Tourism is the main economic driver in the Tampa Bay area. According to Visit St. Pete Clearwater, 2023 surpassed expectations.
President and CEO for the organization, Brian Lowack, said more than $98 million in bed tax was collected for the 2023 fiscal year. A $3 million increase since last year.
“We’re incredibly proud of our team, our destination, our board of county commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and all of our partners, including hotels, restaurant tours, museums and attractions that help make this the most successful year in Pinellas County tourism history,” Lowack said.
More than $1 billion was generated in total hotel revenue. That’s a $30 million increase since last year, and a $200 million increase since 2019.
The county plans to use those extra funds towards the new Rays stadium, maintaining their beaches, marketing the destination and other projects.
Additional information can be found at VisitStPeteClearwater.com.
Credits:
Anchor: Matt Narváez
Producer: Jadon Rolle
Reporters: Garrett Shumake
Social Media: JP Magalhães
Technical Director: Abigail Saxe
Teleprompter: Garrett Shumake
Graphics: Layth Mekkaoui
Video Editor: Emily Ward
Editor-in-Training: Aviva Kram
Cameras: Justin Michael
Web Editor: Eddie Reksiedler
Graduate Assistant: McKenzie Muskett
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Anderson
