FLORIDA’S MOST

  Patrick Harrison of Tampa Bay Tourism discusses the city’s recovery after recent weather disruptions, emphasizing that Tampa's tourism infrastructure remained intact despite the challenges. He reassures potential travelers that the city is fully operational and encourages visitors to support local communities. Harrison also outlines an expanded marketing push in the UK, which will kick off earlier this year with a higher budget and new sponsorships, including a partnership with the London Artfare. He highlights the importance of community-focused sports marketing, leveraging sponsorships with football teams like Brentford FC to enhance brand awareness and local engagement.  

  Tampa Bay takes center stage this week as destination experts gather at the largest annual convention for Destinations International. It runs from July 16-18 at the J.W. Marriot Tampa Water Street. "Hosting destination professionals in Tampa this week is an opportunity for this community to our region," said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. Destinations International President and CEO, Don Welsh expects record-level conference attendance. "We are delighted to welcome a sell-out crowd of almost 2,000 attendees representing more than 30 countries and territories," Welch said. Visit Tampa Bay continues to see a steady stream of successful conferences hosted. Lat month, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., hosted their 84th and largest Grand Conclave ever at the Tampa Convention Center with more than 30,000 attendees. Still to come later this year are more than a dozen large conventions, including the Florida Governor's Conference on Tourism August 28-30. For their annual convention, Destinations International has curated an experience where attendees feel engaged and connected with the Tampa Bay community. They will learn about issues that affect the residents and economy. This includes: Partnering with the NAACP of Hillsborough County to allow high-school students to shadow DI professionals.  Community service efforts with Feeding Tampa Bay.  Creating a "Giving Circle" by which attendees can donate funds to local non-profits.  Teaming up with Visit Tampa Bay to showcase small local businesses during the convention.  Destinations International plans to catalogue these efforts into a "Tampa Case Study" that will be shared with DMOs both domestically and internationally. 

Related News Stories:  What's new in Fort Lauderdale     Visit Tampa Bay - TravelMole     TravelMole     Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority - TravelMole     BIT Milan - TravelMole     Travel industry gathers in LA for IPW convention     American Tours International - TravelMole     Visit Detroit - TravelMole     The Palm Beaches unveils agent training portal     Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) - TravelMole    

Visit Tampa Bay has partnered with German soccer team FC St. Pauli "Wilken Engelbracht, Commercial Director of FC St. Pauli said: "This partnership opens up new opportunities for us to strengthen our international relationships.” “We look forward to a successful collaboration and many joint projects." The initial two-year deal includes media opportunities and there will be a Tampa takeover in Hamburg in the near future. Tampa Bay activations will take place at the Millerntor-Stadion throughout the season. Germany is traditionally a leading international market for visitors to Tampa Bay. “The culture surrounding St. Pauli FC reflects Tampa Bay’s high energy, spirit, and fun,” said Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “St. Pauli’s skull-and-crossbones team flag embodies the spirit of swashbuckling rebellion.” Visit Tampa Bay currently partners with all Tampa Bay-based sports franchises, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The Tampa Bay Rowdies, The Tampa Bay Rays, The Tampa Bay Lightning, and Brentford FC in the English Premier League.   

Related News Stories:  Visit Tampa Bay - TravelMole     Visit Tampa Bay rolls out new branded craft beer     Visit Tampa Bay touts success of Riverwalk Attraction Pass     Visit Tampa Bay Launches New Training Platform for Travel ...     Mālama Maui By Visiting Mindfully - TravelMole     Pure Michigan - TravelMole     Miami Beach kicks off Pride season     Princess Cruises launches new loyalty accelerator program     Cruise Croatia announces 2025 small-ship cruising programme     Royal Caribbean orders seventh Oasis-class ship - TravelMole    

