PETER CRANIS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SPACE COAST OFFICE OF TOURISM, COCOA BEACH

The Space Coast Office of Tourism, the official tourism entity for Brevard County, uses the county’s Tourist Development Tax to market the destination, conduct beach renourishment projects, fund capital facilities, provide grants to events, fund the Brevard Zoo, oversee the operation of Space Coast Stadium and operate a visitor center. Since starting as executive director, Cranis has seen Tourist Development Tax proceeds increase from $16 million to more than $25 million. He has served on the Visit Florida Marketing Committee, the Destinations Florida Board of Directors and the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast Board of Directors.

EDUCATION: University of Central Florida (BA, MA)

HOBBY: I love playing guitar and singing — mostly to myself.

INDUSTRY TREND: Several notable trends we are seeing in tourism are the importance of considering the impact of tourists on a destination and making sure that the condition of an area can be preserved for future generations. We are focusing on audiences that care about making sure they leave the destination as healthy as they found it. We are also working with other community organizations to make sure that people who visit here think about the opportunity to live and work here as well.

SOMETHING SURPRISING
“I was once a top 25 tennis player in the state of Florida in the men’s 25+ division, and my father and I once were the No. 1 father/son tennis team in Florida.”