VISIT TAMPA BAY

ABOUT THE BRAND


 

 

WHO IS VISIT TAMPA BAY?

The vibrant, urban heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast beats boldly in Tampa Bay. Visit Tampa Bay combines adventure with a laid-back vibe to create travel experiences that are uniquely Tampa Bay. As a not-for-profit, private 501(c)(6) corporation accredited by Destinations International’s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), we collaborate with hundreds of partners to share Tampa Bay’s story with the world.

The tourism industry is a significant driver of Hillsborough County's economic development. The $5.7 billion in visitor spending supports a total of $8.9 billion in sales across the county, these sales create more than 59,329 jobs with associated incomes of over $3 billion. Aside from jobs and income, Hillsborough residents benefit from tourism due to more than $535 million it generates in state and local taxes revenues.

We are funded in part by Tourism Development Collections (aka the bed tax) gathered in Hillsborough County from overnight visitors. These funds provide resources to support the base marketing, advertising, and promotions programs; office operations; partnership marketing; customer services; and administrative support functions that support all other departments.

 

OUR MISSION

To create vibrant economic development for our community by collaboratively increasing visitation to Tampa Bay.

 

VISION

To inspire the world to love Tampa Bay.

 

INCLUSIVITY

Visit Tampa Bay and its affiliates foster transparent communication and intentional actions across all areas of the organization, continuously advancing and maintaining diverse, equitable, and inclusive business practices.

 

Sustainability Commitment

The hip, urban heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast beats boldly in Tampa Bay. At Visit Tampa Bay, we blend adventure with a relaxing vibe to create unforgettable vacations. We are also dedicated to preserving our vibrant natural environment for future generations. As stewards of this unique destination, we actively practice and promote sustainability in our operations and collaborations. Together, we can protect and cherish the natural treasures that make Tampa Bay truly special.

STRATEGIC GOALS

  • GOAL 1 - Increase private revenue 
  • GOAL 2 - Optimize sales and marketing efforts
  • GOAL 3 – Provide leadership and advocacy on tourism-driven economic growth
  • GOAL 4 – Energize the destination brand
  • GOAL 5 – Maximize measurable ROI
  • GOAL 6 - Explore development prospects

 

BOILERPLATE

The hip, urban heart of Florida's Gulf Coast beats boldly in Tampa Bay, where active adventures, sky-high coasters, exotic wildlife, authentic culture, and award-winning, world-class cuisine await you.

As a not-for-profit, private 501(c)(6) corporation accredited by Destinations International’s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), we collaborate with hundreds of partners to share Tampa Bay’s story with the world.

Treasure awaits.

 

ECONOMIC IMPACT

The hip, urban heart of Florida's Gulf Coast beats boldly in Tampa Bay. The travel sector is a vital part of Hillsborough County’s economy, generating significant economic benefits for households, businesses, and government alike, and serving as a critical driver of the County’s future. In 2023, the tourism industry generated nearly $9 billion in economic impact, including indirect and induced impacts, for Hillsborough County.

Direct visitor spending of $5.7 billion resulted in a total of nearly $9 billion in business sales. This economic impact sustained 59,329 jobs and generated $535 million in state and local tax revenues in 2023. Without the visitor-generated taxes, each household in Hillsborough County would need to be taxed an additional $938 to replace the revenue received by state and local governments.

 

 

BRAND DESCRIPTIONS


 

 

Leisure Descriptions

25 Words

Ready to discover adventures with a relaxing vibe and create an authentic Tampa Bay vacation? Unlock Tampa Bay, the hip, urban heart of Florida's Gulf Coast. Treasure awaits.

 

50 Words

Unlock Tampa Bay, where our hospitality is as warm as our weather. In the hip, urban heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, you'll find blue skies, sparkling waterfronts, world-class chefs, award-winning cuisine, family fun, and a century of Cuban, Italian, and German culture—all with a dynamic yet relaxing vibe that's authentically Tampa Bay. Treasure awaits.

 

100 Words

Bask in the warm sun, thrilling fun, and rich culture that welcomes all. When you Unlock Tampa Bay, the hip, urban heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, you’ll discover adventures with a relaxing vibe and create vacation experiences that are authentically Tampa Bay. Dine at world-class, award-winning restaurants with cuisine as rich as our culture. Stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk, linking eateries, parks, and cultural centers like gems on a string. Step into the past in Ybor City, where Cuban artisans have hand-rolled cigars since 1885. Revel in the spirit of Gasparilla, Tampa Bay’s annual pirate-themed party. Treasure awaits.

 

Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center

Located on the ground floor of Tampa City Center, the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center offers the perfect souvenirs crafted, written, or whipped up by local artisans and authors. Stop in for insider knowledge and pick up a Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Pass for discounted admission to some of Tampa's most unique attractions.

Meeting Professionals Descriptions

25 Words

Say farewell to mundane meetings. Book your next conference in the hip, urban heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast and experience the authentic vibe of Tampa Bay. Treasure awaits.

 

50 Words

Unlock Tampa Bay, the hip, urban heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Bask in the sun, fun, and culture that make Tampa Bay the ideal meeting place. Just steps from the award-winning, 600,000-square-foot waterfront Tampa Convention Center, the Tampa Riverwalk links hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues like gems on a string. Treasure awaits.

 

100 Words

Unlock Tampa Bay, the hip, urban heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Bask in the sun, fun, and culture make Tampa Bay your ideal meeting place. The nation’s best airport is just minutes from downtown’s award-winning 600,000-square-foot waterfront Tampa Convention Center. Beyond its doors, Tampa Riverwalk links high-end hotels, outdoor venues, and cultural centers like gems on a string. Our historic streetcar can whisk your attendees to a night of dining and dancing in Ybor City, where Cuban artisans hand-roll cigars as they have since 1885. Embrace the spirit of José Gaspar, Tampa Bay’s patron pirate. Treasure awaits.