  Visit Tampa Bay is highlighting the Tampa region’s blend of adventure and relaxation in its latest marketing campaign. The organization is calling on families, road-trippers, and multicultural audiences to embark on their next summer vacation in Tampa Bay. From mid-May through the end of August, English and Spanish speaking travelers from Atlanta, Orlando, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale will have increased exposure to the Tampa Bay experience. It has been produced with agency of record FKQ Advertising + Marketing, Tampa Bay’s historical visitation data, current economic trends, and other factors influencing traveler decision-making were analyzed to select the best-performing markets within easy driving distance. The campaign highlights major attraction partners including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. “Summer is the perfect time to experience our world-class destination,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “Our warm welcome and laid-back attitude make Tampa Bay the ideal spot for summer.” The majority of the campaign will be customized to the diverse audiences in each target market. In Atlanta, the destination is continuing its partnership with WAMJ-FM, the largest Black-owned broadcasting company in the U.S., including endorsements by popular DJ Jackie Paige. Visit Tampa Bay’s video ads can be seen on Warner Music Experience’s social platforms and YouTube channel. In the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market, audiences can expect Spanish language premium video on Televisa Univision, imagery on digital billboards and panels across major highways and in high-traffic areas such as Little Havana and Coconut Grove. Orlando will also see bright and bold ads on digital billboards on busy highways such as I-4 and I-Drive. Through a partnership with Expedia, Tampa Bay will be introduced to national audiences through the eyes of real people. Custom stories will be featured on a branded landing page, social media, and promoted on the website. Additional media channels will also be used across all markets to maximize exposure and includes advertising on Disney and Hulu’s latest premium platform, Disney Streaming Entertainment, to reach families on both platforms.  

Related News Stories:  Visit Tampa Bay rolls out new branded craft beer     Visit Tampa Bay - TravelMole     Visit Tampa Bay touts success of Riverwalk Attraction Pass     Visit Tampa Bay Launches New Training Platform for Travel ...     Welcome to the Orlando Travel Academy - TravelMole     Brand USA MegaFam 2024! - TravelMole     CLIA announces new trade events     Arival unveils new Edinburgh travel experiences conference     Princess Cruises launches onboard credit promotion     Royal Caribbean orders seventh Oasis-class ship - TravelMole

The Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Pass has a stellar 2023, with a 72% year over year increase in units sold. The Pass generated a $85,000 increase in revenue to $210,000. Rolled out 2022 by Visit Tampa Bay in conjunction with Bandwango, the Riverwalk Pass has become popular for both visitors and locals. The pass curates seven attractions along the Tampa Riverwalk, and packages them into a 1-Day or 3-Day pass. It showcases partner attractions like the American Victory Ship & Museum, Glazer Children's Museum, Pirate Water Taxi, Tampa Museum of Art, and the Florida Aquarium. In 2023, the Riverwalk Pass was enjoyed by almost 12,000 unique visitors. It showed significant growth in visitor numbers during the summer and a notable resurgence in December. "Just two short years, we've seen the incredible growth of the Riverwalk Attraction Pass and watched it boost the economic impact for our destination," said Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. "This collaborative effort has also helped our smaller partners share in the success of the pass' popularity." "With so many amazing cultural attractions like the Glazer Children's Museum in Downtown Tampa, the Riverwalk Pass positions Tampa's Riverwalk as a cultural hub in the region," said Kate White, Chief Marketing Officer of Glazer Children's Museum. The pass can be purchased online at: https://www.VisitTampaBay.com/riverwalk-pass. 

Related News Stories:  Visit Tampa Bay - TravelMole     Visit Tampa Bay Launches New Training Platform for Travel ...     Visit Tampa Bay launches new cookbook, food podcast - TravelMole     Visit Tampa Bay launches new summer tourism campaign     New travel job vacancies double     Carnival opens solar energy park at Amber Cove port     Travel job placements at six-month high     Saudi Tourism launches first global campaign for AlUla     Royal Caribbean orders seventh Oasis-class ship - TravelMole     Princess Cruises launches onboard credit promotion    

Visit Tampa Bay has unveiled Volume 2 of Tampa’s Table: A Culinary Evolution, again showcasing the diverse flavors of the destination. It builds on the success of Volume 1, and with the influence of the MICHELIN Guide's arrival, Volume 2 takes foodies on a flavorsome journey through the Tampa region. The book showcases 52 local restaurants, each contributing their unique flair to Tampa Bay’s culinary landscape. It contains a total of 54 unique recipes covering a diverse range of dishes that capture the essence of gastronomy in the region. “Volume 2 is a culinary voyage beyond a traditional cookbook. Tampa Bay is inviting you to explore our rich history and vibrant culture,” said Santiago C. Corrada, CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “This edition is a celebration of innovation, tradition, and the extraordinary chefs who continuously shape our unique culinary landscape." Volume 2 invites readers to explore Tampa Bay's food culture through engaging storytelling too. In collaboration with renowned food experts and writers, it intertwines tales of dishes and chefs, highlighting the cultural significance of food in fostering connections. As a complement to the cookbook, Visit Tampa Bay has also launched its first-ever food-focused podcast, "Tampa’s Table: A Culinary Journey.” The first season of this 10-episode podcast, hosted by Jeff Houk, Vice President of 1905 Family of Restaurants, delves into the stories behind Tampa Bay’s culinary scene. Notable guests featured in the podcast include Ferrell Alvarez from Proper House Group, Bryce Bonsack from the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Rocca, and Roberto Torres from Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters. Tampa’s Table Volume 2 can be purchased in Visit Tampa Bay’s Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center and online. 

