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New Years weekend brings tourism bump to Bay Area

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Published  December 27, 2024 5:29pm EST
Tampa
FOX 13 News

Tourism leaders tout New Year's Eve activities

FOX 13's Evyn Moon reports on the much-welcomed tourism bump tourism is the Bay Area is feeling ahead of the New Year after dealing with multiple hurricanes in 2024.

The Brief

    • Florida’s holiday season is in full swing, drawing visitors from across the United States who are trading snow for sunshine.
    • In Tampa Bay, hundreds of thousands of tourists are flocking to enjoy the warm weather and vibrant events, with New Year’s celebrations occurring throughout the region.
    • The surge in visitors comes after months of recovery from devastating storms, and local officials are now seeing tourism numbers reach record levels.

TAMPA, Fla. - Florida’s holiday season is in full swing, drawing visitors from across the United States who are trading snow for sunshine. 

In Tampa Bay, hundreds of thousands of tourists are flocking to enjoy the warm weather and vibrant events, with New Year’s celebrations occurring throughout the region.

Raymond James Stadium where the ReliaQuest Bowl will be held on New Years Eve.

Raymond James Stadium, where the ReliaQuest Bowl will be held on New Year's Eve.

The surge in visitors comes after months of recovery from devastating storms, and local officials are now seeing tourism numbers reach record levels. 

"It’s hard to believe that just three months ago, we had back-to-back major storms here. It’s a big shot in the arm for us and residents and business owners and hotels, they very much welcome it," said Brian Lowack, the President of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. 

Lowack continued, saying, "When you look around, and you see the people who love to come out here, stay on the beach, they’re eating, shopping, having a good time... it really makes up for a loss of that economic activity in October, November."

Tampa Bay hosts various events to help visitors ring in the New Year. 

One of the biggest highlights is the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve, where Alabama will face Michigan in a college football showdown at Raymond James Stadium. 

For those not attending the game, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate. 

St. Pete Pier will host its annual First Night event with live DJs, games, and fireworks at midnight. 

St. Pete Pier.

St. Pete Pier.

Other fireworks shows are scheduled at Treasure Island and Clearwater Beach, offering visitors plenty of options for ringing in 2025.

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