Tourism News and Updates

Artemis II: For All Humanity

NASA is targeting no earlier than Saturday, Jan. 17, to begin the Artemis II rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B with the first launch attempt window opening on  Feb 6. Soon, all eyes will be on the Space Coast. We’re excited to see the trickle of tourists arriving for this next historic moon shot, and hope all of our partners are ready for another milestone of American space exploration launch from our shores. Check out this Artemis Guide to help your guests learn about this exciting mission and navigate their Space Coast launch experience.

Space Coast Marketing Updates

The Spring Campaign is Go for Launch!

Our spring marketing campaign is designed to drive visitation, increase overnight stays, and deliver measurable results across key feeder markets. It combines destination awareness with trackable performance metrics, including hotel bookings, website engagement, and Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue.

The campaign leverages digital-first placements—display, streaming TV, select linear (cable) TV, and out-of-home ads—to reach travelers where they’re planning and booking trips. New and returning tactics, such as streaming TV, native advertising, and weather-triggered ads, are aimed at delivering relevant messaging and greater performance insights.

The ad creative continues to showcase the unique personalities, attractions, and character of each municipality, while the Space Coast brand unifies the visuals and messaging, creating a strong sense of place. Building on insights from last year’s brand exploration exercises, new ad creative is in development for Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral, as well as Melbourne & the Beaches and Palm Bay. New digital ads and two new TV spots will join the spring rotation once complete.

Our spring marketing campaign began on January 5 and concludes at the end of April.

Space Coast Sports Commission Updates

Home runs at the American Baseball Coaches Association Convention

The Space Coast Office of Tourism recently attended the American Baseball Coaches Association Convention in Chicago. This convention is the largest gathering of coaches, educators, and leaders in the game. Showcasing our world-class facilities and out-of-this-world destination to coaches from around the country is just one of the ways our office attracts sporting events to the area. If you’re interested in learning more about the Space Coast Sports Commission, click the link below.

Space Coast Travel Trade Updates

Capture Travel Trade Opportunities

Working with travel agents is an incredible way to market your business to future travelers. Whether it’s providing rooms, comping tours, or travelling to trade shows, getting in contact with our travel trade coordinator, Tom Bartosek, should be on your to-do list this year. We are constantly working with the travel trade industry to spotlight the best of the Space Coast and encourage their clients to start their vacations here! Learn more about working with the travel trade industry on the Space Coast and connect with our office today.

Spotlight on the Space Coast

Space Coast in the Media

• Forbes – Cocoa Beach’s Excellent Holiday Charity: Surfing Santas, Dude
• Forbes – Space Science And Technology Breakthroughs To Watch For In 2026
• Conde Nast Traveler – 7 astronomical events worth travelling for in 2026
• Travel + Leisure – 13 Incredible Space Museums in the U.S. Every Traveler Should Visit
• World Atlas – 8 Underrated Small Towns to Explore in Florida
• Family Traveler – 10 amazing things to do on family holidays to Florida’s Space Coast
• Travel and Tour World – Blast Off into 2026 as Florida’s Space Coast Becomes the Ultimate Space Tourism Destination with Record-Breaking Rocket Launches and NASA’s Historic Artemis II Mission
• Fox 35 – Florida children can get free admission to Kennedy Space Center in 2026
• Fox35 – Brevard Zoo releases nearly 20 rehabilitated black bears after record year
• Spectrum 13 – 5 things to know about Lights On: A Nighttime Art Experience at Brevard Zoo
• Spectrum 13 – Florida tourism at record levels for 2025; Space Coast sees gains
• News6/Click Orlando – Port Canaveral named ‘Best US Cruise Homeport’ for 6th year in a row
• News6/Click Orlando – FIRST LOOK: Fraggle Rock reaches new heights in Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex live show
• Florida Today – Food & wine festival brings top restaurants and chefs to Melbourne
• Florida Today – As NASA’s Artemis II prepares for lunar launch, tourists eye Space Coast
• Florida Today – Melbourne airport to add cellphone lot, 7-Eleven, restaurant off NASA Blvd.
• Florida Today – Eat, drink and be merry at Space Coast Renaissance Fair in Viera
• Viera Voice – Meet Naia and Zuba: Brevard Zoo’s newest Colobus monkeys
• Space Coast Living – Yo Ho Haunted: Antilles Pirate Museum showcases the ‘spirits’ of adventure

Community News and Updates

• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex –Children five and under can enjoy FREE admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 2026 with the Junior Space Explorer Pass! Available to Florida residents, register your child before Feb. 27!
• Space Coast Daily – DON’T MISS! Space Coast Renaissance Fair Gears Up For Final Weekend in Viera, Get Tickets Now!