Related News Stories:  Visit Tampa Bay     Visit Tampa Bay Launches New Training Platform for Travel ...     Virgin Atlantic touches down in Tampa Bay     Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay     Training & Competitions     Royal Caribbean cancels next cruise from fog-bound Tampa Bay ...     Dream Hotel Group signs Saint Lucia resort     Princess Cruises appoints Nikki Dos Santos as sales manager ...     New coaster ride coming to Busch Gardens Tampa in spring ...     Travel Agency Distribution Workshop: NDC, Payments & Selling ...    

Visit Tampa Bay is inviting meeting professionals to explore Tampa Bay with the "Tampa Bay Your Way" Giveaway. From now until March 30, 2024, one meeting professional and a guest will receive complimentary airfare, three nights' hotel accommodation, concert or event tickets, and two restaurant gift cards. They are required to take a photo with one of the Visit Tampa Bay outdoor ads in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, New York or Washington, D.C. As well as the winner, everyone posting to Instagram or Facebook and tagging @VisitTampaBay will receive a $50 gift card to the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center. Grand Prize winner will be drawn on or around 4/15/2024. "We're excited to launch this unique giveaway designed specifically for meeting professionals to enjoy what our vibrant destination offers to groups," said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. "We are creating a unique, customizable experience for the winner that allows them to experience Tampa Bay in a personal way." The prize must be redeemed by 9/30/2024. The heart of Tampa Bay's walkable Convention District is the upgraded Tampa Convention Center. The recent $44.5 million expansion features 18 new meeting rooms overlooking the Hillsborough River. Groups can stay at upscale hotels with numerous amenities and dine at Michelin-recognized restaurants. 

Related News Stories:  Flash mobs wake up corporate events     Register for World Travel Market London     Colorado Tourism     National marketing campaign to build Australia's Business Events ...     BIT Milano Hosted Buyer Program Open for Applications     Unique meetings in the Florida Keys     HVCB launches marketing campaign to showcase Waikiki ...     Travel South International Showcase 2022     South African Tourism     New positive mood among meeting/convention-goers    

 

New DMO Training Program Revolutionizes Travel Training with Cutting-Edge Technology

  In an innovative collaboration with TravPRO Mobile, Visit Tampa Bay proudly announces its new travel advisor training and sales mobile platform. Launched in December 2023, this custom-crafted and forward-looking system, known as the Tampa Bay Specialist Learning & Sales Companion™, marks a significant advancement in remote destination sales and training.   This mobile app goes beyond a typical educational course; it's a comprehensive training, marketing, and sales tool designed specifically for travel advisor partners. With two multi-modal chapters featuring curated content on essential visitor information, including transportation, accommodations, attractions, and more, the Tampa Bay Specialist Sales Companion™ is fully mobile. Advisors can download the app on iOS or Android to access this valuable resource anytime and anywhere, syncing training progress and programs between web and mobile versions for on-the-go promotion and sales.   “Our strategic partnership with TravPRO Mobile ensures that advisors stay up-to-date, keeping pace with the latest developments in our ever-evolving destination,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President & CEO of Visit Tampa Bay.  “Together, we are not only transforming the way advisors engage with Tampa Bay — but positioning the area as a premier destination globally."   The Tampa Bay Specialist Learning & Sales Companion™ program extends an invitation to travel advisors across North America, Mexico, Colombia, UK, Germany, Scandinavia, and Switzerland providing them with wide-ranging resources to explore and effectively promote the destination. Upon successful completion of the training, advisors receive certification as a Tampa Bay Specialist, gaining access to the trademarked Sales Companion. This resource, encompassing retain, promote, and sell channels, serves as a continuous 24/7 support system, allowing advisors to maintain expertise and engage with clients and prospects.   “We are proud and excited to grow our partnerships in Florida with the launch of the new Tampa Bay Specialist Sales Companion™,” said Jonathan Cooper, founder and CEO of TravPRO Mobile. “Our innovative mobile application was purposefully created to help advisors easily learn, promote, and sell Tampa Bay anywhere, anytime, and from any device.”   To access the Tampa Bay Specialist Sales Companion™ program, visit www.VisitTampaBaySpecialist.com, or on mobile devices by visiting the App Store or Google Play, and via TravPRO Mobile’s travel advisor super-app, TheSOURCE.

