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.  

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.

Visit Tampa Bay has relaunched its Bay Crafted campaign to drive new and repeat visitors to Tampa Bay. The updated campaign showcases the destination’s wide-ranging craft beer and hand-crafted cocktail scene. Bay Crafted showcases Tampa Bay’s craft brew scene to vacationers looking for an adventurous destination with a laidback vibe. The goal of the campaign is to increase weekend trips with overnight stays in Hillsborough County hotels, and drive additional revenue to local businesses. Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay said: “Tampa Bay has the greatest concentration of craft breweries in Florida and it is one of the reasons Tampa Bay is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations.” The Bay Crafted campaign targets beer and spirits enthusiasts in domestic drive markets in Florida and Atlanta during the summer months. The Bay Crafted Pass is a mobile pass that patrons can sign up for on BayCrafted.com. They can input their details to receive a text prompting them to save the pass on their home screen for easy access. When the user is ready to redeem their pass, Visitors can go to BayCrafted.com to learn more about the breweries, get event listings and sign-up for the Bay Crafted Pass.

Devoted to beautiful Tampa Bay, Florida, recent home to the Super Bowl, PGA tournaments and WrestleMania. Graham McKenzie talks with President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay & Neil Callaghan of El Lector, Cigar City Brewing - let's talk craft beer and dining that is exclusive to Tampa Bay, and don't forget nearby St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, Florida - home of the recently rated number one beach in America. [embed]https://youtu.be/eUX9XZwMAlo[/embed]

  First Comprehensive Downtown Pass Embraced by Attractions     Visit Tampa Bay today launched the Riverwalk Attraction Pass, a new program connecting the gems of the Tampa Riverwalk in one ticket offering discounts to users and raising the profile of Tampa’s downtown attractions.   Similar to the very successful CityPASS program, which includes some of Tampa Bay’s largest attractions on one inclusive ticket for a discounted price, the Riverwalk Attraction Pass brings together many attractions but also enables museums and centers that would have been traditionally excluded to be part of a holistic program.  Continuing its evolution into destination management and expanding economic development opportunities, Visit Tampa Bay worked closely with Bandwango and its mobile-friendly technology to introduce the downtown ticket, which has been a long-term goal for many locations and the destination marketing organization.   Initial attractions on the Riverwalk Pass are the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, the Henry B. Plant Museum, The Florida Aquarium, Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Bay History Center, and the Pirate Water Taxi.   “The Riverwalk Attraction Pass is a great one-stop-shop for visitors and locals to experience our incredible gems along the Hillsborough riverfront,” says Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “This pass not only gives consumers a chance to discover the treasures of the Tampa Riverwalk but it also continues to boost economic impact for our destination.”   According to Billy Somerville, Director of Marketing and Communications of the Tampa Bay History Center, “for us, the Riverwalk Pass provides an opportunity to reach thousands of new visitors eager to experience everything Tampa Bay has to offer. We are delighted to be part of the Riverwalk Pass and thank Visit Tampa Bay for the considerable time and effort they dedicated to this unique program."   "Visit Tampa Bay's mission of connecting visitors to their community is perfectly aligned with Bandwango's goal of driving people through the doors of local businesses and attractions," Mo Parikh, CEO of Bandwango, said. "We're thrilled to be partnered with an organization that continues to put their visitor experience at the forefront of their mission."   Users will access a mobile landing page to purchase the Riverwalk Attraction Pass. After providing their information and receiving a link to their pass, users can add the pass to their home screen on their mobile devices to access anytime. There is never anything to download and no bulky apps taking up space on a user’s phone. Once at the desired attraction, their pass is scanned for admission.   The Riverwalk Attraction Pass is available for purchase at VisitTampaBay.com/Riverwalk-Pass.   The Riverwalk Attractions Pass logo and high-res images of participating attractions can be found HERE.

Visit Tampa Bay continues setting benchmarks in tourist development fund collections announcing a record high for December with $3.78 million for the month. The results, which are based on November hotel stays and supported by industry analyst STR Inc., represent a 25.3% increase over the previous record for December collections, which was set in 2019. Taxable hotel revenues collected by the county for the month of November totaled $63.9 million. Hillsborough County is tied for first in its competitive set for hotel occupancy. "It's an exciting time for Visit Tampa Bay as we continue setting new benchmarks in collections and hotel revenue.  December has become the beginning of Tampa Bay's peak visitation months with hotel revenue more than doubling last year," said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. Tourist Development funds collected during the first three months of Visit Tampa Bay's current fiscal year total $10.9 million, a 22.5% increase over the same three-month period the previous year. Both monthly and fiscal year-to-date collected amounts are records for their respective periods. "The momentum into the new year continues to grow with annual events like the Outback Bowl, Gasparilla season, and large conventions including Florida Huddle and Florida Encounter," Corrada said. "Our out-of-area advertising campaigns are also now in full swing in the Northeast, Midwest and UK markets." Tampa Bay is poised for a fruitful year ahead as it welcomes back international visitors, transient business travellers, increased convention business, and new product offerings including hotels, restaurants and attractions.