coast is set to welcome a wave of new hotels through 2028.
Three new hotels opened in 2024, and another seven are expected in 2025, bringing over 1,000 new rooms online.
The growth continues with three more in 2026, nine in 2027—adding more than 1,600 rooms—and five more in 2028.
Tourism Tax Revenue Trends Upward
Tourism Development Tax revenue also continues to rise, with the 2024–2025 fiscal year outpacing the previous year in several key months.
March saw the highest revenue, nearing $3.2 million. Cranis noted that ongoing marketing efforts, combined with major space launch events and seasonal campaigns, are helping maintain strong occupancy and spending levels.
This year’s summer campaign, running April 28 through August 15 with a $3.65 million budget, is targeting affluent but budget-conscious travelers.
Messaging such as “Affordable Affluence” and “See More for Less” emphasizes the destination’s value without compromising on experience.
Target audiences include Millennial and Gen X families and couples without children, particularly those with household incomes between $100K and $250K.
Rocket Launches a Major Draw
Rocket launches remain a significant tourism driver. A recent visitor tracking study found that 41% of overnight visitors cited a rocket launch attempt as their primary reason for visiting.
These guests stayed an average of 4.8 nights and spent over $3,100 per travel party.
Top feeder markets outside Florida included Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, and California.
Day Visitor Patterns and Cruise Connections
A separate study on day visitors revealed that 74% traveled for leisure, with 58% visiting the beach and nearly half attending rocket launches.
The average day visitor spent $239 per day, and notably, one in seven also took a cruise during their trip, underlining the Space Coast’s appeal as a pre- or post-cruise destination.
Cranis also spotlighted the 2025–2026 Marketing Support Program (MSP), which is offering up to $740,000 in total funding for cultural and sporting event organizers. The application window closes June 9 at 9 a.m.
As the Space Coast builds on its momentum with new infrastructure, strategic marketing, and space-related tourism, officials remain optimistic about continued growth and economic impact in the years ahead.
