Brevard County has long been regarded as one Florida’s most popular vacation destinations, but the future of tourism in this coastal community could literally skyrocket, according to plans by space experts.

Led by NASA, plans for the nation’s premier space-launch facility include commercial development concepts that will provide visitors the chance to experience and travel through space. From the already successful space camps and supersonic-transportation programs, space tourism is a growing market unique to Central Florida and in keeping with Brevard County’s high-tech pioneer spirit.

“Space tourism is no longer the stuff of science fiction,” explains County Commissioner Truman Scarborough. “It’s here, and we’re expecting to see it grow significantly as NASA and other space entities develop new possibilities for civilians to experience.”

“Our community’s mix of nature and innovation is what makes Brevard County unique and so critical to the viability of the Central Florida region,” says Scarborough, “and with the potential to create a new tourism industry in space, we will become even more reliant on the region.”

Like much of Central Florida, tourism is what drives Brevard’s economy—something elected officials like Scarborough and business leaders became more aware of after September 11. And it’s why Scarborough, a longtime high-profile champion of his community, has made such a strong commitment to the myregion.org initiative.

“We’re showing strong support for myregion.org because it’s unique, innovative and I believe a smart way to protect what we value here in Brevard County and the rest of the region,” Scarborough said.

As a tourist destination, Brevard County—known as Florida’s “Space Coast”— offers a unique blend of space-age technology and unspoiled nature. In a single day, visitors can enjoy its 72 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches and man’s cutting-edge search into space at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC).

Brevard County’s character and appeal to visitors from around the world is invaluable to the heart of Central Florida. Visitors can enjoy fishing and surfing at Sebastian Inlet. The county’s Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge comprises 140,000 acres and is home to more than 500 species of animals and birds including alligators, bobcats, otters, sea turtles, dolphins and pelicans. The refuge shelters 21 federal and state-listed endangered and threatened species, including manatees and bald eagles. Visitors can also take advantage of surf at Canaveral National Seashore, which is home to the last undeveloped 20-mile stretch of beach in the state.

Meanwhile, more than 2.2 million people pursue the secret of the universe and visit the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), which recently completed a $130-million redevelopment program that enhanced its attractions and facilities. One of KSC’s most popular attractions,the Astronaut Encounter Program, provides an opportunity for visitors to interact with astronauts, see space artifacts, view video footage and hear mission briefings and personal stories of space travel by space sojourners.

The ultimate experience offered at KSC—to have an unobstructed view of a live space shuttle launch from a viewing site just 6 miles from the launch pads on otherwise-restricted NASA property—is unmatched.

“It’s important visitors understand the impact the space program has had in our daily lives, medicine and business. We think it’s important, too, that Brevard be proud of this heritage, and it’s imperative that this community and region remain committed to that, ” Scarborough said.

He noted that, in addition to the space program and beachside options, Brevard County also features Port Canaveral, the second-largest cruise port in the United States.

“Brevard County is one of Florida’s special treasures,” said Scarborough. “It drives a considerable percentage of the state’s tourist trade because it has something to offer every visitor—all of whom enjoy it so much that they return time and time again,” he said. “It is one of Florida’s precious resources, and it is our goal to continue to nurture it to remain so.”

Data collected at the Community Issues Workshops held in July reveal that our region competes globally in two distinctive areas—tourism and space—and it was tourists’ desire to get here that built this region. If you want to learn more about how our region’s tourism competes in the global marketplace, go to www.myregion.org to review the Tourism meeting notes.

Photo courtesy Florida's Space Coast.