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Visit Tampa Bay is exclusive Destination Sponsor for the 2025 London Art Fair, taking place this month. It is part of Visit Tampa Bay’s $1 million-plus marketing campaign in London that showcases the region’s art as a platform to inspire UK travelers to visit the region. At the heart of Tampa Bay’s presence at the fair is local artist Ya La’ford. Her artwork, a cornerstone of the sponsorship, will be prominently featured at the fair. “It’s a tremendous honor to represent Tampa Bay at the 2025 London Art Fair,” said La’ford. “Reflecting the unique history and culture of our region, the Bay area art scene is a vibrant and dynamic tapestry.” La’ford and Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, will be featured in a panel discussion alongside London-based artist Jason Bruges. They will discuss the impact of public art on communities. Bruges has an installation in Tampa with more to come. “One of Tampa Bay’s most striking characteristics is the art that incorporates Tampa’s eclectic history and culture,” said Corrada. “We’ve seen firsthand art’s power to connect us to one another, transforming strangers into neighbors and turning neighborhoods into communities.” Also, Tampa Bay lifelong resident and artist, Dylan Perry, will lead two interactive art activities outside of the Fair. The London Art Fair partnership is one of several initiatives under Visit Tampa Bay’s London marketing campaign. There are out-of-home advertising placements in key locations like Waterloo and Euston stations, as well as taxi wraps and digital billboards. Additionally, activations are planned for major travel trade shows. The campaign also leverages digital tactics, including collaborations with Expedia and Skyscanner, to engage travel planners. In addition to the London Art Fair, Tampa Bay is spotlighted during the Brentford Football Club’s matches and through exclusive media events, including a cultural showcase at the Swan at the Globe. “Key partnerships with the London Art Fair and Brentford FC are invaluable for reminding our international friends that Tampa Bay is ready to play,” said Corrada. Running from January 22-26, the London Art Fair provides a platform to highlight Tampa Bay’s artistic talent through the works of La’ford and Perry.

 

Tampa Bay Artist La’ford to Feature with Installation on Global Stage Jan. 22-26

  London in January just got warmer and brighter as Visit Tampa Bay proudly announces its role as the exclusive Destination Sponsor of the 2025 London Art Fair.   This high-profile partnership cements Tampa Bay’s reputation as a hub for vibrancy and creativity and is part of Visit Tampa Bay’s extensive $1 million-plus marketing campaign in London that showcases the region’s artistic excellence while inspiring UK travelers to experience Tampa Bay’s unique vitality and charm.   At the heart of Tampa Bay’s presence at the fair is renowned local artist Ya La’ford, whose bold, geometric creations have captivated audiences worldwide. Her artwork, a cornerstone of the sponsorship, will be prominently featured at the fair, reflecting Tampa Bay’s dynamic cultural landscape.   “It’s a tremendous honor to represent Tampa Bay at the 2025 London Art Fair,” said La’ford. “Reflecting the unique history and culture of our region, the Bay area art scene is a vibrant and dynamic tapestry. By showcasing how art fosters connection and creativity, I hope to inspire everyone in attendance to experience the rich beauty and unique sense of community that make Tampa Bay a must-visit destination.”   La’ford and Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay will be featured in a panel discussion alongside London-based artist Jason Bruges, exploring the transformative impact of public art on communities. Bruges has one current installation in Tampa and two more will be unveiled this year.   “One of Tampa Bay’s most striking characteristics is the art that incorporates Tampa’s eclectic history and culture, from sculptures to murals, into the landscape,” said Corrada. “We’ve seen firsthand art’s power to connect us to one another, transforming strangers into neighbors and turning neighborhoods into communities. It’s important to share that experience with others in hopes they can use art to have a similar positive impact.”   Adding to the artistic showcase, Tampa Bay lifelong resident and artist, Dylan Perry, will lead two interactive art activities during the fair with Visit Tampa Bay-sponsored Brentford Football Club at a media event at the Globe Theater. Perry’s vibrant mixed-media creations, inspired by Tampa Bay’s eclectic culture and history, will shine as he collaborates on pieces centered on the theme of ‘Heart.’   The London Art Fair partnership is one of several strategic initiatives under Visit Tampa Bay’s London marketing campaign. High-impact, out-of-home advertising placements in iconic locations like Waterloo and Euston stations, as well as taxi wraps and digital billboards, are captivating the attention of millions of commuters. In-market representation and activations at major travel trade shows are further bolstering Tampa Bay’s visibility among key audiences.   The campaign also leverages cutting-edge digital tactics, including collaborations with Expedia and Skyscanner, to engage travel planners at critical decision-making stages. Custom landing pages, banner ads, and innovative data-driven targeting are designed to drive travel bookings directly to Tampa Bay.   In addition to the London Art Fair, Tampa Bay is spotlighted during the Brentford Football Club’s matches and through exclusive media events, including a cultural showcase at the Swan at the Globe. Corrada emphasized these initiatives, collectively generating over 45 million impressions, demonstrate Tampa Bay’s commitment to positioning itself as a premiere destination for international travelers.   “Thanks to our tantalizing eateries, gorgeous weather, scenic beauty, distinct culture and welcoming spirit, Tampa Bay has gained increasing prominence as a destination of choice for discerning travelers in significant international markets like the United Kingdom and Germany,” said Corrada. “Key partnerships with the London Art Fair and Brentford Football Club are invaluable for reminding our international friends that Tampa Bay is ready to play and welcome them for a world-class visit.”   Running from January 22-26, the London Art Fair provides an unparalleled platform to celebrate Tampa Bay’s artistic talent and cultural depth. Through the works of La’ford and Perry, Tampa Bay offers visitors a vivid glimpse into its vibrant, hospitable community, inspiring audiences to explore all that the destination has to offer.

