Tourism in Pasco County has been flourishing, with this year holding the highest number of visitors since the recession.

Almost half a million people live in Pasco County and the county has been seeing the same number of visitors each year, doubling its population. Tourism experts expect those numbers to continue to grow.

This year the county raked in $811,000 from its hotel and bed tax. Which is only $30,000 off from its record year in 2007. It attributes some of its success to expanding its marketing efforts as well as partnering better with attractions and events.

Over the years the county has focused on becoming a premier sports destination. It is now coupled with a new theme “play to your strengths.”

“We go from our coastal casual, with our we like to say butts in boats, and we’re going into our butts on bikes so that people can come here and do bike vacations,” said tourism manager, Ed Caum. “We also are working really hard to have a farm to table effort with our local hoteliers.”

The county says hotel room rates are also up from just last year.

The new data is leading up to a new strategic plan for tourism that will outline future goals for the county.