By GERRY BARKER
​North Palm Beach Life/ northpalmlife@gmail.com

While Roger Amidon has a demanding job as general manager of the Singer Island Beach Resort and Spa, his full-time passion is tourism cheerleader for Palm Beach and our Florida lifestyle.

The one-time Executive Director of the Tourism Development Council of Palm Beach County, Amidon is still very active in tourism efforts.

 "When I was recruited to become the general manager here it was difficult to say no, to come and run a resort like this," said Amidon in a recent interview.  "But, as soon I resigned from the county, I was appointed immediately to be a member of the tourist development council. "

He noted that "6.9 million visitors came to Palm Beach County last  year, and we should easily break 7 million this year. And for every  100 new visitors coming to the area it creates one full-time tourism-related job."

You can feel the positive energy radiating in the room as Amidon -- whose day starts at 4:30 am with a 10-mile bicycle ride (followed by a 3-mile run) -- talked about both the resort he manages and the opportunities to boost tourism. Here are some highlights from the interview:

On the Marriott Resort ...

• The resort is in the midst of a $7 million renovation. "Every seven years every (Marriott) hotel will go through a renovation -- to keep it fresh, cutting edge," said Amidon. All the rooms at the county's "only ocean-front, all-suite" resort are getting a extensive makeover.
• "First timers-have a religious experience. It is luxury living and the repeat clientele we have is incredible."
• "The art in the lobby is valued close to $1 million. I have been trying to get art curator to come in and give me descriptions of each piece and tell me the value."
• "We have two outdoor pools. One of our pools has an outdoor slide. People love that. No other resort in the county that offers this three story high slide for the kids to go down.

On tourism ...

• "I have been going up to Tallahassee for the last six years now to talk about tourism and really the big push is funding for Visit Florida and funding for our beaches. Because we are the only county in Florida with beach in its name. I researched it. Out of 67 counties, we are the only one with beach in its name -- so beach renourishment is critical. It is the number one reason people come to Florida."
• "I would like to see us to be more recognized and market our aquatic assets. We have the beach, but what about on top of the water and beneath the water? Beneath the water here is an untapped  area. Our diving is probably some of the best in the world. We have the third  largest living reef off of our coast here. "
• Baseball spring training. "We have so many Cardinal fans staying here. They make this their vacation. Some people from the  Midwest stay the whole month. Exciting for us next year will be two teams coming in for spring training --the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals for the new ballpark at 45th and Haverhill. A new market for us is going to be Houston. We already have a market well-established coming in from DC. So when those folks from Texas come into the Palm beach county they will be amazed and I always liked to say when I worked for the Tourist Development  Council it all starts with a visit, folks."

Roger Amidon (Credit: Marriott)

About Roger

Roger Amidon has served as general manager of Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa since 2012.  Marriott International named him “Franchised General Manager of the Year” for its Eastern Region Full Service Hotels/Resorts in 2015.  

Amidon is responsible for the successful operation of Palm Beach County’s only AAA Four-Diamond all-suite beachfront hotel, which, at 193 rooms, boasts a prime location on its own private beach on Singer Island, and amenities including the acclaimed 3800 Ocean restaurant and the elegant Condé Nast award-winning SiSpa. Under Amidon’s expert leadership, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island was named one of Marriott International’s “Full Service Hotels of the Year” in the Eastern Region for 2015.  

A longtime Palm Beach resident, Amidon has worked 25 years with the Marriott Brand and near 30 years in the hospitality sector. Prior to joining the resort, he served for three-years as Executive Director of the Tourist Development Council of Palm Beach County. As head of the county’s tourism development efforts, Amidon focused on promoting and managing tourism-related agencies and activities in Palm Beach County. Prior to that, he served Marriott in roles including Area General Manager for Marriott Palm Beach Gardens, Boca Raton Renaissance and Fort Lauderdale Marriott North. His regional tenure included general manager positions for the Delray Beach Marriott and Sheraton at CityPlace. Prior to migrating to Florida from the Northeast, he managed a number of other hotels, including independent ski resorts.

Amidon provides leadership and involvement in a variety of industry and community organizations. Current and past positions include:  Executive Director of the Tourist Development Council; Chairman of the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau; President of the Palm Beach County Hotel & Lodging Association.; President of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (Palm Beach Chapter); and board memberships with Singer Island Civic Association and Loggerhead Marine Life Center, Riviera Beach Business Council, and Coalitions to Senior Leaders and Interns.

When not working or volunteering, Amidon enjoys golf, fishing, travel with his family and indulging in his passion for classic cars. Amidon who has been married to Tina for 28 years has two children and resides in Tequesta.

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