PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. – The Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) today announces the appointment of Griff Griffitts as President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit Panama City Beach.
Working alongside the Bay County Tourist Development Council and local partners, he will lead the organization’s strategic vision, focused on driving year-round visitation, strengthening economic impact and enhancing quality of life for residents through thoughtful tourism development.
With more than four decades of experience in the hospitality industry, spanning operations, guest experience and long-term business development, Griffitts has gained a deep understanding of what drives a successful tourism economy. His career began in the hotel industry, where he spent 45 years building and managing hospitality businesses, including operating a Panama City Beach-based hotel. He also previously served on the Bay County Tourist Development Council, providing direct insight into how tourism is developed, funded and managed to support responsible growth.
Griffitts brings extensive public service experience to the role, having served as Bay County Commissioner for District 5, representing all of Panama City Beach, as well as in the Florida House of Representatives. His time in these roles positions him to navigate the intersection of government, industry and community, and how local tourism efforts connect to broader policy decisions.
“Panama City Beach is my home; as a third-generation Bay County resident, I have a deep love for the community and am honored to join a talented team of people who truly love this destination and want to see it succeed,” said Griffitts. “I look forward to advancing the important work this organization has been doing for decades.”
About Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is a vibrant coastal destination situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf and St. Andrew Bay converge —an approachable, welcoming place defined by its Real. Fun. Beach. identity. Known for its 320 days of sunshine annually, the area is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of bottlenose dolphins and more than 50 dive sites, offering abundant opportunities for wildlife encounters and outdoor adventure. With nearly 100 public beach access points and amenities that support accessibility, including mobility mats and complimentary beach wheelchairs at key locations, visitors of all abilities can enjoy the shoreline and coastal experiences. Visitors can explore attractions such as St. Andrews State Park and Pier Park, alongside golf courses, spas, sporting events, a growing culinary scene and entertainment that is fun for all ages. The destination’s blend of natural beauty and approachable, welcoming spirit has earned national recognition, including inclusion on Travel + Leisure’s “America’s Best Small Towns” and Southern Living’s “Friendliest Places in the South” lists in 2025. Easily accessible via Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, with nonstop service on Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, the destination offers an affordable and welcoming escape for couples, families, groups and adventure-seekers alike. For more information, call 850-233-5070 or visit the official website of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.visitpanamacitybeach.com. Stay connected with Panama City Beach on Twitter (@Visit_PCB), Instagram (@Visit_PCB) and Facebook (@VisitPanamaCityBeach).
About Visit Panama City Beach
Visit Panama City Beach is the official destination marketing organization for Panama City Beach, Florida, working on behalf of residents to ensure tourism delivers long-term benefits for the local community. The award-winning organization has earned industry accreditation (DMAP) from Destinations International, the world’s leading authority in destination marketing, and exists to drive economic opportunity, job creation, community sustainability and quality of life for its residents through marketing, promotion and stewardship of the destination’s Real.Fun.Beach. brand and attributes, tourism development, special event production, and managing beach re-nourishment and maintenance programs. Through collaboration with the Bay County Tourist Development Council and local partners, Visit Panama City Beach reinvests visitor-paid dollars into beach and environmental stewardship, public safety initiatives, accessible public amenities, parks and recreation facilities, workforce development programs and the production of events that generate year-round economic impact.
submitted by Visit Panama City