It has been another banner year for Tampa Bay tourism. Visit Tampa Bay achieved its best fiscal year ever with nearly $1.1 billion in taxable hotel revenue. September numbers (which complete the year) show record growth with the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) for the month reaching $4,381,758, a 6.2% increase over last year. September’s hotel occupancy rate also increased 3.2% to 63.7%. The average daily rate (ADR) came in at $139.93 with RevPAR at $89.15. "It’s a remarkable display of collective effort. We take immense pride in every individual in our industry,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “Tampa Bay has proven it sets standards that others strive to follow.” One of the core contributors was a busy summer for conventions. It grew hotel revenue by 10% over last year. Tampa Bay tourism was also recognized as leading the way in hospitality recovery, achieving the #1 spot amongst the top 25 US markets in the Hospitality Group and Business Performance Index from Knowland and Amadeus. Visit Tampa Bay plans attracting more conventions, group business, and leisure travelers to maintain its leading position.

Visit Tampa Bay recently bagged three coveted tourism honors at the Flagler Awards ceremony. The team's innovative marketing efforts and creative prowess were recognized at the 2023 Florida Governor's Conference on Tourism at the Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando. Named after Florida pioneer Henry Flagler, the Flagler Awards were established in 2000 by Visit Florida to recognize outstanding tourism marketing. Visit Tampa Bay took home a first place "Henry" Award for the "Measure the Treasure in Tampa Bay" campaign in the Tourism Advocacy category. It also took a first place for the "Visit Tampa Gay Guide" in the Resource/Promotional Material-Consumer category. The agency also won a Silver Award for the "Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Pass" in the Mobile Marketing category. "We are delighted that our efforts have elevated the Tampa Bay region as a dynamic destination," said Visit Tampa Bay's President and CEO, Santiago C. Corrada. The Flagler Awards are open to all individuals, private businesses, and not-for-profit organizations offering a product or service that promotes tourism to or within Florida.

Visit Tampa Bay recently rolled out its latest tourism marketing campaign. The campaign aims to drive seasonal bookings by showcasing Tampa Bay’s adventurous attractions. The large-scale mass awareness campaign will run in the destination’s top drive markets targeting families, couples, and groups of friends. The summer campaign runs through August in Atlanta, Orlando, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale reaching both English and Spanish audiences. It highlights major attraction partners including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, The Florida Aquarium, Glazer Children’s Museum and more. “We look forward to welcoming all adventure-seeking travelers to the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast this summer,” says Santiago C. Corrada, CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “Summer vacations are a special time for families and we want them to know Tampa Bay offers something for everyone to enjoy.” Leveraging The Tampa Bay Effect creative platform, the campaign highlights the destination’s unique mix of active adventures and the area’s relaxing vibe. Shared ad placements include bulletins along major highways in Orlando to reach residents and visitors. Ads in Miami are placed in popular neighborhoods like Brickell, Coral Gables, and Little Havana, and 48 buses with routes in Buckhead and other upscale areas in Atlanta. Gas station videos are in English and Spanish to let drivers know that Tampa Bay is just a short drive away. In addition, a fleet of wrapped Uber and Lyft vehicles will be seen driving around Atlanta and Miami. Digital ads will then be served to potential vacationers in retail spaces and casual dining restaurants within a three-mile radius of the out-of-home location. Thirty-second commercials on connected TV systems will further engage viewers. Also, digital ads targeting mobile devices and social media allow viewers to search for more information and buy attraction tickets. On arrival, digital and social ads will encourage the purchase of the Tampa Bay CityPASS and  Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Pass for discounted attractions.  

Tampa Bay tourism ended 2022 with record-breaking  taxable hotel revenue of $1 billion. Hillsborough County hotel revenue climbed to $1,020,000, a 43.1% increase over the previous year. "Hitting our billion-dollar hotel revenue goal is a massive achievement for all our partners and the community," said Santiago C. Corrada, CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. Visit Tampa Bay had set the billion-dollar target for 2025, which it reached well ahead of schedule. Tampa Bay tourism supports more than 51,000 jobs and drives nearly $8 billion a year in economic developments. Tourist development tax collections for December totaled $4.9 million, a 30% increase over the previous record. Hotel occupancy for December was 71.4% with ADR at $155.