History

The Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council (TDC) was established by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners in 1981. In 1982, Palm Beach County enacted its first tourist tax and created a Tourist Development Plan for spending the revenues generated by the tax. The tourist tax, commonly known as the “bed tax,” is levied on lodging room nights in the County for a term of six months or less.  

Discover Palm Beach County, the original name of what is now known as Discover The Palm Beaches, was formed in 1983 as a nonprofit entity. One of the original marketing and advertising statements created in this time was Palm Beach County, Florida The Best of Everything. DTPB continues to operate today under a contract with Palm Beach County to provide tourism marketing services under the County’s Tourist Development Plan and receives funding from a portion of the “bed tax” collected in the County. DTPB’s Board of Directors provides supervision over DTPB affairs.

Discover The Palm Beaches is only one of the non-profit tourism organizations acting under contract to the County. The Tourist Development Council whose responsibility is contract oversight of the agencies funded by the “bed tax,” also acts as a liaison between the agencies and the Board of County Commissioners. The other agencies under the umbrella of the TDC are the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission, and the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.

Mission

Grow The Tourism Economy

Strategic Goals

Strengthened Brand Awareness & Marketing Expanded Meetings & Events Champion Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Ensured Organizational Sustainability Improved Alignment & Community Engagement

Brand Promise

The Palm Beaches are America’s First Resort Destination.  The community where genuine hospitality is a way of life and the diversity of travel experiences is matched by the warmth of its coastal communities. It is Florida’s finest travel experience.

DTPB Board of Directors, 2022-2023

The Board of Directors is that group of persons vested with the management of the business and affairs of this Corporation, subject to the law, the Articles of Incorporation, and these Bylaws.

Officers/Executive Committee

Officers

Chairman Mr. Jason Emmett, Owner, Paradigm Hospitality Group  

Vice Chair Mr. Peter Yesawich, Vice Chairman Emeritus, MMGY Global

Secretary/Treasurer Mr. Mohamed Elbanna, Global Head of Workplace Operations, Citadel

Executive Committee Members

Mr. Troy McLellan, President/CEO  Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce

Mr. James Hansen, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Hotel Equities

Immediate Past Chair

Ms. Rita Barreto, President, Top Tier Leadership

DTPB Board of Directors

At-Large Members

Mr. Bruce Shulman, Stragtegic Advisor Northstar Travel Group

Ms. Ethel Issacs Williams, Legal/Business Consultant 

Mr. Kenneth R. Kennerly, Executive Director / President & CEO, The Honda Classic/K2 Sports Ventures, LLC

Mr. Tim Nardi, General Manager/Managing Director Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

Mr. David Keamy, Executive Director Sales, Ocean Properties

Community Members

Mr. Rick Rose, Proprieter Palm Beach Vacation Rentals   

Ms. Mary Lou Bedford, President and CEO,  Central Palm Beach County Chamber   

Mr. Brandon Cabrera, President, The Brandx Company

OPEN

Ex Officio

Ms. Erica Kasel, President Kasel Consulting

Mr. Jack Lighton, Founder, Jack Lighton Consulting, LLC 

Mr. Bernardo Neto, General Manager The Ben – An Autograph Collection Hotel

Dr. Peter Ricci, Director, Hospitality & Tourism Management,  Florida Atlantic University (FAU)

TDC Liaison

Jim Mostad, Senior Vice President, Sales The Breakers

Our various districts collectively bring together urban and suburban regions, along with natural waterways, lakes, Everglades, and Atlantic Ocean that grace The Palm Beaches. These are all part of our identity and brand, as represented in our Palmscape logo. 

To learn more about our marketing initiatives view our 2023 Destination Marketing Plan.