Clearwater organization to open Florida’s first tourism business incubator
Tourism is Florida’s top industry and Clearwater is seeing record numbers and growth.
Visitors spend almost $7 billion in 2022, Pinellas County breaking tourism records
According to Visit St. Pete Clearwater, Pinellas County’s tourism and marketing group, 15.4 million people visited Pinellas in 2022.
Search suspended for man who jumped overboard Carnival cruise ship off Florida coast: officials
The US Coast Guard has suspended the search for a man who jumped overboard a Carnival cruise ship off the coast of Florida over the weekend. Officials said Jaylen Hill, 30, reportedly jumped overboard the Carnival Elation as the ship was on its way back to Jacksonville, Florida, following a four-day trip to the Bahamas.
Titanic expedition highlights risk of deep-sea tourism, experts say
The Coast Guard now believes the submersible Titan had a "catastrophic implosion." The announcement came after debris from the submersible carrying five people to the Titanic's wreckage was discovered.
1.44 million Canadians flock to Florida during 2023's first quarter, tourism officials say
Travel to Florida from Canada has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, but visa issues continue to complicate the state’s efforts to draw overseas visitors, according to tourism officials.
Celebrity Cruises norovirus outbreak leaves more than 175 sick, CDC says
Those who became ill suffered symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and headaches.
Florida reports record tourism numbers ahead of busy summer travel season
Florida is breaking records for tourism in 2023. The Tampa Bay area is one of the largest destinations in the state.
Visit Tampa Bay social media efforts play role in helping boost tourism in Tampa
Not so long ago, any number of local events and festivals – like a lantern parade on the Tampa Riverwalk – would have been unimaginable.
New JW Marriott Clearwater Beach adds to tourism and local economy
The JW Marriott Hotel Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa has officially opened the doors for the new beachfront property.
Florida House considers bill that could cut state funding for 'Visit Florida'
Some Florida house lawmakers want to cut state funding to "Visit Florida," the state's tourism and marketing agency. Instead, they want county-tourist development councils to contribute a portion of their tourism tax dollars, but some county leaders argue the bill disproportionately affects smaller counties.
Spring Break season expected to bring record number of travelers to TPA
Tourism is one of Florida's biggest economic drivers, and for many visiting the state, Tampa International Airport is the first and last thing they see.
National sporting events, spring training bring visitors from across the country to Pinellas County
This weekend, Pinellas County is hosting a couple of national sporting events, and that’s in addition to spring training.
Sanibel Island: Visitors can return in January, but tourism is still recovering after Hurricane Ian
In just a matter of weeks, Sanibel Island will reopen to the public after damages caused by Hurricane Ian. but city officials aren't promoting it as a vacation opportunity for tourists. A handful of restaurants and businesses are open, beaches are closed, and there is still plenty of rebuilding to do.
Nearly 100 Tampa, Kansas residents take vacation Tampa, Florida for free
The name might be the same, but the two places are very different. Nearly 100 residents of the small town of Tampa, Kansas were invited to visit Tampa, Florida free of charge.
Visit Tampa Bay anticipates record convention center schedule in 2023
Visit Tampa Bay reports a total of 24.6 million visitors in 2021 which resulted in $4.5 billion in visitor spending.
Short-term vacation rentals in Indian Rocks Beach divide residents, property owners
Short-term rentals took center stage Tuesday night in Indian Rocks Beach where the city commission held a special meeting to discuss issues and concerns related to vacationers.
VISIT FLORIDA launches post-Hurricane Ian campaign to help in tourism recovery
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, VISIT FLORIDA has launched a new marketing campaign to promote tourism.
Tampa tourism numbers set another record this year
Tourist development collections in Hillsborough County this year are shattering previous records as people flock to Florida, Visit Tampa Bay reports.
Dazzling tourism data might reveal a less than sunny side of life in the Bay Area
The pandemic hit the tourism industry especially hard, but the Bay Area has more than rebounded.
Bay Area sees spike in visitors as Florida reports record number of tourists
A record number of tourists visited Florida during the first three months of the year. In the Tampa Bay area, visitation numbers are also shattering records, even ones set pre-pandemic.