Paradise has been selected by Discover Crystal River, the official tourism marketing organization for Citrus County, Florida, to create a new digital experience for their Eco Compliant Partner Program (ECPP). Paradise is tasked to create a robust online experience and resource hub for the destination’s conservation, responsible tourism and environmental stewardship initiatives.
The design and development of a dedicated website section will encompass eco-compliant partners and stewardship values, and provide visitors, residents and community partners with resources that promote long-term protection of Crystal River’s natural environs. The digital experience is planned for a September 30, 2026 launch.
Developed in partnership with the Discover Crystal River team and stakeholders, the digital experience will feature a mobile-first design, ADA-compliant accessibility, an eco-partner directory, stewardship messaging, and analytics to support the program’s first year of operation. Visitors and residents alike will have the opportunity to take an “environmental stewardship pledge” to earn a badge for social media use and sharing.
“The Discover Crystal River Eco Compliant Partner Program represents an important investment in the future of our destination,” said J. Auvis Cole, Crystal River Director of Tourism. “This digital experience platform will help connect visitors and residents with the values that define Crystal River and meaningful opportunities and resources to demonstrate their commitment to protecting our waterways, wildlife and natural resources.”
Paradise will lead strategy, creative development, user experience design, copywriting, technical implementation and project management for the initiative. Over time, the digital platform will evolve and grow as the ECPP program expands as more conservation, education and community engagement programs are developed throughout Citrus County.
“We’re honored to partner with Discover Crystal River on a project that aligns tourism with environmental stewardship,” said Paradise CEO Mark Jaronski. “To create an engaging digital experience that celebrates the community’s commitment while making it easy for visitors, partners and residents to support responsible tourism. This is the foundation for a program that can continue to evolve and inspire action for years to come.”
Earlier this year, Discover Crystal River unveiled its Eco Compliant Partner Program as part of Citrus County’s broader tourism strategy to promote sustainability and protect the region’s treasured waterways. The program, designed and managed by Discover Crystal River, recognizes local business partners that comply with federal, state and local regulations, educate guests about responsible manatee interactions, and actively protect the eelgrass beds and spring-fed ecosystems that are vital to the county’s environmental and economic future.
The Eco Compliant Partner Program is the first initiative under Discover Crystal River Cares, the destination’s new platform focused on conservation, community stewardship, and responsible tourism. As the first public-facing piece of the program, the digital experience sets the stage for future sustainability, education, and volunteer opportunities that encourage visitors, residents, and local businesses to work together to protect Crystal River’s unique natural resources and support the destination’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.
The partner program supports Citrus County’s Sustainability Pillar within its Tourism Strategic Plan and aligns with ongoing restoration efforts, including eelgrass replanting, spring protection and water quality improvements. The initiative also responds to growing traveler interest in environmentally responsible destinations.
About Crystal River
Crystal River, often hailed as the “Manatee Capital of the World” and the “Jewel of the Nature Coast,” is a premier eco-tourism destination located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, approximately 90 minutes north of Tampa. It is renowned for having the only federally designated refuge in the United States where visitors can legally swim and snorkel with manatees in their natural habitat, particularly within the 72-degree waters of Three Sisters Springs during winter months. To learn more, please visit the destination’s website.