 

Record November Revenue Passes $100 Million for First Time Ever

  Hillsborough County’s tourism and hospitality industry eclipsed the billion-dollar mark in hotel taxable revenue in 2024 for an unprecedented third-straight calendar year, with $1,052,883,894 earned through the end of November.   November hotel taxable revenue surpassed $100 million for the first time and generated tourist development tax (TDT) collections of $6,159,362, both November records. This solid welcome to the holiday travel season represented a 35.8% increase over the same period last year.   November’s performance follows on the heels of record hotel revenue and collections in October and September 2024 as well, propelling the destination past the billion-dollar threshold with December’s collections still to be tallied. Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, said this wave of success is a sign of the drive generated through partnership, innovation, and leadership.   “Exceeding the billion-dollar threshold for the third year in a row is a testament to officials in each municipality and at the county-level, our innovators and investors in every hospitality sector, and the collective efforts of our more than 900 partners,” said Corrada.   Hotels saw a new all-time high in occupancy for November at 81.1%, a 21.8% increase from November 2023. Full rooms combined with an Average Daily Hotel Room Rate (ADR) of $169.83 and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) of $137.76 fueled November’s feat, something Corrada attributes to the strength of the local hospitality industry and recent key marketing campaigns.   “Our industry found opportunities in the face of challenges in the past year,” said Corrada. “That kind of determination along with investments in marketing the destination in the wake of high-profile weather events have helped Tampa Bay’s hospitality industry thrive at a record pace.”

The lower autumn temperatures didn’t cool the hotel industry’s strong start to Fiscal Year 2025 in Hillsborough County and Tampa Bay. October’s taxable hotel revenue surpassed $100 million for the first month ever. Hotel stays earned $101,711,839 in revenue and generated $6,155,987 in Tourism Development Taxes (TDT). This is a collections record for the month of October, nearly 28% higher than last year. October’s hotel occupancy rate was 78.5%, also up 14% year-over year. The Average Daily Hotel Room Rate (ADR) came in at $166.21 and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) at $130.51. “Robust TDT and hotel figures for October are a strong indication Tampa Bay’s hospitality industry has sustained the positive momentum generated in 2023 and 2024,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “Ultimately, though, this success comes down to our Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City leadership, and our more than 900 partners who are the backbone to our hospitality industry.” While the recent storms caused short-term displacement into Tampa hotels, the potential disruptions in visitor perception is being countered with a major marketing investment in domestic and international markets. Corrada highlighted that Visit Tampa Bay is reminding all potential visitors, including the meeting and convention industry, that Tampa Bay is ready now. Visit Tampa Bay is ready to reward meeting planner and conventions partners now with a new meetings incentive. “Meetings and conventions generate business for every sector of our hospitality industry,” said Corrada. “We have several meetings incentives to offer to further showcase to meeting professionals why Tampa Bay is the ideal choice.”

  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.  

Further enhancing its branding strategy, Visit Tampa Bay has introduced its own signature coffee, Pirate’s Plunder.  This is a collaboration with Tampa’s very own Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters. Called Pirate’s Plunder, it is made up of Ethiopian Heirloom and Bourbon coffee varieties harvested in the winter months. It contains notes of citrus, caramel, floral, blackberry, and cocoa. Visit Tampa Bay says the timing couldn’t be better. “Coffee has been an indelible part of Tampa’s history alongside as much as the Cuban Sandwich or Devil Crab,” said Santiago C. Corrada, CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “Tampa’s had a love affair with coffee and thanks to Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters, visitors and residents can now enjoy a deliciously roasted coffee at home with a flavor profile distinctly indicative of our region.” Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters is a Tampa original, founded in historic Ybor City in 2014 by Roberto Torres. Pirates Plunder is available for purchase at one of seven Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters across Hillsborough County, the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitor Center on North Franklin Street in Tampa, or online at blindtigercoffeeroasters.com. 

