Whether or not MTV-U will return to Panama City Beach for spring break 2009 is now in the hands of the Tourist Development Council.

Marketing committee members approved a proposal Tuesday with the agency allowing them to return here in 2009.

MTV-U originally asked for $250,000 this year, which is higher than last, but the committee voted to try to get that price down to $200,000. Beach business owners say last year MTV-U didn't really try to benefit the local businesses, and the committee says they're going to try to change that. They plan to use the extra $50,000 for further marketing of those local shops and attractions.

This year the website will develop a database of all the students that are coming here and for the first time they'll be able to text students with offers and promotions on their cell phones.

"The fact that we're going to be touching spring breakers at every part of the spring break experience; before they get her, during spring break and after, is hugely valuable and that we're building a database so that it's not wasted. We can keep promoting the brand well after spring break so I’m really excited about that," said Lee Ann Leonard, marketing committee member.

"We’re already getting hits to some of the local websites looking for that MTV-U website so that will be good for everybody. And leaving that extra money in the co-op for us to spend on Google, MySpace and Face Book I think will help us a lot," said Russ Smith, marketing committee member.

The proposal will go before the tourist development council for approval on November 6th.

Under the plan local businesses can become premium partners and pay extra for better spots on the Panama City beach spring break web page, but those spots are limited.

Six accommodations can become premium partners at a cost of $10,000. All other partners will pay $2,500. Food and entertainment premium partners will pay $5,000 compared to all other partners at $1,000. Lastly retail and attractions premium spots will cost $2,500 compared to only $500.00 for all others.

For more information on becoming a partner you can contact the Panama City Beach Convention And Visitors Bureau at 850-233-5070.