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  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.  

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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.

Premier League club Brentford FC has partnered with Visit Tampa Bay to promote Florida travel to fans. It comes just after Brentford FC'S visit to the US as part of the inaugural Premier League Summer Series. The club and Visit Tampa Bay have entered a new mutually beneficial partnership which will highlight the destination through a number of engaging fan activations throughout the season. It will also help increase exposure of Brentford FC to football fans in the US. Kicking off the new partnership will be the first of many Visit Tampa Bay quizzes. Each month, two fans will have the opportunity to win a pair of hospitality tickets for an upcoming game. Plus, at the end of the season a Brentford fan and their family will win a trip to Tampa Bay, to experience its attractions, foodie scene and family friendly activities. Additionally, the relationship will see fans enjoying a Tampa Takeover Game where fans can enjoy a Treasure Hunt and other treats. The partnership also includes game day advertising, social and digital elements and VIP hospitality upgrades for fans. Within Tampa Bay, there will be a Brentford FC Watch Party as well as promotions and social media campaigns. Tampa Bay is easily accessible from the UK with daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Tampa Bay with Virgin Atlantic and from London Gatwick on British Airways. Head of Partnerships at Brentford FC, Adam Ward said: "After the success of the recent visit to the US, we're really excited to partner with Visit Tampa Bay and growing our US fanbase.” To celebrate the launch, the first Visit Tampa Bay quiz is now live for all UK based fans to win two tickets for a Brentford home game. They will be entered into the prize draw to win a family holiday for four to Tampa Bay.

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.  

  Cruise Lines International Association UK and Ireland (CLIA) has confirmed that Visit Tampa Bay will sponsor two of its key 2023 events.   Visit Tampa Bay is a not-for-profit corporation that works with hundreds of partners across the destination to tell the world the story of Tampa Bay, the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Port Tampa Bay, Florida, is home to three of the largest cruise lines - Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean - and is a gateway to the Caribbean and Mexico.   Visit Tampa Bay will sponsor the CLIA Conference and CLIA Cruise Forum.   CLIA Conference is taking place from May 12-14 in Southampton. The conference remains the largest annual travel agent event of its kind in the UK. Around 700 industry colleagues will attend, and it includes ship visits, daily conference sessions, a celebratory dinner, and a trade fair, where Visit Tampa Bay will exhibit.   The Cruise Forum is a key event in the travel calendar, offering a one-day seminar and networking opportunities for senior travel agents, agency managers and owners, business executives and media. It will take place in December this year.   Visit Tampa Bay delegates will join both events, and the brand will be displayed across associated assets and online platforms. The brand will gain further exposure via marketing communications and the industry body’s website, cruising.org, on a dedicated web page for port and destination partners.   “Visit Tampa Bay is proud to be partnering with the CLIA. This is a new initiative for us, and we are thrilled to be on this journey to highlight our terrific offering to the UK and Irish cruise market," says Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. "From our selection of world-class hotels to stand-out restaurants recognised by the MICHELIN Guide, a wide range of attractions, the central location of Port Tampa in the heart of our downtown and Tampa International Airport being only minutes away, we know Tampa Bay offers everything a cruise passenger is looking for."   Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Visit Tampa Bay as a partner organisation. The area is a vital cruise hub, enjoyed by millions of travellers every year, and we look forward to further enhancing their profile across the UK and Ireland.”   Visitors are encouraged to unlock Tampa Bay’s many treasures, where the hospitality is as warm as the weather and everyone can discover blue skies and sunshine, sparkling waterfronts, world-class chefs, family fun and a century of Cuban culture – all with an active yet relaxing vibe that is authentically Tampa Bay.   For more information on CLIA, go to cruising.org   For more information on Tampa Bay, go to www.visittampabay.com

During the Pandemic, Tampa Bay benefited from domestic tourism, while it also added 2,000 new hotel rooms, including the 12th five-star Marriott Edition. The focus on international visitors has been helped by Virgin Atlantic's new daily UK flights. "Overtourism does not exist in Tampa Bay", says Santiago, where they are able to distinguish themselves from the rest of Florida, beyond the sun and palm trees, with their unique persona of history, culture, and diversity.